-
A beautifully crafted body can make a massive difference. Take, for example, Ducati motorcycles – even if you are a Kawasaki or Honda or Aprillia fan, you'd still agree that Ducati does build some very gorgeous looking motorcycles. Custom motorcycles open a range of avenues for the builder as to what the end result should look like and Canadian builder Jay Donovan of Baresteel Design has clearly made use of all he could for the Stingray. (Source: Bikeexif)
-
Bobby Haas, founder of Haas Moto Museum in Texas, noticed Jay's eye for good bodywork with his Yamaha XS650 from two years ago and gave Jay a commission to build a machine for the museum. After tossing ideas around, it was decided that the build would fuse an electric bike with aesthetics of an internal combustion motorcycle. (Source: Bikeexif)
-
Jay explored what he calls “fundamental design elements” with his previous build but with the Stingray, he decided to disregard the standard geometry and proportions. It is powered by a ME1507 permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that delivers 14.5 kW (about 19.4 hp). Jay used to build the frame, forks, and swingarm. Virtually every component is curved on three axes, and uses as few pieces as possible. The looped downtube, for instance, is made from a single piece. (Source: Bikeexif)
-
The rear hub is another piece designed from scratch, although Jay took inspiration from Max Hazan’s KTM boardtracker. “The rear wheel on that thing was too cool, and I loved the star lace pattern.” Jay describes the front suspension as a “rather odd trailing-link-springer type setup,” which is supported by a FOX mountain bike shock. (Source: Bikeexif)
-
The wheels were custom made for this project by Stephen Hood at Vintage Rims in Australia. There are seven battery packs spread around the bike, concealed behind the sculptured aluminum. A play between form and function, the Stingray oozes of quality fit & finish and clever detailing that add to its jaw-dropping looks. (Source: Bikeexif)
-
“I was trying to understand what quality really means, in a physical and personal way—and how it correlates to advancements in technology,” says Jay. “That’s not exclusive to electric vehicles by any means, but it’s why I felt so strongly about using electric power.” (Source: Bikeexif)
7 Photos
