So my final project depends on a craigslist purchase in the works currently. In my inspiration post I talked about two ideas for my final project: a dynamic dart board and a cafe racer. After some further research I was able to find an affordable running bike within my budget that I can convert into a cafe racer and ultimately start a dream project of mine. On that note, I haven’t bought the bike yet since I am in a negotiation with the buyer. If I cannot get the bike for a reasonable price then I won’t be able to do the cafe racer project so I am going to focus my design review on the dart board but will also make a small review for the cafe racer. If I end up buying the bike I will put up a new post with further detail of the bike project.

The Dartboard

What will it say?

The dartboard will be designed to be a wall piece that represents my home state. It will let people know where I come from yet serve as a hidden dart board to allow people to enjoy a nice game of classic darts. The sliding design will be unique compared to the boring and typical cabinet look of dartboards today (and in the past). It will be sleek and blend in with the room, looking more as a decoration rather than a dart board on the wall.

What will it do?

The big design behind the project is creating smooth sliding door that slides open from the middle hiding the dart board from the naked eye. I am also thinking about making some cool drop down score boards that will appear once the board appears but will need to investigate further how this will be possible once I start building.

Inspirations

The biggest inspiration was something I would use and something meaningful to me. This being said I enjoy games and my home state of California so I decided to incorporate the two together. I also enjoy sleek or hidden designs that hide the main purpose of a piece of work and deceive the viewer or customer.

These three picture help sum up the three components of my project and when combined will make up the final product.

Hardest Part

The hardest part will probably be weight since I want to make it a wall fixture. The weight of the sliding doors will also determine how well the bearings/wheels/sliders need to be in order to not break when they are opened up.

Prototype?

I don’t think I will need to prototype since I can jump right into the project and actual scale with a quick trip to McGukins.

Cost Estimate

I plan on completing the project in under $100. Most of the cost will be from lumber. I can find a cheap used dart board on craigslist or amazon for around $20 with shipping.

Timeline

3/7 Price lumber at McGukins

3/12 Begin building frame

3/27 Finalize frame

4/3 Finish painting

4/10 Final functionality test

4/18 Final Project Presentation

Cafe Racer

As mentioned before this is my ideal project but due to budget and time restraints if I can’t buy the bike I am negotiating for right now then this project most likely won’t be possible by 4/18.

What will it say?

This bike will be a representation of my style. I enjoy simple yet clean looking cars and bikes. Cafe racers are sleek with sharp lines and simple bodies consisting of no accessories except for the things that make it go, turn, and stop. My bike will make people’s heads turn when I drive by and take a second look asking themselves “What type of bike is that?”

What will it do?

Well this bike will roar like a lion and move like cheetah, zipping down empty roads and gripping the insides of windy mountains curves. It will turn simplicity into a thing of beauty from frame work to colors.

Inspirations

I have always been interested in cafe racers and motorcycles. As an engineer I want to know how things move and work. So what better way to combine these interest by building my own bike and turning an old 1981 cb900 ugly duckling into a classic head turning motorcycle.

Below is the original bike I will be starting from (assuming the sale goes through)

And these are some of the builds that will help steer my final design

Take a look at this video for a more detailed view of the above bike. Worth your time just to hear the sound of the bike.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdm3cizLBE4

Hardest part?

The hardest part will be the time constraint. I am pretty crafty and know these bikes pretty well. Most of the build is deductive and eliminating parts of the bike and condensing the engine parts into a tight fitting place. The other hardest part will be getting the electric system working after I modify the frame and keeping the wires neat and in order. This may not be possible in my time frame but is not necessary to complete the project for the final presentation. Another factor is finding custom parts to fit the model of bike such as clip on or drop down handlebars. I may need to manufacture my own but don’t think it would be too hard.

Prototype

I can’t really prototype this project but view my inspiration bikes at my prototype. I know it’s possible to get the ugly bike to look that way I want, but it’s going to take some creativity on my part to get there.

Cost estimate

The cost isn’t too important since I plan on buying a bike anyways. But as of now here is what my budget is looking like

bike – $800

Extra parts or items – $200

Timeline

3/6 Purchase Bike

3/13 Strip bike down to frame/cut back of frame. Attach new handlebars. Remove unnecessary panels

3/20 Weld new end of frame. Take wheels off and paint rims. Take tank off and paint. Cut fenders and paint

4/3 Assemble bike

4/10 Have new seat made and attached on

4/18 Have wiring completed and bike riding smooth