2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR - superdetailed build

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...

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/1.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/2.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/3.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/4.jpg

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

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.

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.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/5.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/6.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/7.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/8.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/9.jpg

Keep the updates coming!
This looks good!
Andy

AWESOME!!!

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

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

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.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/10.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/11.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/12.jpg

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

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.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/13.jpg

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.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/14.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/15.jpg

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

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

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?

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.

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!

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!

Great job Ole_L, nice details , those Top Studio kits are awesome. Are you thinking to make the bike without the fairings?, I mean with the bike naked and the fairings painted on the side?

I will keep the eye on this concretly on the chain :wink:

Bye!
Roca.

Yes, the bike will be displayed with the fairings off. It would be a shame to button it all up.

Absolutely incredible work!

Here's a few close-up images of all the electronics.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/16.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/17.jpg

I'm also working on the swingarm. It was detailed up using PE from the TopStudio set and KA Models CF decals.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/18.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/19.jpg

I also installed the main wiring harness down the side of the frame. Still have everything to connect. Once the engine is installed, it should look a bit easier on the eye.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/20.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/21.jpg

Great job on a very complicated wiring. I will be tackling the RR kit next up after my Honda - so I am going to have to follow you as close as possible.

It's crazy how much that looks like a real bike. Nice work so far Ole!
Erick --

I think you do some of the most intricate and best executed detail wiring on here, As yet I have avoided any real detailing like that, what is the best way to handle and too glue these wiring kits in place, any tips!? fantastic work, great cf too.
Col

I think you do some of the most intricate and best executed detail wiring on here, As yet I have avoided any real detailing like that, what is the best way to handle and too glue these wiring kits in place, any tips!? fantastic work, great cf too.
Col

Thanks for that!! Much appreciated.

I usually drill a little hold in the connector with a #78 or #79 bit, then remove the insulation on the wire just a bit, exposing the core and glue it with thin CA glue. Some of the connectors have a rubber shielding. For that, I use shink tube and just heat it a bit to make it conform.

I have a PitPass book with all the close-up detail of this bike - it shows that the nose intake cone (where all the wiring is sitting on top of) is CF - are you going to CF it too?

I have a PitPass book with all the close-up detail of this bike - it shows that the nose intake cone (where all the wiring is sitting on top of) is CF - are you going to CF it too?

I was contemplating for a bit, but decided not to do it for the intake.

Excellent work so far, I have wanted to do this build since I saw all the parts were available and seeing yours has inspired me to purchase the Top Studio set about 30 minutes ago!!!!!!

Keep up the great work, I am looking forward to seeing more!

Great work. I love the details on this one. Keep it coming.

I got a little bit done this weekend. Since I messed up the MFH chain, I'm going to use the CrazyModeler PE chain. Not as nice, but not bad either.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/22.jpg

I got the brakes and wheels done too. For some reason, TopStudio only include the rear brake disc, but fortunately CrazyModeler include three different front brakes in their PE set.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/23.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/24.jpg

Finally, I got the engine installed and some of the wires hooked up. The swingarm is almost complete and will be installed next.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/25.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/26.jpg

That is nuts man! It has to be a good feeling to see some green on those wheels though! :sunglasse
Everything is shaping up beautifully!
Erick --

Ole, I hate you!!!!! My Top Studio set just arrived!!!! HOLY CR*P!!!!!!!!!!

You made it look so easy!!!! Carry on with the lesson please!!!!

Ole, I hate you!!!!! My Top Studio set just arrived!!!! HOLY CR*P!!!!!!!!!!

You made it look so easy!!!! Carry on with the lesson please!!!!


Well.... get to work. :grinyes:

Smal update...

I've finished some of the sub-assemblies and everything is starting to come together. Still lots of wires to hook up.

The stand was finished using Alclad Airframe Aluminum over a black base coat. The fender and airbox were CF'ed using KA Models decals and then cleared with Zero Paint premixed lacquer clear.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/27.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/28.jpg

The mufflers were painted in various metallic shades and then stained with a mix of pastels and clear colors.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/29.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/30.jpg

The radiator got some resin details added.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/31.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/32.jpg

Really clean paint work there ole, great shots too. One question, what is the zero pre mixed lacquer like to use, also does it attack decals or is it safe.
Cheers
Col

It's really forgiving to use and very easy. Three coats at about 25 psi 5-10 minutes apart. Dries quickly too. I did not have any issues with the decals (as you can see).

Man, this is killer!!!
I have tried something like this and it beat me up a little.
Having been there and tried this, I cannot believe well you have been able to pull this off so far!
Awesome. Keep it coming!
Andy

Ole, you're right, you just have to get stuck into these things, it's too tempting!!!! Your latest update is a stunner, I look forward to seeing more.

As an aside, I came across these pics yesterday, on macs website, I saw them ages ago but had forgotten about them until I faced this mammoth task! Hopefully they can help you too, I aren't sure what year the bike is, I'm not a Moto GP expert, but it looks very similar to the '06 in a lot of areas so is quite helpful...... http://www.macsmodeling.com/de%20Puniet_bike.htm

Wow, this is looking really goooood! Love it.

Thanks for your coments...

Willster... not sure of the year either, but great references never the less. Thanks!

I dont know how I missed this Ole... you really got these detailed bikes down...... Very impressive work!!

DaveT

Fantastic work sir - i started on my second attempt to superdetaile this one - so i am following your footsteps (I have the same TS and CM kits)

That bike stand is awsome!, really real.

Another small update in terms of pictures, but I think I'm over the hump now. Most wires have been connected and everything is starting to come together. I'm currently working on the front fork which should be ready in a few days.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/33.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/34.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/35.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/36.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/37.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/38.jpg

O.O Wow...does it really runs?!
PERFECT work so far! keep it up!

what gem! Amazing work on this one.

Every photo is a treat.

How do you make the tires look so real, I sand the tires really hard to make them look sticky, but yours are really real.

I sand them with a coarse sanding stick to scuff them up a bit, then follow up with a finer sander to get rid of the debris.

They look excellent. If you leave the debris on it would make the tires look like they were used (The soft warm rubber will pick up some small debris from the racetrack).

I put the tires on a wooden buck and spin them using my dremmel.

Can you post a picture of what you use to hold the tire while sanding? It's not too bad using a sanding stick, but I'm always open to new methods.

Thanks for the tip, maybe I was sanding very smoothly, I allready got a sand stick, Ill see the result.
Cant wait to see more of the kawa.

Can you post a picture of what you use to hold the tire while sanding? It's not too bad using a sanding stick, but I'm always open to new methods.

Yep - I will post it tonight - All it is - is a simple wooden wheel slightly larger than the diameter of the tire. you can cut it out of any piece of wood or evene plywood. Once you have the weeoden circle just drill a whole in the middle of it and put a small screw that could be inserted into the dremel to make it spin.

Yep - I will post it tonight - All it is - is a simple wooden wheel slightly larger than the diameter of the tire. you can cut it out of any piece of wood or evene plywood. Once you have the weeoden circle just drill a whole in the middle of it and put a small screw that could be inserted into the dremel to make it spin.


great idea, you could create some serious rubber burn with this technique!

These will be some of the last images since I'm so close to finish the bike now.

The green is Zero Paint mica green which went on real smooth. I airbrused three coats at around 30 psi to get even coverage. Since the paint dries flat, I applied two coats of Zero Paint pre-thinned lacquer clear to give the decals something to adhere to. I will now add another 3-5 coats of clear.

This is a mock-up of how the bike most likely will be displayed. I will put the seat on, but the fairings will be off. I need to make a stand for them somehow. I'm in the middle of adding CF decals to the inside of the fairings, then decals on the outside and done.

Thanks for looking.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/39.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/40.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/41.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/42.jpg

Awesome job - any chance i could get some close up photos of how you did the wiring behand the gas tank in the saddle back?

Awesome job - any chance i could get some close up photos of how you did the wiring behand the gas tank in the saddle back?

It's not done (yet). Only have one wire running from the airbox, but not connected, and since it will be all covered up, not even sure if I want to add it.

Beautiful. I never really like this bike but what you have done does make me gain a little interest on it. :)

Ro

Here's a few pictures of the finished bike. With this, I will no longer be posting on this board.

Thanks for looking.

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/43.jpg

http://www.fontfreak.com/models/bikes/14109/48.jpg

Wow, the bike came out fantastic! May I inquire as to why you will no longer post on this board? I very VERY much enjoyed following your build threads as you are an unbelievable modeler.

Here's a few pictures of the finished bike. With this, I will no longer be posting on this board.

Thanks for looking.

Huh? Why arent you posting in these boards again? I think you're a great modeller!
PS: when you say boards you mean the whole forum or just this thread?

unbelievable detail there Ole, love the stand you made for displaying fairing.
would love to see some bigger better lit shots of this one to really appreciate your detailing and finish. I hope this is not your last thread on here!!!
Col

I certainly hope you're not done too, this is another fantastic build from another fantastic modeler on this board, I was really looking forward to seeing more of your work.