Working with drawings supplied to us of the 400cc motor, we've been experimenting on vehicle designs. A good mid-weight street motorcycle that capitalizes on a small, lightweight motor is the goal. We are working with known variables, such as forks, wheels, seat height, and engine dimensions. All drawings are full-size, and can be used as plans for prototype construction. We are also working on alternative suspension layout, to give the vehicle a 'different' look, and superior performance. Design parameters would be increased swingarm angle for better drive out of corners commensurate with increased power from the triple engine. We tried to push the weight bias as far forward as possible, through component and engine placement. We really like the compact size of the engine, as it allows huge latitude in weight distribution.

400cc Streetbike Concept

We've finished the frame layout, and engine placement, and are pretty comfortable with the way it looks, and the overall feel. Bodywork is interesting, but could use some 3D work. To answer some questions so far;

Rear shock is a standard 12" coil-over, in a compression state. No buell suspension here...

Ground clearance is substantial, (6.5") we don't feel there will be an issue for a street motorcycle.

Very simple frame- Single downtube, twin side rails, with one bend. 6 welds in total.

Motor mount plates (laser cut for prototype) are interchangable for ability to change basic platform to other styles.
(JT is working on exploded views today)

Wheelbase of 55" is a comfortable length, will not be too twitchy like other small bikes. (buell blast is 55")

Battery, rear shock, and exhaust are located under vehicle in order to balance the CG correctly with such a lightweight design.

Our Test-Monkey, Colonel Angus, took the 400 for a spin this morning.. It was a brief run, as it started to rain, and of course, he doesn't like to get wet. Besides, the finish on the bike would likely suffer ill-effects.. He just can't say enough about the ergonomics, and seating position. He's 6' tall, and is quite comfortable. Dame Angus was not available for two-up testing today, as she was out getting her hair done... Women!

At any rate, you should be able to see the size, and riding position offered by the design.

The market in the US (middleweight, on highway motorcycles) is 1,000,000+ annual sales. This design is aimed squarely at Gen Y. (18-24) And utilizes comfortable Japanese forms with stylish European bodywork and graphics. A nice little motorcycle with Designer flair. Think Name-Brand 'boutique' but toned down to an honest product.

Body work is the next thing to tackle, best done in 3D, but we can get a general idea here..

Thoughts? more Cowbell??

Color;

Matte Red and white. The seat/tail would be completely upholstered with red tuck and roll (pleated) to carry color through the bike. White trim on recurved surfaces. Graphics should be kept simple, and to a minimum. No 'feature' tags or logos.. Keeps it from being pretentious.

Modern features on the vehicle;

HID headlight- Motorcyclists need visibility. To see and be seen. Nothing matches an HID for both. The light we've built in is actually a unit from a 2005 Infiniti Q 45. Very distinctive, and very well engineered light.

LED taillights- Everyone is going to LEDs for markers and tails. EVERYONE. There is a good reason for this, as the lifespan of LEDs is phenomenal, their practical application is even better: @ 60mph, an LED array lights up almost 60 yds SOONER than standard incandescent bulbs. Again, safety in visibility.

Under-bike shock assembly- Gets the weight down low, helping to balance the bike, and opening up the coveted 'negative space' above the rear wheel.

Oversize windsceen/fairing- All bikes today have some sort of fairing on them. Most are for looks only, some are only there to hide electrics.. This one actually works. It's oversize, yes, but it is scaled to fit the bike, and provides the rider with a comfortable place to hide from the wind, by using a 'double bubble' type windscreen. The fairing also provides a good area to utilize a great gauge package that is modern, and informative.

The 400 ST pays homage to the golden age of road-racing in America. It evokes names like Don Emde, Gary Nixon, Gene Romero, Mert Lawell, and Cal Rayborn. A time in road racing when the winner of a race could be mounted on an American, Japanese, British or Italian motorcycle. It was the most exciting time in history for road racing. The forms these motorcycles took, have become ingrained into our collective subconscious. The forms in the 400 triple, are a smoothed, modernized iteration of this aesthetic. It stands in rejection of over styled Japanese "Anime" inspired shapes. It's about simplicity of design and high quality of construction. Honesty of materials, and function driven design imbue the 400 ST with character, personality, and a soul...

400 STV

We thought you gentlemen would like to see a more 'traditional' illustration of one of our concepts. The STV (Street Tracker Variant) is a look back to the raw, base form of a sport motorcycle from grassroots American racing. The quintessential American hot rod motorcycle. Street tracker is a flat track bike with a front brake. Flat track IS American racing from 1903 till the incorporation of European style road racing into the AMA's program in the mid sixties. Flat track dominated through the 70's. Our street tracker is illustrated with groovy Evil Kenevel red white and blue metal flake paint, chrome supertrapp exhaust and gold wheels. A real seventies wet dream custom. At this point, the only things changing are body panels. Of course, we put a different style wheel on it, but all other spec is the same. In response to Viveik's question; we can do the body in any material... Carbon, of course, would be best. Both from a marketing standpoint, and durability.