We continue moving forward with the Morlaco 2 project!
Here’s a first look at what we’re creating: a design that blends a futuristic style with a classic touch, clearly seen in the rounded shapes of the front fairing.
In this sketch, we’re already exploring some key technical concepts: the fork shape, the aluminum fuel tank extending under the seat, or the silencer integrated into the lower fairing. We’ve also incorporated exposed air intakes, a nod to some of our previous models like the Morlaco 1, the XR9, or the XR1R that raced at Pikes Peak.
We’re still in an exploratory phase, testing different technical solutions. While this design serves to define the overall character and personality of the bike, it’s likely that significant technical changes will emerge in future iterations as we continue refining the project.
A special mention goes to Hugo van Waaijen, our chief designer, whose insights shape both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the bike, and to Rémy Roland, who first joined Bottpower as an intern during his studies and has continued to collaborate with us. His work on the renders and his artistic vision have been integral to bringing our ideas to life, and we’ve enjoyed working with him ever since his internship, recognizing the value of supporting talented, hard-working individuals like him.
In upcoming posts, we’ll share more about the mechanical design and the technical decisions we’re making for this bike.
What do you think of this first concept? Which details stand out to you, and what would you like to see in the final version?
Hi guys,
This project really sticks out. The connection with the belly pan and the front rotor fairing is very good, and something I had sketched for a bike build myself. Also the Vtopia Design Vyrus bike has.. nice way of adding a new character line. Since you’re asking, I think carrying that a little more and making the belly pan connect to it more aggressively would be interesting.
Also, your asymmetrical air intake is great!
May I suggest more unique and aggressive with the tail section, with exhaust coming out from the back or the sides? Think cagiva 500 gp bike.
I won’t give any more ideas, you’re on to something very special. I am the builder of the #unamotofiga or UNA bike you can find online. If you build this then I don’t need to build another one as I will buy yours instead 😁
Thank you for the detailed feedback! Love that you connected with the design. We’ll definitely consider your suggestions—great ideas! 🙌 And hearing that from a fellow builder means a lot! 😊
Hi David ,
Great looking concept !
It’s commonly understood that linkage front suspension systems ( of all types , it seems ) have inherently diminished feedback and feel that’s communicated to the rider which impacts confidence at speed.
I am a big fan of alternative systems and would like to see a design succeed both in dealer showrooms and on the racetrack.
Have you considered this as a design objective ; to increase feedback to the rider ?
Hi Joe, thanks for your insightful feedback!
I completely agree about the issue of reduced rider feedback. I believe there are many opportunities to address this challenge, even enhancing the performance of bikes equipped with telescopic forks. For example, a Hossack-style fork offers much more flexibility in tuning lateral stiffness, which is much more complicated to achieve with a traditional telescopic fork. This area remains largely unexplored.
Additionally, there are several other ways in which an alternative front end could offer advantages. These are topics we’ll likely dive into in future posts.
Hola David,
Great looking project! I love the air-cooled projects the most.
Regarding your request for feedback…
1. What do you think of this first concept?
Excellente! The chassis has great minimalism, but enough to show strength between the chassis and the engine. I love how much the engine is revealed and the trellis is well thought out, adding great balance between the two.. I won’t be surprised if you add a triangulated engine mount instead of just the one connection from the main frame spar.
Which details stand out to you, and what would you like to see in the final version?
a. Already noted: great chassis. I would add the cool factor of a bubble plexiglass. Will that be fork-mounted?
b. The tank, seat, underseat fuel tank, and tail section show good restraint. If this were my bike I’d ask you about leveling the slanted orientation to all of them to reduce the slant so the line is more horizontal to reduce the empty space above the real wheel. (See side profile of the RC30 for a great visual balance in this area while maintaining clearance and rider weight on the bars).
A more horizontal line with the seat/tail would be congruent with the line made by the bottom of the belly fairing.
The RC30 also has a cool nod to the older bubble plexiglass that you are tapping into also.
This type of adjustment might be best if the rear suspension had a linkage and was pulled closer to the center of mass by making the spring more vertical.
c. I’d ask if the intake tunnels can be shortened so the entry starts visually at a point just forward (in the vertical plane) of where the clip-on is located above it. The height location of the intake entry will remain, just pull it back from its current location so the front suspension is not blocked visually from the side profile. This will show off the fairing more too. Maybe make the opening of the intake wider than what it is currently showing and then taper in.
p.s. Great job in hiring interns!
Hi Doug,
Thank you for taking the time to write such detailed feedback.
I’m glad you like the concept and the overall balance between the chassis and the engine. Exposing as much of the engine as possible was one of our goals from the beginning.
Some of the points you mention, such as the fairing, intake layout and rear end proportions, are still evolving, so this is exactly the kind of feedback we find useful at this stage of the project.
Thanks again for your support and encouragement. 😊