Update | Sneak preview..

Starting 2013 with a proper sneak preview of the café racer I am building!
The clay model is finished for 3D scanning, some minor adjustments will be made once modeling in 3D CAD; radii on the edges for example.

As you might have noticed, the Spark exhausts are not properly aligned at the moment. The one positioned on the right side it positioned in its final position and the one on the left will be lowered as well to match the other one.
Currently the exhausts are mounted to the frame by bended sheet metal plates; these I used to verify the position of the silencers before milling the final brackets. In the coming weeks the milled headlight and exhaust brackets will arrive!

Update | technical updates

Last Saturday I have been working on my motorcycle project, and I mainly focused on some technical issues. Before starting the clay modeling I want all the parts to be mounted on the motorcycle, especially the larger ones; head light, exhausts and oil cooler. Since these parts really contribute to the overall look and feel of the bike, and the balance of the visual weight distribution.
The Spark exhausts are mounted on the frame, but I am not happy with the look right now.. the exhausts are mounted to vertically and I will continue tweaking the final position the coming week. You might have seen it on the photos already, but the exhausts do not fit the manifold right now, some home-made adapters should solve this.

By the way, the cool scenery of these photos is the Spark design & innovation studio in Rotterdam. The studio where I am working during the weeks, and where I can work on this motorcycle project in the weekends!

Update | arriving at Spark

The next phase in the development of my modern café racer has started! Last weekend I transported the motorcycle to Spark design & innovation; the design studio where I work!
Last weeks at Star Twin the bike made a huge step forward; the wiring has been done and all the engine components have been installed. Parts like the ECU, voltage regulator, pick-up sensors, spark plugs etc.
At Spark design I will do the clay modeling job, but first I will bolt on more parts; exhausts, headlight and the front fender. Since these parts will all have a major influence on the overall balance and look of the bike once modeling the body.

It was an exciting lift to get the motorcycle in the Spark studio, since we have an awesome office on the first floor. Luckily we also have a handy crane to hoist up heavy products.