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Iraq Moto: Zagraniski’s 450 Blog, Part 3
Zagraniski's F-450 project is really beginning to take shape. - Courtesy Zagraniski
I recently received a new group of images from Killeen Power Sports illustrating the status of our Formula 450 project. I have included what I think is the best of the entire set for your enjoyment. What you’re looking at here is a nearly complete trackday mule, minus bodywork and a few essentials. I think this photo does an especially good job of demonestrating the incredible amount of effort that has already gone into transforming this motorcycle from its dirt bike roots. Were it not for the beefy frame and asymetrical two-piece radiator, would you ever expect that this bike came from Japan ready for off-road trails and enduros? A full-replacement FMF Factory 41 exhaust system, Formula 450-spec suspension from Race Tech, and Dunlops on gilded Marchesini rims are some of the highlights here for me.
The inspiration for Zagraniski's pending bodywork graphics. - Courtesy Zagraniski
Speaking of that gold color, I have something else to share with you. You may already know that this project is a coming-home present to myself to celebrate the end of a year-long (very long, ha!) deployment to Iraq. The color of those wheels plays directly into the overall concept of the bike as a symbol of my completed tour. I decided early on that our finished product should pay direct visual hommage to the Iraqi Campaign Medal. For those who have not seen the medal before, I have included it here. As with all Army medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal has a ribbon whose pattern of colored stripes sets it apart from every other decoration authorized for Army uniforms. What better way to remember Iraq than to have the same colors and pattern boldly displayed on this bike? If possible, I’d also like to pay homage to my favorite style of racing motorcycle (judging only by looks), the mid-1970s Grand Prix machines. As long as the design team meets those two preferences, I will be quite satisfied.
Vote in the comment section with your favorite choice. Here's option 1. - Courtesy Zagraniski
So it was that the men at Killeen Power Sports were given a rough idea of what I was looking for and, as usual, asked to use their collective imaginations to good affect. The results of their brainstorming were far beyond my expectations, and now I find myself in a bit of trouble. As you can see from the last three images I’ve posted here, I have been presented with three really interesting concepts. Sadly, I don’t have $4,000 lying around, so I can’t buy all three! That’s where you come in.
Option 2. - Courtesy Zagraniski
To close, I’ll leave you with some words from Dustin. The Killen Power Sports “plan is to get the bodywork on [my] bike and then [Photoshop] it with different paint schemes.” There seems to be some minor trouble about getting the brand-new bracket kit to work just right with the bodywork for which it was designed. Apparently, these things happen with custom builds. Dustin also tells me they actually have decals for Killeen Power Sports, which I could add to any of the paint schemes I already have. The parting shot, though, I think was his best. Dustin added that, “A second set of plastic for this bike, unpainted, would be just over $1,000.” Clearly, he understands my concern that the first time I lowside I’ll be throwing away a beautiful set of carbon fiber body pieces. But really, did there have to be so many zeros in that number?
Option 3. - Zagraniski photo
Very cool, Ted! My vote is for Option #2. Thanks for the blogs, and good luck over there.
I like option 2 as well. However, option one is pretty cool too. Perhaps option 1 with another design added to the large red space that is the side fairing? Either way, sweet work. Can’t wait to see the finished product and get a report on how it rides. Good luck and godspeed on your return!
I was going to say that I like Option 2 the best, but then I considered the gold bits on the fork and the rims. That would balance out the amount of red in Options 1 and 3. Between 1 and 3, I like #1 better.
-Kent
I like option #2 as well. Option 1 would be nice, but it looks too Ducati somehow. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just not you.
Option one is my favorite, but it’s not my bike. Looking forward to another soldier coming home. Take care and give yourself time to get your head back on straight.
Very nice I am partial to #2 I figure go big or go home, good luck on the rest of the tour and go easy, MAJ R
#2 absolutely! #3 is a bit staid, and doesn’t seem to have the flair of your outgoing, risk-taker personality.