Tag Archives: scale model

Motorcycle News, News

Vespa joins BMW, Harley and Ducati in Legoland

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Kids and big kids’ toy company Lego has added the original 1960s Vespa 125 model to its range of motorcycle scale models.

It joins the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Ducati Panigale V4 R, BMW R 1200 GS and BMW boxer motorcycle engine in their two-wheeled range.

The 1106-piece pastel pale blue scooter pays tribute to the original Vespa of the 1960s with a classic Italian number plate and even a bunch of flowers in the rear basket.

Other original details include a spare wheel and removable brick-built engine cover.

The wheels, sidestand and handlebars are moving parts.

Lego Group Senior Designer Florian Muller says the model “offered me a chance to step back in time and let my imagination flow”.

The LEGO Vespa 125 is now available online, from Lego Stores and other retailers at $A169.95.

It’s no “toy” either, standing at 22cm, 12cm wide and 35cm long.

This follows other motorcycle icons in the Lego world.

Todd's complete Lego bikes
Lego Harley and BMW

The Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R costs $A100, the Harley Fat Boy is $A159.99, the BMW R 1200 GS is $A104 and BMW’s famous Boxer engine from the 1973 BMW R 90 S is  about $A250 through Amazon.

LEGO Ducati Panigale V4 R

All models have pieces that lock together and do not need gluing.

Toy maker Meccano has also joined the action with its licensed and generic motorcycle kits featuring the Ducati Monster 1200S and GP Desmo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lego fan builds life-size Ducati Panigale V4 R

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A Lego fan has built a life-size Ducati Panigale V4 R to celebrate the European launch of the scale model version.

While the scale model is 32cm long, 16cm high and 8cm wide, this Lego model is the same size and almost the same weight at 180kg compared with 192kg for the V4 R.Lego fan builds life-size Ducati Panigale V4 R

The model is available for €59.99 (about $A102) but you can’t buy the life-size version.

It was built by “Lego certified professional” Riccardo Zangelmi in 400 hours using 15,000 bricks and no glue!

Life-size model

Riccardo says the life-size model build was “the most exciting professional challenge I’d ever faced”.

“It pushed me well beyond any limit and I succeeded by crossing the finishing line as part of a team,” he says.Lego fan builds life-size Ducati Panigale V4 R

“I approached the project as an official pilot of the Borgo Panigale Company, giving it my all on the track, looking for and overcoming new challenges.

“I was the first to look at the two motorbikes side by side, and I am happy to have captured the DNA that characterises both Lego Technic and Ducati, recreating with bricks the motorbike that is symbolic of Italian excellence.”

Lego bike models

Ducati joins Harley-Davidson and BMW as the only motorcycle companies with Lego models.

Lego Ducati Panigale V4 RBig boys’ toys!

The Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R is the first Lego motorcycle model to include a gearbox.

It joins the Harley Fat Boy ($A159.99) and BMW R 1200 GS ($A104) in the Lego world.

Todd's complete Lego bikesLego Harley and BMW

The Lego Duc is made up of 646 pieces which should take some time to put together.Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R

It will be available in Ducati dealerships and the Ducati Online Shop, as well as in Lego stores, retailers and online.

Toy maker Meccano has also joined the action with its licensed and generic motorcycle kits featuring the Ducati Monster 1200S and GP Desmo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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BMW Boxer scale model in time for lockdown

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If you are still restricted from riding due to the pandemic lockdown, you could spend a few hours putting together this BMW Boxer engine scale model with realistic working parts.

BMW’s famous Boxer engine is now available as a working 1:2 scale model of the engine from the 1973 BMW R 90 S.

The scale model costs about $A250 through Amazon and features 200 parts which lock together and do not need gluing. BMW claims it will take a bout three hours to put together.

Scale models

BMW R 90 S Flat twin Airhead boxer Engine scale ModelBMW R 90 S Flat twin Airhead boxer Engine scale Model

And when it’s all finished, all the internal mechanical parts — pistons, crankshaft, valves, pushrods and rockers — move realistically thanks to a small electric motor.

If Lego is more your scene, you can buy a BMW R 1200 GS ($A104), a Harley Fat Boy ($A159.99) or wait a little while for the Lego Panigale V4 R model.

Boxer engine history

The Boxer engine design was invented by German engineer Karl Benz in the 1890s. Yes, the man who helped establish BMW’s main competitor, Mercedes-Benz!

However, boxer engines weren’t used in motorcycles for a couple of decades and they were all placed with the cylinders in line.

BMW was the first to place the Boxer engine sideways in their R 32 motorcycle in 1923 with the heads sticking out the sides for more effective cooling.

It is called a Boxer engine because the pistons counterpunch like a boxer’s firsts.

The R 32 engine was designed by aircraft engineer Max Friz who used lightweight materials borrowed from aircraft manufacture, such as alloys in the pistons for the first time.

It also departed from other bikes of the time with no chain-drive between the engine and the gearbox and no chain or belt leading to the rear wheel. Instead, it had a sealed valve shaft which kept the bike and rider clean and was easier to maintain.

This model is based on the engine in the venerable R 90 S which was the inspiration for modern R nineT.

BMW R 90 S rounded fairingBMW R 90 S

It had a 49kW 898cc, four-stroke Boxer engine with large Dell’Orto carburettors and was capable of 200km/h.

The R 90 S was also the first series-produced motorcycle to come with a fairing fixed to the handlebars.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lego unveils Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

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As if there already isn’t enough Harley-Davidson merchandise, now Danish toy company Lego has produced a scale-model Fat Boy model.

It stands 20cm high, 18cm wide and 33cm long and is made of 1023 pieces.

Several new pieces had to be made to create the moving model including a new rear rim with a super-wide tyre, plus two dark red 2×4 tiles sporting the Fat Boy logo.Lego Harley-Davidson Fat Boy scale model

The Lego Creator Expert Fat Boy costs $A159.99 and will be available from August 2019 at Lego stores at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast and Bondi Junction in Sydney, plus Legoland Discovery Centre in Melbourne.

It will also be available online at shop.LEGO.com with VIP members getting early access to buy one from July 17.

Moving Lego model

The model comes complete with solid-disc wheels, teardrop fuel tank, integrated speedometer, and dual exhaust pipes.

There are several moveable parts such as the rear tyre, handlebars, brake and gear levers and kickstand.

The Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine also has moving pistons.

It comes in an authentic Harley-Davidson colour scheme of “Wicked Red” and black.Lego Harley-Davidson Fat Boy scale model

Harley styling and design VP Brad Richards says they worked closely with the Lego team to ensure faithful details.

He says the project also celebrates a brand “that inspired the imagination and creativity of many of us at Harley-Davidson from a young age, including myself”.

We can understand Harley’s interest in being involved in this project as they are keen to attract younger followers.

Earlier this year, CEO and president Matt Levatich claimed half of all new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were bought by riders aged up to 34 years, female and ethnically diverse.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com