Ducati 898 LT - As soon as the 999 was released I knew the brilliant origins of the 916, 996 and 998 had been lost. I went about to redesign and put together an 898 and 1198. Whilst a quick to follow Ducati 1098 (1198 after-WSB) was quick to replace the 999 and was a little more visually accepted, I feel, as did the feedback I obtained at the time that my concept may have been the direction of thought for thought... Feel free to disagree...
SWOOP 500cc single (see all V Twin versions) - My proposed new range for an alternative British manufacturer. The design project has great potential, and I hope it succeeds. I've had super feedback from everywhere that genuinely have been encouraging. I would like to point out that I do not work for for Mac Motorcycles, but wish I did. I redesigned the original designs (not mine) as I felt there are a few points I would like them to see... LOOK AT MY NEWER V TWIN ENGINED UP-DATE... even better...
new SWOOP in 4 Colours - Something old in a modern way with a touch of retro in an individual style. Not an easy brief but here is the up-date V twin engined SWOOP. I do not work for Mac Motorcycles but have presented the ideas for their consideration. I think the project has great promise. Something really British again...
new SWOOP V2 UK - Latest up-date to the range is The SWOOP V2 with a few minor cosmetic tweaks, but most importantly is the new V twin 800cc-1000cc engine providing a performance option of a sportier version. I do not work for Mac Motorcycles but believe they have something with real potential. I have presented Mac my versions (SWOOP & GATSBY) for their views, and I really wish them all the best of luck and hope my ideas are worth consideration...
new SWOOP V2 US - As per normal there is not much different in specification when compared to the British home market version, apart from paint design there is on going consideration with the exhaust system. I also considered is a range of custom accessories. If your into bikes and from the US I would like to here your views on my British and US versions...I do not work work for Mac Motorcycles, but congratulate them on this project and wish them all the very best.
OCC V2 Swoop - Now if I was... and I havn't! BUT if I had...I think my previously designed SWOOP would be a great idea for OCC (TV custom bike prog). With a few minor shape changes, and new subtle (as a brick) iconic paint "the stars were born! Maybe a riding advert as a courtesy bike for them? I sent it all to OCC already... and am awaiting reply... IS THERE ANYONE IN THE USA WHO WANT'S TO COMMNET? or will it be hated because I'm a British Redcoat?...I really Thank You very much for looking and reading...
GATSBY 500cc single (see all V Twin versions) - This is my latest exercise and project that has great potential. I do not work for Mac Motorcycles, but can only wish. I've had super feedback that have been encouraging... Since this 500cc single version I have a preferable alternative V2 twin 800cc-1000cc version to view... My V Twin version is worth a look...
new GATSBY V2 twin (base-see extras version) - The brief to keep it modern, new a hit of retro with its own style still applied when I changed the engine for a twin. This would be the base model... in blue or olive colours. Although I do not work for Mac Motorcycles they do have my support and best wishes.
New GATSBY V2 twin (extras-see base version) - The brief to keep it modern, new, a hit of retro and with its own style. I changed the engine for a twin. The extras include upper leg shields, sculptured belly pan, panniers... heated grips and maybe ABS... In blue or olive colours. These ideas have been presented to Mac Motorcycles and I wish them all the best, I would like to add I do not work for Mac Motorcycles... I wish I did.
Norton 961 Commando - I don't have favourites, but if I did this maybe one of them. It nearly ended up looking like this. Many of my suggestions were listened to, me thinks. The Commando looks to be a success and the NEC Birmingham UK bike show proved. This modern iconic retro classic deserves to be as great as its 60's and 70's original heritage was. I thank Norton for the opportunity of letting me work for months free of payment and hinted job opportunity. They still should have built in a pillion option!
Norton 961cafe Commando - If you have read any of my other comments on my Norton concepts you may guess my sentiments about them. However the star of the NEC UK Birmingham Bike show Dec 2009 was very similar indeed to the above I supplied them when they first announced their comeback. Old in New with Manx TT inspired attributes was the recipe I knew couldn't fail even in these credit crunching times. The TV celebrities seem to love it too. It's nice to get it right sometimes, even if it was with the wrong people.
Norton 558RR - Norton... Ummm, Well many many months of marketing, strategy, surveying and designing a potential range for the rebirth of the company went towards this, and other designs. Remember where you saw this first should it happen, and if you do ever get the chance or are approached to contribute towards Norton I'll be more than happy to advise you against the mistakes I made...
A road going rotary engined 558cc version of their TT race bike.
Norton 961 Conquest - This was blacked out when I sent it to Norton as I believed I couldn't do any more free work for them (10+ months). So if you see a new shaped adventurer with maybe their 961 twin Commando engine in it... You saw it here first! I originally thought an off road image with comfort and touring ability... It would work, or maybe it still will, but I'll do it for someone elsewhere!
Ducati DV4 1000R (also see DV4 1000R vR version) - FEEDBACK IT NEEDS NEW WHEELS.
& Small Tweaks...(Update no7).
Ducati pulling out of WSB to concentrate on road bike development and moto GP. They need a V4 and compete against R1, GSXR, ZXR, CBR, BMW and even fellow Italian competitor Aprillia V4 for the road. Ducati's V twin alone won't see them through forever and need a V4 for the road to qualify for GP entry status. My design's a slight departure from current Ducati design vogue, but surveyed feedback said it doesn't need to be...
DV4 1000R vR (also see DV4 1000R version) - Solo version DV4 vR concept incorporates sport options. vR=Valentino Rossi, fluorescent green/yellow. An alternative for those wanting a Ducati to stand out more. Ducati need a V4 engined bike (Not a copy of their GP bike) to compete with 4 cylinder 1000's. My latest version has side performance exhausts, up-rated breaks, cosmetic tweaks, (200bhp-200mph)... thanks for reading and not copying. (DUCATI: Please don't be offended with the vR logo).
B-King... - Original B-King, born from a one off concept, took too long to bring it into expensive production. Production changes lost impact. I re-worked initial design/paint design from my research. The bike failed commercial success because of price/time and tamed down design. Suzuki let rivals in first with better naked muscle bikes. I tried to tell Suzuki, the importers (who listened), the know now ex research/media team who didn't. I wonder if the then Japanese import director read my FREE report?
V-Max LT - Looking cool comes at a price, even if in limited production numbers. My view is the V-Max should shared a little more common to it's iconic father like I tried to redesign here. The price of being too different from its roots is sometimes failure. The price of being £3000-£4000 too much won't help either... Cost is something that doesn't come to mind when pencils go to paper... Sorry but it's true.
Hybrid Motorcycle RE 35 - HYBRID in the past put off and kept the traditional of us. Technology moves on and performance can exceed normal combustion engines. As designer and rider I thought it’s time to cross stigma bridges. RE:GEN & Brian Crighton developed have married a 350cc single rotary to a Kerrs power unit (F1 type). Light, small, cheaper eco friendlier and British my proposed road design may turn heads and retain a biking feel. Up-dates will occur to this initial concept. Please tell me your points of view!
Raven 125cc - HERE ARE MY 3 VARIATIONS...
No offence, but when my local Chinese M/C importer showed me a 125cc sport bike it had promise. However, build quality issues aside for very little more work of £300-£400 on top of the already good price my idea could have competed on style and still been cheaper than the opposition.
Triumph TYPHOON X07 - Funny thing August 07 I did a concept and presented it to Triumph knowing that within 3 years my up-dated 70's Triumph Trident would have a great following. Suprise suprise I was politely dismissed. TODAY (April 2011) I saw in a national motorcycle pubication a firm making body parts to this effect. Well recieved. I know wonder when Triumph will notice. Not the only time and doubt the last... OWN IDEAS or ask. I do know what I know...
Vogue 500 - Most is said on the illustration. The project and concept has potential with value for money price and running costs. I believe it has a world wide application and appeal from students to the retired. Fun and practical with a today and tomorrows look.
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Motorcycle concepts up to 2011
This is my life and passion, and just can't say in words how much it means to me. I do get the hump when people COPY my ideas or take credit for their lack of imagination. I won't say how I feel about these people as it's one of the few things in life that brings out the bad language in me. Sorry about that moan... Anyway, if I have a point to make from my many years of ridding (I'm not old, I started on bikes at 7) I'll make it. I'll go all the way to the designers, engineers and manufacturers to be heard. Ideas are one thing, but keeping it real in a working concept that the buying rider want's is sometimes something else. I read, research, ask and do everything possible to achieve this as I'm sure many bike groups know ((I THANK YOU ALL)). Thanks for reading me and looking in for a view...
Available
Freelance, Full-time
Lee Thompson
Independent Graphic Design Professional
Town Centre, United Kingdom