The Birmingham, Alabama-based motorcycle manufacturer, Confederate Motorcycles, LLC., is changing its name to Combat Motors LLC. The small but innovative motorcycle manufacturer announced the name change on its website and social media accounts, saying it better reflects the company’s values, clients, and mission.
"Our motorcycles are built in partnership with our various manufacturing vendors and our team who design, build and distribute these one-of-a-kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of our company, our manufacturing partners and our clients,” the company said in a statement.
FA-13 Combat Bomber
Combat branched off from Curtiss Motorcycles, focusing on gasoline-powered creations while Curtiss concentrated efforts on electric bikes. The name change was already considered in the past, however, it seems Confederate pushed on until today. Combat builds unapologetically unconventional motorcycles, some of which feature girder front forks and CNC-machined aluminum or carbon fiber frames and body panels. Many of their models use Harley-Davidson engines, and sometimes frames. Its models are named after American military aircraft, like the F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, and FA-13 Combat Bomber.
The change in name may partly be motivated by the recent protests over the death of George Floyd in the hands of police custody in the US. The protests have sparked widespread debate over persistence of systematic racism in the US. Confederate memorialization, formerly acceptable in the US, is now being reevaluated critically by many Americans, due to its moral implications.
Combat FXDR
“We stand with those fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change,” the company said in its statement.
As part of its dedication to this cause, Combat Motors is currently undertaking rebranding efforts in its facilities and assets. The company will also gladly make the changes in customers’ bikes.
“Combat Motors will continue to support Confederate branded motorcycles and is offering re-branding with any service at its Birmingham location for any Confederate Motorcycle owner interested in an update.”
