2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR - superdetailed build

[Ole_L]

I'm jumping in for another superdetailed bike build. I have gathered bits and pieces for this one for a long time and finally have enough to start with parts still en route. This will be based on Tamiya's recent release with the addition of aftermarket parts from Tamiya, TopStudio, Crazy Modeler, Model Factory Hiro, KA Models, Zero Paint and scratch built details.... did I leave something out?
I've started on the engine which was more or less out of the box. I did change the paint colors a bit to better match the references I have. There are a little bit of PE parts added and the wrong kit clutch is replaced with a resin one from the TopStudio set. The engine stand is from Crazy Modeler and really nice to temporarily - or permamently - store the engine.
More to follow...

[colbro1973]

great start of yet another masterpiece no doubt! agree about the engine stand, it is rather fetching. what paints have you used on your engine block.cheers
Col

[Ole_L]

Thanks, the engine block is Tamiya X-32 Titanum silver where the instructions call for XF-56 which i think is too dark. Aluminum is MM Metalizer. Top and bottom covers are a 1:1 mix of Tamiya XF-56 and X-31.

[Ole_L]

I added some wires and connectors to the engine. It's starting to look a bit busier now. I also started cropping away on the frame and adding PE and resin parts.

[andybmw7272]

Keep the updates coming!
This looks good!
Andy

[jmwallac]

AWESOME!!!

You have to keep the engine out in the open on that stand!

[mrawl]

Excellent! I have the same kit, and am looking forward to this tutorial

[Ole_L]

I got some work done on the frame this weekend. All the computers and electronics in the front are wired up. The wiring harness is one thick cable that runs down the side of the frame with separate wires and connectors coming out. It will be a challenge to hook all that up at some point.

[KevHw]

Love that engine stand . Always impressive work to learn from your builds. Looking great so far.

[Ole_L]

I need to finish and install the swingarm before the wiring harness can be fixed. I started on the MFH chain which is really nice and finally somebody made a chain that is not too bad to put together. The chain set comes with sprockets for Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. I guess it was released before the Kawasaki kit, so the sprocket is not 100% accurate, but I'm willing to compromize there.

The set consist of PE chain links. These are on a selfadhesive backing, so no cleaning is required whatsoever, which is really, really nice.



The chain joints are made of plastic and you just layer the chain links over the joints, then heat and melt the tip of the joints and cut them from the sprue and you have a nice chain.





Some light sanding afterwards, painting if you want and you have a nicely detailed chain.

[colbro1973]

Quick progress, wiring on frame looks great, one day I may try this!!!
What do you think of the rivets on chain, I have seen this chain made by someone else on here and thought the rivets looked slightly rough, although this is being hyper critical! great work.
Col

[KevHw]

The bottom right section of the chain you've shown looks flawless but the riets later on tend to still look a bit rough.

When I was searching around for some sort of translation of the instructions, I came across one method they suggested which was to use extremely thin pins to link them together and then to cut them just a bit longer than the needed length, then hammer the ends to flatten them and effectively "rivet" them together. I think that's the only way to ensure a consistenly clean joint, but obviously it's a lot harder and time consuming.

Do you plan on trimming the individual plastic pieces of the excess sprue, and do you think you're going to paint the chain?

[Ole_L]

Keep in mind that the images are enlarged and the rivets shows much less when you look with the naked eye. I have not started to clean them up yet either.

The pin method is what Crazy Modeler and Acustion are using I think. Much harder to deal with.

I will probably end up painting the chain which will also make it harder to see the rivets.

[colbro1973]

very true ole, I can't ever see myself attempting one of these chains, they look far too fiddly and tedious, hats off to you!

[hogs29]

That is just SICK!!! The chain is incredible, but that wiring is unreal!
I love to follow your builds Ole, and this may be your best yet!