The Electric SuperBike Project is calling all budding Australian and New Zealand designers to begin submitting their computer generated entries, with the winning motorcycle to be tested by V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes.
As part of the initial design phase, "frame design" is first step of the Electric SuperBike Project, which has been set up by 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing technology distributor Intercad.
The winners of the Electric SuperBike Project will have their design overseen by Intercad's engineers, to ensure the electric motorcycle is road-worthy and safe.
The winning design(s) will then be tested by Lowndes and auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Red Dust Role Models community organisation, whose aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged youth living in remote communities.
"It’s not often people have the opportunity to step outside their usual realm of expertise and be part of a larger project which challenges and extends their skills," says Max Piper, CEO of Intercad.
"The Electric Superbike initiative is being managed by experienced Intercad engineers to ensure the bike is structurally sound, road tested and can be registered. The end result will actually be something tangible to which those involved can attach their names."
After the first design phase for the bike's frame is complete, the mechanical, then electronics and batteries, fairing and styling and lastly accessories design phases will follow. The Electric SuperBike Project is also accepting complete designs, and all entrants are advised to submit a design in SolidWorks.
Following the overall design phase, the build phase will begin, along with testing. After each phase, a review team comprising Intercad and Triple Eight Race Engineering staff will judge the entries, with winners chosen on the "creativity, build-ability, safety and weight of their designs" says Intercad.
V8 Supercar champion Craig Lowndes reckons the Electric SuperBike Project could change the way motorcycles are developed in the future: "When I heard about the concept of the Electric Superbike I was definitely excited. This is the bike of the future and I’m really interested to ride the winning design.
"It’s certainly going to be something different and it will be great to see the end result of a creation that could potentially change the future of motorcycles," added Lowndes.
Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Ian Drapier added his voice to the project: "There are also many of us here that share a passion for motorcycling, so we are genuinely excited to be part of a project that shares this with the best of what the Australian and New Zealand design and manufacturing communities have to offer.
"The fact that this project has a social conscience and will ultimately benefit the Red Dust Role Model initiative makes it all the more worthwhile," said Drapier.
Those interested in the Electric Superbike Project can keep tabs on the progress of the zero emission superbike at the official blog, TheElectricSuperbike.com.au, which is also the website where people/groups wishing to take part in the project can sign up.