| Make
|
- |
| Model |
KickBoxer |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
2.5L
4-cylinder from the Subaru WRX |
The KickBoxer motorcycle concept was dreamed up by Ian
McElroy of Rogue
Motorsports. The KickBoxer project was started back
in 2008 when Ian decided to create something more than
a little different. However before he could even think
about developing the bike he decided to learn CAD modeling.
Solidworks was chosen for the modeling work - and the
results are truly stunning.
The KickBoxer is based around an aluminum frame, with
a 2.5 litre, boxer 4-cylinder engine sourced from the
Subaru
WRX at its core. Unlike many concept vehicles which
exist only as CAD models, all the engineering work of
the KickBoxer has been thoroughly developed for production.
The single-sided tubular aluminum swingarms are similar
to those found on the Bimota
Tesi 3D. The rear subframe is made using carbon
fiber tubes, while the front subframe consists of
two aluminum plates sandwiching a small steering head
stock, and a narrow louvered stepped LCD gauge.
The stylish and dramatic bodywork is formed from polished
aluminum which is riveted in place and painted in a manner
which is designed to recall WWII fighter aircraft. The
steering rods, timing cover, handlebar and heal guards
are all carbon fiber. The steering mechanism uses a combination
of bell cranks with push/pull rods - like the Bimota Tesi,
and cables like on Stellan Egeland's Harrier bike.
McElroy said of the of the KickBoxer; "Design
inspiration came from a lot of bike designers, Bimota,
Lazareth, Stellan Egeland, Confederate, and Jesse James.
Lazareth inspired me to design my own hub steer front
suspension. Jesse James gave me the idea of how to make
a high HP engine in a longitudinal placement work in a
motorcycle."
He continues; "The front suspension is of my own
design, though I don't have a name for it. It's not the
lightest setup but it is unique in that it allows for
only one swingarm on one side of the front wheel, with
only a torque rod to keep the suspension in check."
Overall the KickBoxer is an outstanding design which is
made all the more impressive when you take into consideration
the unique and unusual drivetrain, and the immense amount
of engineering work which has gone into making the design
more than just a pretty picture.
All Images © Ian McElroy
All text © diseno-art.com 2009 |
|
