Introduction of the futuristic American motorcycle
''Apache Warrior'' prototype.
Advanced: Styling, Ergonomics and Mechanical design
To be built by Apache Motorworks Inc. in 1995.
Client: Apache Motorworks Inc.
Design Office: Next World Design Inc.
Preface:
Currently American 1930 style motorcycles are at the peak of popularity and are in demand worldwide, but what will be the future of the American motorcycle? Will there be a future for the American style cruiser?
The ''Apache Warrior'' is the result of three years of design and development of what could be the most important motorcycle to ever come from America.
In 1994, a group of investors ''Apache Motorworks incant bought the rights to the concept motorcycle, ''Apache American V-Twin''. Their intent was to capitalize on the world-wide press of the concept bike and to build a custom version of the Apache. The result was the ''Apache Warrior" designed by Next World Design Inc.
The running prototype ''Apache Warrior'' was previewed at the Cincinnati Motorcycle Show in February 1995 and the Dayton Motorcycle Show during Bike Week in March 1995. The overwhelming response proved that the marketing and design development had hit the mark. This will be the start of an entirely new approach to American styling for V-twin motorcycles and establishing a new level of design for the motorcycle industry.
Apache Warrior Styling Summary:
The Warrior was constructed in 1994 after a year of critical analysis of the market reaction to the Apache Concept motorcycle design released in 1992. The market analysis had shown that the motorcycle market was ready for an advanced American motorcycle. The motorcycle market had grown to encompass an affluent market of American motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. The Apache has appeared in major publications worldwide, ranging from motorcycle publications to science/technology magazines, to exclusive men's magazines. To date few motorcycles have had such broad appeal and acceptance.
Styling Analysis:
The Apache Warrior has been designed semantically around the Apache Nation, a fierce group of nomadic tribes that covered the Southwestern United States. The Warrior conveys a feeling and images of the Apache Indians, not in a literal sense but through forms, shapes, and colors. The Warrior is designed to look like a living and breathing animal with a stance that connotes a running horse. On careful examination you will be able to see the elements of a horses neck running up the slender portion of the fuel tank. The running horse legs in the front forearms and swingarm. The tomahawk is shaped throughout the motorcycle. The mysterious head dress in the instrument panel and hand levers are subtleties that reward the viewer over and over again as a new aspect of the Warrior is recognized and appreciated.
''Design Intrigue'' styling with mystery
The Warrior also encompasses a new design philosophy developed by the designers of Next World called, ''Design intrigue''. Design Intrigue is creating mystery thought forms and function where discovery is rewarded. The goal of Design Intrigue is to pull the viewer in and hold their imagination. Ideally the viewer will become fascinated with the design. Not just because the Warrior is beautiful, but that it has substance and character that is not completely understood. The Warrior stars out with something that is seemly obvious, but on closer examination is completely unexpected. As in the Warrior the front fork system seems to obviously flex on the lower link but in reality is a constant structure. The steering head rake appears incredibly steep, but in reality is only 32 degrees, comparable to current motorcycle dimensions. The handlebars feel completely natural and comfortable, but how they work is not apparent.
The Rimrider Brake System is completely exposed showing off the 17 inch diameter rotors attached to the rims, but only on close inspection do you see that the dual piston calipers are on the inside of the rotors. It is an unexpected motorcycle when you first see it and keeps on surprising the observer with simplicity and mystery at the same time. Once again all this has been factored into the design to create an exhilarating motorcycle that has character that will not fade away with time.
The Warrior is also a statement of contrast. The bodywork is smooth and flowing, like skin that is stretched over flexing muscles. In contrast, the purely mechanical V-Twin engine and mechanical components are enhanced by the use of brushed aluminum and polished stainless steel with only a subtle use of chrome. The Warrior's mechanical components shimmer with a dark and ominous tone. The feminine lines and curves contrast with hard, serious edges of precision steel. The result is a graceful motorcycle with a powerful masculine appeal.
Ergonomics
The Warrior's technical systems maybe shrouded in mystery, but exhibit the most advanced ergonomics found on V-twin motorcycles. The Warrior is designed to be tailored to the exact specifications of its owner. The unique steering system makes it possible to custom fit even a small person to a large person comfortable on the Warrior. The springless suspension is infinitely adjustable to any weight or riding style. The air-bladder suspension is the first of its kind on any motorcycle. This unique system gives the Warrior the smoothest ride ever incorporated into a cruiser. The Warrior's suspension is smooth even in rough terrain thanks to the high performance air-bladders. The Warrior's length and weight are balanced to give an extremely stable ride.
The 1100cc fuel injected V-twin engine should be able to propel any rider with the performance expected on premium motorcycles. The Endoskeletal Frame is unique in that it is not seen which gives the warrior an airy and uncluttered look. The engine also has especially designed cradled to give superior vibration dampening. The result is a smooth ride with almost no vibrations. The Warrior delivers a ride that is comfortable and smooth.
The mechanical systems development of the Warrior proved to be a demanding task.
Apache Motorworks had set stringent performance goals centered around using new technology. The Warrior from conception was to set a new standard in engineering and design.
An all new frame, suspension, brakes, steering and ergonomics had to be developed.
The ''Endoskeletal Frame System'' was to be developed from the ground up. The only constant was the engine placement. There was a variety of reasons for this. First, there is no substitute for a real American V-Twin. The rumble and feel of the engine was crucial. Second, the easy maintenance and repair and finally the brute power that can be gained from an American V-Twin is legendary.
The Warrior's powerplant will be based on a 45 degree style motor with fuel injection putting out over 100 horsepower. Due to the unique cradle system of the Endoskeletal Frame the motor has excellent vibration damping. The rider feels almost no vibrations, even at low RPMS.
The advanced ergonomics of the Warrior may seem radical (which they are!), but the feel is completely natural. The problem with current cruisers is the difficulty of handling and comfortably for a variety of riders. The Warrior was designed specifically to be tailored to the rider's weight and size.
The suspension system of the Warrior is a radical departure from current cruisers. The goal of the Warrior is to be as comfortable and smooth riding with adjustability to rider weight and riding style. The Warrior suspension is centered around the use of the high performance air-bladders. This system is completely springless, so there is no harshness or sticktion in the travel. The system uses only a high performance oil dampening arm to control movement; which was specifically designed to the Warrior's specifications. The Warrior's suspension can easily be set for a light rider or a very heavy rider just by control of the air pressure.
The ''Multi-Point Hatchet Link Suspension'' is a landmark in engineering, created by Next World Design. This system was specially designed from a clean sheet of paper to be the most advanced cruiser suspension ever developed. The Hatchet Link has set a new standard for performance. The Hatchet Link exhibits no dive characteristics buts squats. This system is not a derivative of a sportbike suspension, but was specifically designed for smooth cruiser style riding. The Warrior squats so well that during transport of the cycle, it is strapped down in the center of the bike. Unlike conventional motorcycles that are strapped down on the front suspension.
The ''Rimrider Brake System'' is specifically designed to give smooth high performance braking for cruisers. Once again this system is not a derivative of sport bike technology. The Warrior's large 17'' diameter rotors give incredibly smooth braking with out the grabbing associated with smaller rotor designs. The combination of the ''Hatchet Link Suspension'' and the ''Rimrider Brake System'' give the Warrior unparalleled control with confidence.
CAD and component design:
Styling and design fabrication:
Frame and system fabrication and assembly:
Metal Fabrication:
Vehicle test riding:
Apache Warrior System Description
Frame
Steering
Suspension Systems
Brakes
Wheels
Exhaust
Instrumentation
Seat
Dry weight
Wheelbase
Fuel cells
Engine