South African motorcycle designer Pierre Terblanche has abruptly quit his position as chief of design at Royal Enfield’s R&D base in the UK. Terblanche joined the Indian manufacturer 20 months ago. No reason for his departure has been given.
Best-known for his sojourn at Ducati, Terblanche was most controversially responsible for the “Marmite” styling of 999 and 888 superbikes, as well as the first Multistrada and Classic homages to Paul Smart. After leaving in 2006, he resurfaced at Piaggio as a consultant, working on Moto Guzzi concepts. Moves to Norton and then US boutique bike manufacturer Confederate followed. At Royal Enfield, he was credited with visuals for its new Himalayan adventure tool and the latest 750cc parallel twin prototype.
Picture: Motorcycle News