RDracer custom motorcycle celebrates retro-futurism

nikos manafis’ design studio collaborates with purveyor of gadgetry and elegant gifts, the arsenale, and alcantara, to bring the ”RDracer’ concept motorcycle to life. strictly limited to ten examples, the bike’s carbon-fiber monocoque body cuts a sci-fi silhouette that lends itself to ridley scott’s ‘blade runner’. 

all images © niko manafis / antonis yiamouris

the ‘RDracer’ custom motorcycle’s design called for a nostaligic, retro-futuristic approach. inspiration was drawn from earlier conceptions about the future, and the result is a seamless monocoque-body part with streamline art-deco influences from the 1930’s with the futuristic flare of an 80’s movie. as a result, it clearly distinguishes itself from the 1960’s replica chassis, while remaining in complete visual harmony. this ‘dialogue’ between its mechanical-working parts and the aesthetic-ergonomic body is typified in the way the body opens for the custom aluminum fuel tank to emerge.

the monocoque is manufactured using aerospace grade fiberglass to ensure high strength and added flexibility, rather than a stiffer carbon fiber body. this added strength and flexibility was crucial to ensure that the cantilever design cannot break, paticularly on the thinner section where the body passes over the steering wheel. in fact, the whole body is only fixed to the chassis at three points beneath the seat section.

the concept is focused is on creating a special user experience, allowing riders to feel more connected with the motorcycle. an exaggerated lean-forward riding position invites the user to feel and ‘hug’ the bikes body. in this position, the sense of speed is increased and the rider’s look is directed on the road straight ahead, and the minimal futuristic motogadget gauge. the soft alcantara saddle is molded in silicon for a comfortable ride on a thin pad, and allows the streamlined form to flow freely. nikos manafis designs’ ‘RDracer’ can be found at the purveyor of gadgetry and elegant gifts, the arsenale.