My project was designing a motorbike for Indian youth in keeping with today’s urban lifestyle, changing urban environment, and emerging trends in the Indian motorcycle industry.
The Indian two-wheeler industry is dominated by motorcycles, which constitute 84% of the category, followed by scooters consisting of 11% and mopeds accounting for the remaining 5%. The motorcycle industry continues to be dominated by youth below the age of 25 and will remain so for some time. Hence, my target group was young people in the age group of 18-21 years. The first-ever personal vehicle is always a dream for this group, but it is also a matter of concern for parents due to safety reasons.
My idea was to introduce a roadster, which could be easily spotted, and would also project the biker as an enthusiast. This experience was surely very satisfying and rewarding. The scope of my diploma project gave me a complete picture of not only a vehicle, but also the role of a vehicle, especially a two-wheeler, in India. This project, has given me knowledge of the motorcycle industry and a hands-on experience of designing a full-scale bike, though it takes a lot more to make and put the product on-road.
The diploma project helps one to get a hold of industry processes, and teaches how a designer has to integrate his thinking with the process already employed. Initially, there was difficulty when trying to innovate something new; cost was a major constraint and looking at the two-wheeler segment, it was certainly justified. My learning was more oriented towards styling and adopting the manufacturing aspects, and in understanding the form within the given constraints.
