1:12 Supermoto Suzuki DR-Z 400

[pjesus]

Hi guys.

This one was a long and... errr.. different project.

Introduction (as I haven't posted a WIP thread):
I love Supermoto. Period.
There are no model SM bikes.
I wanted one.

Beginning
I bought a couple of cheap NewRay 1:12 die-cast Suzuki DR-Z (off-road) and started to plan how I was gonna do this.

The biggest challenge
There are no 1:12 17'' spoked wheels around, so I had to make them, from a set of Ducati wheels and tires a friend gave me...

The work
- scratchbuilt wheels
- semi scratchbuilt front brake disc
- semi scratchbuilt front fork (aluminum tubing)
- scratchbuilt exhaust pipe
- brake/clutch/breather tubes inserted
- race trim (no lights, number plates, etc...)
- scratchbuilt gear pedal
- scratchbuilt swing arm suspension spring
- scratchbuilt crankcase protection
- scratchbuilt stand
- general touching up and detailing (engine, handlebars, etc...)

Now the photos...











Some photos to compare to the original die-cast...












And a couple of progress shots of the wheels process...




Finally, a shot of the original die-cast:


Hope you like, although it was created from a die-cast, it was a project I really enjoyed doing.

Cheers,

Tiago



Some detail photos showing the

[quadzero]

I have seen this event once on tv and really loved it. It's cool you have made one of these bikes and you sure did a fantastic job with all your scratchbuilding and modifications. Excellent subject and great work.

[sportracer02]

Fantastic !!!

I had the same idea, already bought a Maisto Honda Crosser in 1:12 and looked at the parts.

Yes, wheels are a problem, but you did a fantastic job with those spokes.

Congrats for this

[pjesus]

Originally Posted by quadzero

I have seen this event once on tv and really loved it

It is, isn't it?

Originally Posted by sportracer02

Yes, wheels are a problem, but you did a fantastic job with those spokes.

With some patience it's not that hard. If you need to exchange some ideas I'm here, maybe it'll help you avoid some mistakes I made (the front wheel is not very good, especially when compared to the rear one)

Thanks for the comments.

Meanwhile, someone pointed out the "funny" rear sprocket (how did I miss that?) and a slight correction will be made.

Cheers,

Tiago

[robrex]

sensational work! I love the spoked wheels!
Looks like my Down Hill MTB with Maxxis Hookworm road tyres!

[Gamerxz]

Freakastic :P what good scratchbuilding skills.. great planning and effort has gone to this project from what ive seen.

[pjesus]

Originally Posted by robrex

sensational work! I love the spoked wheels!

Thanks! Coming from a guy with your skills it really means a lot.

Originally Posted by robrex

Looks like my Down Hill MTB with Maxxis Hookworm road tyres!

Any plans of building that?

Originally Posted by Gamerxz

Freakastic :P what good scratchbuilding skills.. great planning and effort has gone to this project from what ive seen.

Thanks! Well, most of the time was planning and staring, really.
That's why the bike was on my desk for over a year...

Thanks for looking...

[quadzero]

OK, now I'm even more impressed with this. When I first viewed this thread the making of the rim's pics were just red X's for some reason. Again, great model of an interesting subject and you sure have great building skills and innovation.

[robrex]

Originally Posted by robrex

sensational work! I love the spoked wheels!
Looks like my Down Hill MTB with Maxxis Hookworm road tyres!

Originally Posted by pjesus

Any plans of building that?

I have thought about it a lot. The spoked rims have always been the concern, but you have done a great job which has started me thinking....

[pjesus]

Originally Posted by quadzero

OK, now I'm even more impressed with this. When I first viewed this thread the making of the rim's pics were just red X's for some reason.

Thanks again, then...

Originally Posted by robrex

I have thought about it a lot. The spoked rims have always been the concern, but you have done a great job which has started me thinking....

Yeah, think about that.
Supermoto bikes are just soooooo cool...

Looking at them just makes me wanna blast off popping wheelies and stoppies hooligan-style (ask my WR! )
Even the miniature one does that!

And believe me, the spoked rims thing is more a patience issue. Go for it, I'd love to see more SM around here!

Cheers!