When Tesla’s name gets attached to two wheels, imaginations run wild. Elon Musk has said Tesla won’t build a motorcycle—citing his own serious crash as a teenager—but that hasn’t stopped designers from sketching out what a Tesla bike could be. Three independent concept visions that show what a Tesla-style bike might feel like.
1. Tesla Model M by James Gawley
This is the most widely circulated Tesla motorcycle design, and for good reason. James Gawley’s Model M features a large curved touchscreen display integrated directly into the tank area, replacing traditional gauges. The user interface borrows heavily from Tesla’s car lineup, complete with multiple riding modes and customizable settings.
The bike feels like a rolling smartphone, but that brings practical concerns. Big touchscreens are notoriously tricky to use with gloves, and glare from direct sunlight is an issue that current premium bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V4 and BMW S 1000 XR are still working to solve.
2. Tesla Model M by Jans Shlapins
Jans Shlapins’ take on the Model M is all about speed and precision. It’s imagined with a 204-horsepower electric motor, four computer-driven riding modes, carbon fiber wheels, and even a clever helmet storage compartment where a gas tank would normally sit.
The design keeps Tesla’s signature clean lines while adding performance-minded touches like weight reduction and aggressive stance. The power figure puts it in superbike territory—on par with or above a Ducati Panigale V4. But carbon wheels and advanced electronics add cost and complexity. If this concept were to become a reality, insurance and repair bills could rival its speed.
3. Tesla Model Z by Yen Chi Chang
This one looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Model Z trades traditional wheels for hubless rims, features a lightweight frame, and showcases a light-colored, minimalist aesthetic that stands out from Tesla’s usual dark, tech-heavy vibe. It promises long range and sleek handling, emphasizing efficiency as much as style.
Hubless wheels look stunning, but they’re rarely seen outside concept builds for a reason. They can complicate maintenance and add unique wear points to the suspension and bearings. If it handled well, though, it would be a head-turner in every sense.
Where These Concepts Stand Today
None of these bikes are official Tesla projects. Musk himself told investors, “We’re not going to do motorcycles” (2018, YouTube livestream). A search of Tesla’s patents and career postings shows no hint of a two-wheel division, despite the company’s focus on the Cybertruck, Semi, and robotics.
Still, these designs are more than fan art—they’re detailed enough to show what a Tesla approach might feel like: software-first interfaces, performance EV drivetrains, and futuristic packaging.
Current electric motorcycles like the Zero SR/F or Energica Experia offer city ranges around 170 miles and highway ranges closer to 100–120 miles. These are solid real-world benchmarks for any Tesla-inspired spec sheet claiming ultra-high range.
These three concepts aren’t predictions—they’re possibilities. They show how Tesla’s design language could translate to motorcycles. If Tesla ever takes the plunge, tell us which concept you’d ride home first—and why.
