So, something new for me. After numerous planes, armor, cars and a ship I was wondering what to do next. After a quick look around the internet this caught my eye…never tried a bike before so I figure now was the time to try.
Ordered yesterday from Jadlam, came this morning via the postie (though I did pay for 24hr delivery as had nothing else to do and was getting withdrawal symptoms!).
Let battle commence.
Well…so far so good.
So this is where I am after yesterdays session in the shed, engine assembled and in the frame.
Assembly and fit has been typically Tamiya good, mold-lines and seams minimal, what little there has been is easily cleaned up.
As someone who is not ‘into’ bikes and so never really looked at them I assume these bikes were always very clean, spotless even, as they were constanly maintained etc. so I figure that washes etc. are not going to be required and this will look ‘showroom’…correct?
Tubosteve,
Looks very good. And yes, this is a MotoGP bike, which is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. So yes, that bike will look almost show room new.
Great job, looking forward to more progress.
Looking good so far. I did that kit a few years back in it’s a joy to build. Might I reccomend the Tamiya DetailUp set for this kit - #12619. The forks are beautiful.
Tried posting a link to my build for referrence but getting 403 error. If you’re interested google Finescale Keavdog Ninja
A little more progress this morning and yesterday evening.
In order for a tad more realism I took a 0.5mm drill to the rear brake disc and drilled out the cooling holes (think that’s what they are!) then sprayed up with some chrome Alclad. didn’t turn out too bad (tho messed up one hole which you will see below about 4 o’clock)
Also got the wheels sprayed up and decalled out for the green stripes.
As for the tyres (tires for you guys the other side of the pond)…they have a mold line round the outside which I want to get rid of. As they are rubber I am not having much luck sanding them. Anyone have any tricks they use that can help point me in the right direction?
@ Keavdog, the fork kit looks lovely but I am keeping this strictly OOTB. Last ship turned expensive thru the AM so not using it on this. Sure it will still look good enough for me [;)]
Looks really cool. I like building the occasional race car. Bikes scare the hell out of me. Tons of small parts and everything is visible. Terrific job.
Nice work Steve. In regards to the tyres/tires. iirc the last bike I built I believe I mounted the tires on the wheels, sanded the tires, then removed the tires to paint and assemble the wheels. I don’t remember what grit sandpaper I used, it’s probably been two decades since I built a bike, but I think it was something fairly course. By mounting the tire on the wheel it gives the rubber some “backbone” so there’s less give in the rubber. Seeing your build started makes me want to build one of my Rossi RCV or YZR bikes.
Jay
Thanks Jay. I was being too cautious with my sanding, once I used some heavier grit the seam came off.
Quick question on the Bridgestone tyre decals: Are they rub on or waterslide…or something else? Tips on the best way to apply them?
If I recall you place them and wet the backside until the release. They look fantastic BTW
Cool. Glad you got it sorted. I have kits that have the tyre markings but haven’t built any yet. I did check some of my instructions and there is a section specifically for how to apply the tyre markings. On my Desmosedici it’s in between the build instructions and the decal location diagram.
Jay
You did it in 1 day?Holy cow!I’m doing my first model car,and it’s taking me weeks(But probably because I’m Brush-painting LOL)
LOL…not quite that quick. Did the engine 1 day, frame and fitted another day, another with the wheeks/tyres. I’m furloughed so have plenty of free time for models!
Yes,but that is STILL quite quick!
Quick or not, this is where I stand today:
Sorted the exhausts, Alclad Chrome then clear orange heavily thinned on the inlet end and clear blue on the other.
Earlier I did the tyre decals, front end a bit iffy, rear much better. first decal trashed (but luckily they give you 5!!) and I got better the more I did!
Exhausts fitted
Then the radiator, Alclad Stainless with Flory dirt dirt wash.
Also got the stand sprayed up as well.
Nice heat treatment on the exhaust. This bike is turning out really well!
A couple more days tinkering on and off in the shed has bought me to this stage. It now looks like a bike 
Getting toward a standstill now as I am still waiting for the Kawasaki Green spray to arrive, am being messed about by the courier…grrrr
Plumbing is now in, just a few bits remaining before all the cowling stuff for which I need the paint.
Looks great. These bikes in this scale are a treat for the eyes with all the detail. Coming along nicely.
It turned out great.Can’t wait for the finished look with the Kawasaki Green.
So, finally on the home straight. Got the green on Saturday morning. Paid for 48hr delivery…got 9 days!!
Got everything sprayed up on Sat PM and then today spent a bit of time today starting to get the decals on…not so easy with all the curves etc, but a good old dose of Set/Sol has got the first few down.
Will finish the rest over the next couple of evenings.
