The Black Swan was a concept developed by Workhorse founder Brice Haneberg a few years ago when he competed against The Young Guns’ Indian Scout, Miracle Mike, at the Wheels & Waves Festival. As with the Workhorse FTR AMA, the stylistic inspirations come from different directions and eras. From superbikes from the 90s to modern Grand Prix racing machines to Porsches tuned by Rauh-Welt (RWB).
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Half A Clay Panel Becomes A 3D Model
After initial sketches, Brice travelled to Karpovich HQ in Slovenia to help manufacture the 2-to-1 exhaust system. In addition with the downs wept muffler maintaining the sleek profile Brice had envisioned. Back in his workshop, Brice constructs a wire mesh around the FTR as a basis for modelling the body in clay.
This step was easier than expected as I didn’t have to create a full symmetrical fairing in clay, just one half as a template. Once I was happy with the shape, I used a 3D scanner to hand the mold over to Formal Design. Who work with me worked together to refine the virtual model, create the full-body symmetry. However, integrate all the accessories and fittings. Christophe from Formae helped me a lot with all the different components of the body.”
One-Piece Carbon Fairing For The Indian FTR Black Swan
While Formae perfected the body design, Brice turned to chassis modifications, such as making the fuel tank around the original air intake system. Tim from Vinco Racing Engineering helped with many CNC machined components from Brice’s designs, such as B. the swingarm attachment, chassis plates, triple clamps, fuel cell components, etc. Once the CAD model of the one-piece fairing was complete, it was 3D printed and handed over to Robert Collins of 13.8 Composites, a master carbon fabricator. 13.8 Composites processed the print to create a perfect surface to make a mold for the one-piece fairing.
“Since I decided to show the bare carbon and not paint it, I gave Robert liberty to choose the carbon weave. After a few weeks of waiting, he returned with this great part. The entire fairing weighs only about 1 8kg. Getting the bodywork done was an important part of the conversion – while far from practical, I wanted a one-piece fairing.”
A Motorcycle With Pop-Up Headlights
With the fairing complete, including an aluminum belly pan for better resistance to exhaust heat, Brice sets to implement one of his key ideas, a system for dramatically revealing the headlight. “This was one hell of a fight for me. It might seem simple and easy to some people, but it was quite a challenge for me. The ‘eyelids’ powered by two stepper motors controlled by an Arduino to provide an opening and closing action to allow.”
Noble Components Ensure “Dynamic” Handling
But things are not only changing optically and ergonomically. Brice also machined a new swingarm from 7020 aluminum. While retaining the original suspension point, Öhlins supplied a custom black piggyback shock absorber to match the overall theme, complemented by a black fork. “The braking system came from my dear partner Beringer. They offered to use a prototype, one of the lightest braking systems they have. The complete front-wheel system weighs around 1kg and mates to Rotobox carbon wheels that match Dunlop. The GP Racer tires supplied have a perfect connection to the ground. As a result, this bike is dynamic on the road.”
Jeroen from Silver Machine Seats provided the finishing touches, covering the seat and dashboard with Alcantara, inspired by the dashboards of many hypercars.
Black Swan – The Monteros Bike Presentation
We recently presented the Indian FTR AMA, the second bike from a duo from Workhorse Speed Shop. The first is now introduced, which started before the AMA bike and built on behalf of an enthusiast who immediately orders a second motorcycle for his brother.
The Black Swan is even more radical than the AMA-FTR, particularly striking because of its Martini Racing-style paintwork. The concept was developed by Workhorse boss Brice Hennebert a few years ago for the Wheels & Waves festival. The Mad Max character is reminiscent of El Solitario conversions, among other things, but in the superbikes of the 90s, which used carbon fiber for the fairing for the first time. Hennebert had a completely free hand in the design, so he took the project to the extreme. It turned out to be the most complicated conversion he has ever carried out.
The entire fairing weighs just 1.8 kilograms and is made from a unique carbon-fiber structure, manufactured by expert Robert Collins of 13.8 Composites. Akrapovic contributed the 2-in-1 exhaust, and the suspension comes from Öhlins and the brakes from Beringer. The swingarm is a one-off, as is the Alcantara-covered seat. Both brothers now have unique, spectacular FTR conversions.
Conclusion
The black swan is the monstrous version of the bike. The people who love the bikes are great fans of this version. Bikes are favorite of many people across the globe.
