Leclerc commissioned the motorcycle in 2019 after contacting Bad Winners via Instagram. He expressed his desire to have a model in the style of the then-current The Apex version – based on a Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer – but based on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.
Four upgrade levels – Leclerc chose the top version
Bad Winners offered the Apex 2.0 in four different upgrade levels. The Stage 4 version chosen by Leclerc was the most extensively equipped and cost €20,990 (approx. US$22,950) when new.
The conversion included:
- Carbon components: including front wheel cover, front spoiler, tank cooler cover, tail fairing
- DYMAG carbon wheels to replace the standard wire spoke wheels
- SC Project stainless steel exhaust system with carbon rear silencer
- Decat system and Power Commander V for performance optimization
- Lightweight lithium-ion battery
- Replacement of the round headlight with a KTM 790 unit
- TFT display instead of classic round instruments
- Newly manufactured leather seat, new handlebar stubs, and LED handlebar end indicators
Technical basis and performance enhancement
The base model, the 2018 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, comes standard with a 693 cm³ LC4 single-cylinder engine with 55 kW (75 hp) and 72 Nm of torque. According to the manufacturer, the power output of the Apex 2.0 has been increased to around 63 kW (85 hp). The curb weight has been reduced to around 130 kg (approx. 287 lbs).
According to Bad Winners, the combination of increased power, reduced weight, and high-quality lightweight components should enable particularly agile handling.
Low mileage and collector’s potential
Leclerc received the machine in January 2020 and covered a total of around 3,000 km (approx. 1,864 miles), with most of this distance having been driven before the conversion. The sale therefore offered not only an elaborately refined custom bike, but also a rare piece of motorsport history – a combination that is particularly interesting for collectors.
Conclusion:
Charles Leclerc’s Bad Winners Apex 2.0 is a rare combination of motorsport prominence and high-quality custom bike. With numerous carbon elements, a performance-enhanced engine, and low mileage, the motorcycle fetched €17,000 (approx. US$18,550) at auction.
