Project
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TR650 Custom Parts
Year
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2024
Category
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Industrial Designer
Product Designer
Lasercutting
CNC
Metal Fabrication
Synopsis
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For an upcoming motorcycle adventure I designed a tail-tidy and exhaust guards to protect from debris and stop pannier bags from melting.
Form & Function
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Designing for a specific use
For an upcoming motorcycle adventure around Tasmania, I needed to make some upgrades to my bike. To carry luggage and clothes, I planned to use pannier bags mounted on either side. However, the exhaust pipes posed a challenge, as their heat could melt the bags, requiring me to design a solution. Additionally, the bike’s flimsy license plate holder had to be replaced with a sturdier one to withstand the rough conditions ahead.
Process
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Working with metal
Metal was the obvious choice for this project, with aluminum selected for its lightweight properties, heat radiation capabilities, and ease of fabrication. Using a CNC machine and laser cutter, I shaped and prepped the components for finishing. The exhaust guards featured the bike’s “Terra” graphics, etched into the surface with the laser cutter, then bent by hand to fit precisely. The tail tidy, however, required a more iterative process: I experimented with shapes and designs using multiple cardboard prototypes before settling on the final design. This final piece was CNC-machined from aluminum, carefully bent, and securely fastened into place.