Isn’t it a cruel irony that even in tragedy’s darkest depths, some glimmer of redemption might still arise? What would happen if Antti Eloheimo’s doctor ordered him to abandon screens altogether while his neck recovered? Rather than indulging in a mindless Netflix marathon from the comfort of his sofa, Antti seized the opportunity to transform his unfortunate circumstances into a turning point. In the depths of his storage unit lay a 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6RR racing bike, its sleek lines and gleaming paintwork a testament to its high-performance capabilities. With his mind brimming with innovative ideas and an unwavering passion to bring them to life, he embarked on the challenging yet thrilling task of designing his own “Fantasy Racer”.
As a professional UX/UI designer, Antti devotes his full-time attention to this field during working hours, typically seated in front of a screen. Despite his formal education focusing on industrial and automotive design, With this surplus of unutilized hand skills, he was eager to find innovative ways to harness their potential. Only when a broken neck intervened could this chance event unfold? Luckily, he’s thrilled to revisit his extensive expertise with a beaming smile.
As he recovered from his neck injury, Antti recalled the impetus for a singular pursuit that would occupy him during Finland’s frigid and protracted winters: Since childhood, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for designing my own bikes and automobiles. So, I transformed our storage space into a design studio, workshop, and paint store that reflects my personal vision.
Before commencing to build his Kawasaki ZX-6RR Fantasy Racer, Antti conducted an in-depth design review. Drawing inspiration from earlier racing motorcycles, 1960s Le Mans cars, and high-performance aircraft, the concept incorporated stylistic elements from these iconic designs. “To bring his innovative idea to life, he started by putting theory into practice, sketching out a rough design concept that would translate his vision of sleek lines flowing together to create a bike capable of winning TT races.” Utilizing the skills honed during his collegiate days, he translated his initial sketches into three-dimensional designs using computer-aided design (CAD) software; instead of advancing to rapid prototyping, he chose a more traditional approach.
Antti notes that he opted for a traditional approach in automotive design, employing automotive clay and 1:1 scale tape drawings to shape his creative vision. To fine-tune the Kawasaki’s architecture, he required only a handful of tweaks. The owner’s pride and joy boasted a repositioned radiator and a bespoke subframe, crafted specifically for this unique vehicle. Once satisfied with the resolved issues, Antti proceeded to attach a polyurethane bulk to his bicycle. I carefully pressed the clay onto the prime-coated PU foam, achieving a flawless result.
As a cost-effective train, Antti fashioned his new carriage directly from the mold rather than creating a prototype? He applied fiberglass sheets directly to the clay, accompanied by a layer of resin. Drawing back on this strategy required a considerable amount of time for him to devote to sanding the resin thoroughly enough to achieve the desired color. The meticulous nature of his endeavors was undeniably justified by their outstanding quality. He oversaw the completion of his prized possession before personally painting the entire vehicle a sleek, understated silver and black. The sponsorship decals on his racing suit proudly display the logos of manufacturers he has worked with throughout his distinguished career.
To complement his bike, Antti installed a custom-made carbon fibre sprint component and an aftermarket gauge. For enthusiasts keenly observing the image, an additional feature might catch their attention: carbon-fiber wings, strategically integrated to enhance aerodynamic performance. The outcome is a uniquely designed monitor bike that reportedly excels in real-world scenarios. The fairings perform exceptionally well, showcasing remarkable aerodynamic efficiency. The RAM air system is significantly larger and more environmentally friendly. As a seasoned rider, I’ve learned to tuck my knee inward during hard braking and cornering maneuvers.
As Antti’s neck has fully recovered from its ordeal, he’s turned his attention to the next thrilling chapter: designing a futuristic, flat-track-inspired fantasy race bike that pushes the limits of innovation and creativity. While an audacious concept may be intriguing, there’s a lingering doubt that it will truly live up to the hype, much like a device capable of consuming vast amounts of data at lightning speed.
STOKER MOTORCYCLES
