Green Bike

Final Development

Heres a photoshop rendering I did, here i'm just slightly modifying the lines to bring the bike together a bit more, Its seems a little disjointed at this stage

Feedback On Design

Here's some feedback i received on one of my current concept. Some good points to move towards

Swing Arm

I have been avoiding the swing arm for a while now. But finial iv started on some concepts, Im going to go on a mono arm possibly one sided, Im trying to make the swing arm double as the chain guard. Reducing parts and simplifying the look

Motorbikes Inspired by Fluid Lines

 As one of the key points of this project was to make the bike as approachable as possible I decided to try and totally illuminate and sharp or even right angled edges. To do this I looked at organic shapes and more fluid lines.

The initial sketches seemed very feminine so at this stage i am trying to portray a more sporty and muscular look to the still soft, flowing line

Development

Sketches

I just thought I would post a few of my sketches so that you would get a better idea of my design process and where I am coming from.

Current Concept

Currently this is where im at in my development stage, from here i'm going to go back to the key reasons why someone should or would buy a 125cc motorbike and modify the design to give a particular experience

Organically Inspired Forms

Motard Inspired

This 125cc concept is looking more towards the Motard category of motorbikes. As people often see motorcross as a good way to learn how to ride a motorbike in a safer environment than on the road, this could be a good option for first time riders

Rendering Practice

I think this design is far to bulky and aggressive for the 125cc concept, but it was a good chance to practice my Photoshop rendering skills

Form Exploration

The the above sketch I was looking into how to design the bike in a way which looks dynamic without the use of hard, sharp angles, which often give new riders the impression that it is a fast and dangerous bike to ride.

I also tried to use as much of the CBF 125 as I could to reduce the amount of parts which would have to be re designed

This is a diagram showing the new position of the fuel tank, lowering the centre of gravity, and giving the ride a large storage space which can be opened while sitting on the bike

This concept with the idea of simplifying the motorbike into sections. Also using more friendly, clean shapes to make the bike approachable even for a new rider. 

The main frame and swing arm section are designed to look like a bicycle making it seem familiar. and sturdy as it has no floating parts.

Rear Number Plate And Lights

Currently manufactures uses these large, unattractive number plate and light assemblies to make sure they meet the various regulations some of which are listed below

 With these concepts I am looking at different ways to meet these regulations by changing the position and design of the lights and number plate position

Having the rear indicators built into the sides of the frame or swing arm would given them the required distance apart from each other.

Motorbike Interface

I found that almost every bike owner carries their mobile phone on them while riding. With almost all new phones now being smart phones with the capability for app's and interaction with other products I was looking into ways to use this with my motorbike design. Using the phone itself to add to the interface or become the interface all together. 

Another concept I came up with was to have the interface projected onto clear panels which cover the tank and handle bars, this would mean it is less likely to become damaged and as all data is digital it can be easily recorded. The rider would also be able to adjust the angle of projection

Damage Protection

As this 125cc bike is designed for the market of a first time bike owner which may also be an inexperienced rider 'Damage Protection' would be a great addition to current motorbike designs. Frame sliders, are often purchased as an accessory for racing or other sports bikes, the protect the frame, exhaust, engine block and other parts if the bike where to fall over or crash. Frame sliders are often just bolted on nylon blocks which could easily be built into the design of a new motorbike 

Integrating frame sliders into the design, would not only protect a new owners bike from drops, as well as saving them money on cosmetic repairs. But also provide Honda with another replacement part in which to gave extra revenue

Bike Theft

Bike theft is a growing problem.

National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council 2010 Annual Report

A fixing point bolted to the ground in the garage of bike owners as well as a bulky bike lock is common.
Iv been looking into some more integrated solutions

I think that a lock built into the braking system or handle bars would be an improvement, as the steering lock alone does not seem to be enough to prevent thieves. Removable or additional parts seem a bit impractical

In the about concepts I was looking into folding handle bars. This would make the bike unusable when "locked". It would also make the bike narrower for storage in a garage or on the street.
The second concept involves using the head light section as a sliding lockable cover over the instruments, handle bars and fuel cap. Making the bike again unusable aswell as preventing people from syphoning your petrol. Small objects such as a phone or wallet could also be secured under this section

Colour Changing Panels

While thinking about the concept of customisation I was thinking of ways in which you could quickly change the look and colour of your motorbike.
One idea I think may have potential is using clear or frosted plastic panels which LED lights on the inside the panels shine onto to give you bike its colour. This would mean the owner could change the appearance by clicking a button. As a large portion of the bike would also be light up this would improve visibility while riding at night.
Having a clear tank would also mean you could see the amount of fuel you have left, instead of just relying on you electronic display

Fixed Gear Bikes

Fixed Gear bikes have become a popular trend in cities all over the world. The bikes that have become the most popular are mainly 80's / 90's road bike frames which have been stripped of brakes, mud guards and other parts to simplify the bike to its most simplest form. The bikes are then often customized by painting and modifying the handle bars.

Maybe this approach of strip down all unnecessary parts and then modifying the most basic elements could be used in my 125cc motorbike design?

125cc Ideation Sketches

125cc Motorbike Brainstorming

125cc Motorbike Research

Here's the first part of the research I'm under going for the 125cc Honda project