The Type 11 is a project that explores the boundaries of craftsmanship and conceptual design. Auto Fabrica has become renowned for their style and coach building; in this project Auto Fabrica see their design and production capabilities applied to the next level as they set out to build their most progressive and captivating motorcycles to date.
Three prototypes were created to inform and inspire the process and aid in the project’s evolution. It all began with a state of the art Yamaha 900cc Triple at its foundation, of which the first two of the prototypes are based. The third prototype, based on a classic Yamaha 750cc Triple and being more traditionally designed and built, evolved to inform the first two contemporary builds.
TYPE 11 : PROTOTYPE THREE
Introducing and beginning with the Prototype Three, the journey begins. Even though this build started after the first two prototypes went into concept design and development, it was instrumental to the evolution of both and the ultimate aesthetic of the project as a whole.
This prototype built on the established design language and build ethos of its Auto Fabrica predecessors; beautifully sculpted, organic and minimal, hand made from aluminium and built on the structure and mechanicals of a classic motorcycle.
In keeping with timeless automotive and motorcycle design, the form flows effortlessly and works harmoniously with the functional requirements of the machine. Every detail was understood and considered, boundaries in manufacturing techniques, materials and finishes were pushed; from the engineered and 3D printed velocity stacks through to the signature hand bent exhausts.
TYPE 11 : PROTOTYPE ONE
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Back to the initial conception of the Type 11 project; the Prototype One. The first contemporary motorcycle to come out of the Auto Fabrica workshop was destined to be radical and diversifying. Inspired by pure concept design and adopting styling born out of function seen in automotive and motorcycle racing, the Prototype One was continuously developed and evolved throughout the design and build process.
Traditional development in 2D sketching was at it’s foundation but applying all their industrial design practices and knowledge at their disposal, the team continued the build’s progression through CAD design and engineering, rapid prototyping and machining, digital and physical mock-ups resulting in a concept that pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship, technological advancements and design while also continuing traditional values and retaining the Auto Fabrica DNA. You can see how the creation of the Prototype Three has informed the form in many ways, the elegant hand made aluminium tank and fairing being a key evolution with the Prototype One’s body taking this detail to the limits, almost impossibly wrapping the front fairing into the tank.
Extreme in all of its proportions and aesthetics, the performance of this machine matches it’s looks. Being race and track focused, the Prototype One is stripped back and raw, from having the highest performing parts by the leading manufactures in the industry and performance driven details like the instant fuelling system, lightweight hand laid carbon fibre race seat unit and carbon fibre and nylon 3D printed components.
TYPE 11 : PROTOTYPE TWO
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Destined to be the road going version of the first, Prototype Two used the structure, form and integrity of the Prototype One and incorporated the necessary road requirements.
The Prototype Three really came into play at this point, informing the additional road going styling and using a similar colour palette and material choices; the Prototype Two became a beautiful combination of all the conceptual ideas. The headlight became a character feature, highlighting and enhancing the classically inspired form language in this radical and progressive design.
The Prototype Two has began a new chapter in the story – the larger picture for the Auto Fabrica Type 11. Being offered in a strictly limited number, these unique motorcycles will be built to order, each tailored to the requirements and specification of the client.
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more information: autofabrica.com
