After an 83-year absence, the American four-cylinder motorcycle is back with the unveiling of the Magnolia 4 by Bienville Studios. Designed by renowned motorcycle designer JT Nesbitt in New Orleans’ historic Marigny neighborhood, the Magnolia 4 blends vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, aiming to capture the essence of classic American motorcycles while delivering cutting-edge performance for long-distance touring.
The Magnolia 4 is a limited-production motorcycle, with only 12 units planned, each priced at approximately $200,000. Nesbitt, a New Orleans native with a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University, has spent 26 years refining this vision.
Known for his work on the Confederate Wraith, Hellcat, and Curtiss 1, Nesbitt has earned praise from collectors and industry figures, including Jay Leno, who expressed confidence in the Magnolia 4. “Having driven and operated JT’s other prototype vehicles,” Leno said, “I have full confidence in the Magnolia 4. It’s a very exciting project!”
The motorcycle’s 1750cc air- and oil-cooled, longitudinally mounted, SOHC inline-four is a standout, prioritizing simplicity and durability. It is undersquare with a non-hemispherical combustion chamber, and has a configurable crankshaft. The camshaft uses bevel gear-driven actuation and a sophisticated cooling system with internal oil jets and fins, all crafted using five-axis CNC machining. A kickstart system minimizes reliance on complex electronics.
The engine’s low-end torque allows for a minimalist three-speed transmission with a centrifugal clutch and vintage-style tank-mounted gear shifter, eliminating the need for a complex foot clutch. The chassis, constructed from 6000 series aluminum alloy, integrates the engine as a structural component, enhancing stability.
The suspension system, refined over Nesbitt’s 26-year career, uses hydro-pneumatic shock absorbers and a composite leaf spring for a smooth, adjustable ride tailored for long-distance comfort. The Magnolia 4 revives cable-operated drum brakes, housed in aluminum wheels designed for optimal heat dissipation. The seat, handlebar, and floorboards are fully adjustable to accommodate diverse rider ergonomics.
Bienville Studios was founded by Nesbitt after Hurricane Katrina destroyed Confederate Motorcycles’ New Orleans factory in 2005. Nesbitt chose to stay in New Orleans, opening the studio in the French Quarter to focus on experimental projects blending art and engineering.
Previous works include the Bienville Legacy, a 300+ horsepower motorcycle commissioned by the American Design and Master-Craft Initiative, and the Magnolia Special, a hand-built natural-gas-powered roadster.
These projects reflect Nesbitt’s commitment to crafting machines that prioritize artistry over commercial aspirations, with Nesbitt’s design philosophy rooted in New Orleans’ Art Nouveau movement.
The Magnolia 4 draws inspiration from early 20th-century American motorcycles, including the Ace, Henderson, and Indian Four, which defined luxury and performance before World War II. The Magnolia 4’s long, low silhouette, riveted fenders, and chrome-accented engine evoke the 1924 Ace Sport, while modern materials and engineering ensure a projected 100-year service life.
With only 12 examples being produced, the Magnolia 4 is positioned as one of the world’s most exclusive motorcycles. Interested parties can contact Bienville Studios directly via their website or follow updates on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Bienville Studios emphasizes that the Magnolia 4 is not a commercial product but a functional work of art, designed for collectors who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of American motorcycles. A combination of heritage and innovation, the Magnolia 4 will be a functional collector’s piece, appealing to those who value mechanical ingenuity and the open road.
