We start 2016 with a new project, a more racing version of the BOTT XR1, which will be named BOTT XR1R and will be intended to be used exclusively on the track.
We will use this bike to test and develop several components like the titanium frame, the new electronics or a new swingarm. The XR1R will be a test laboratory and in fact the bike will be equipped with a data acquisition system.
In the same way we did with previous projects (for example our Moto2) we will share the project development on our website and different social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Google+, etc).
Our chief mechanic Juanma already started the bike building, here you can see the first pictures of the titanium frame already mounted on the engine.
There is a main difference between the titanium frame and the steel one that we were using till now on our XR1s: we have added a 3rd tie rod close to the steering head to compensate that the titanium frame is less stiff than the steel one. In this picture the central tie rod was not mounted yet.
By the moment we keep the engine standard (although we will make some modifications to make it lighter, for example we will remove the electric starter).
Next pictures show the system designed in CAD.
Both the frame and the clamping system have been calculated using FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and the results have been validated later on with our frame stiffness measuring rig. Next images show the results of two of the multiple FEA we made.
By the moment we will use an Öhlins shock and a Showa fork (coming from a Buell 1125) mounted on a Bottpower triple clamp.
We will keep showing more details about the BOTT XR1 and the plans we have for this bike in following posts.
David, with the new swingarm, where will the oil tank reside?
Hello Bob, thank you for your question.
With the new swingarm, the oil will be located in… the swingarm. 🙂
The front part of the swingarm (which is an aluminium box) will be the oil tank.
Happy new year!