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Suppose it, Construct it: Blown Rau-CBR900 from Rocket Sprocket Customs…
Manfred Rau was a German motorbike body designer, engineer, and tuner who designed his personal backbone-style body to accommodate the massive air-cooled/cooled four-cylinder Japanese engines of the Nineteen Seventies.
“Rau mixed the design ideas of the world’s two most revered body builders, Fritz Egli and Bimota. Rau quickly earned wholesome respect for his creations, with many successful on racetracks all through Europe.” –Simply Bikes
In 1985, PS-Schuppan (PSS) acquired Rau’s enterprise to supply his designs on a bigger scale — a extremely profitable partnership till 1991, when Rau sadly handed away at solely 48 years previous, and the PSS-Rau machines quickly vanished in his wake.
Enter our new buddy Andreas “Andy” Neuhold of Switzerland’s Rocket Sprocket Customs — an architect by commerce who obtained began constructing customs in 2014, when he challenged two associates to construct a customized bike for Custombike 2014, a contest in Germany. Two months later, working with a restricted finances, they’d managed to create the “Rocket Sprocket” — a turbocharged CBR900 with a customized body, which took house an award from the competition.
Whereas the 2 different associates developed different pursuits, Andy was decided to make his bike-building dream a actuality. He bought some instruments and commenced studying learn how to use them by way of Youtube and in-person workshops.
“I used to be capable of construct stuff I used to be considering of and wasn’t at all times in want of some assist. Everyone knows that all of us have sufficient to do with our personal lives, so I received’t annoy somebody with my goals or issues… Suppose it, construct it!“
Lately, Andy works in his store on the nights and weekends along with his dream woman, Lisa: “Might a person be any happier?”
If Lisa is Andy’s dream woman, “The Rocketeer” is his dream bike — a machine created “with none compromises.” The Rau body has been fitted with Suzuki GSX-R750 forks, Ducati Monster S4R single-sided swingarm, Ducati wheels, and a rebuilt Honda CBR900RR engine…supercharged.
Andy hand-built the setup for a Rotrex C15 supercharger, together with just about each different a part of this construct: subframe, tank, bodywork, exhaust, wiring harness…you identify it. The result’s an all-motor, blown streetfighter that appears like one thing straight out of the long-lasting Bloodrunners or Jet Metallic comedian strips.
Andy says he’s taking pictures for 180-200 whp at a weight of 440 lbs. Although the strict Swiss motor laws maintain the bike from being road-legal in his house nation, he’s taken it down the 1/8-mile airfield sprints on the Kilomètre Lancé in St. Moritz, however he’s additionally had his setbacks.
“I simply blew up the engine and supercharger…will strive once more this yr!”
Such goes the educational course of, particularly with you’re taking part in with pressured induction. Beneath, we discuss to Andy for extra info on “The Rocketeer.”
Rau “Rocketeer”: Builder Interview
• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.
My dad at all times had a motorbike. Then we had been born…no bikes no extra… My mum needed a canine, my dad a motorcycle… Effectively, my mum had her canine and my dad his bike once more.
Been driving bikes since I used to be 18, began dreaming about customizing however by no means met somebody who may assist me get began. So I began however I used to be by no means actually capable of do need I used to be dreaming of…no expertise, no workshop, no instruments, and so forth.
In 2014 we had been ingesting beer with associates and I requested them if they’d have enjoyable constructing a motorcycle for a customized bike contest in Germany. Effectively they mentioned sure and I registered for the competition.
After had been had been chosen to construct a motorcycle, we had rather a lot to do…solely a few months for the construct with restricted cash. I discovered rather a lot from my associates! We even received a prize on the truthful.
After that our methods separated — one turned a father, whereas the opposite was extra serious about racing on the monitor.
I purchased some instruments, watched Youtube, discovered learn how to use a lathe, a mill, welding, began casting aluminium and took some programs. That was the actual begin. I used to be capable of construct stuff I used to be considering of and wasn’t at all times in want of some assist. Everyone knows that all of us have sufficient to do with our personal lives, so I received’t annoy somebody with my goals or issues… Suppose it, construct it!
In 2018 I began with a three-day sheet steel course in north Germany. I’m not excellent, studying by doing, however having enjoyable and being inventive — that’s what it’s all about. The older I get the much less curiosity I’ve for plug and play components — why compromise?
In 2019 I met my dream woman! She’s been working with me since then within the workshop, began with portray, and could be very inventive too. Might a person be happier?
We do all that stuff in our free time, within the evenings and weekends. Throughout the week I work as an architect.
• What’s the make, mannequin, and yr of the donor bike?
Blended all collectively: Body is German from a model referred to as Rau. The engine is from a Honda CBR900, with Ducati Monster S4R swingarm, Ducati wheels, GSX-R750 fork, and Rotrext supercharger.
• Why was this bike constructed?
As a result of I needed to construct my dream bike with none compromises.
• What was the design idea and what influenced the construct?
Streetfighters, Harleys, customized bikes….a pure combating machine with no bling-bling shit.
• What customized work was carried out to the bike?
The entire supercharger setup, tank, rear finish, seat, every little thing. I printed and casted the logos on the tank out of aluminium. [Build sheet below.]
• Does the bike have a nickname?
“The Rocketeer.”
• Any concept of horsepower, weight, and/or efficiency numbers?
The purpose will likely be round 180-200hp, weight is round 200kg. I simply blew up the engine and supercharger final yr. Will strive once more this yr!
• Are you able to inform us what it’s prefer to journey this bike?
I’ve solely been capable of journey my bike across the workshop and on a 1/8 mile race. It isn’t highway authorized right here in Switzerland due to the very strict laws :-/
The driving place could be very aggressive within the entrance course of the bike and you’re feeling like sitting on an engine or a cannonball 🙂 There’s not a lot left other than the engine.
• Was there something carried out throughout this construct that you’re significantly happy with?
That the bike is working, not excellent but, however working and driving. Dreamed it, constructed it!
• Is there anybody you’d prefer to thank?
Föns, Dani, and Dome! And naturally my attractive babe Lisa.
Rau “Rocketeer” Specs
Kind: Rau CBR 900
Year: 2017
Engine: Rebuilt, painted, Rotrex C15 compressor
Ignition system: Ignitec
Carburetor: unique, sealed
Exhaust: Fully self-made
Body: Welded RSC, painted
Rear body: self-made RSC
Footpegs: ABM
Fork: Suzuki GSX-R750
Rims: Ducati
Handlebar: LSL
Shock absorber: Ducati, unique bellcrank
Swingarm: Ducati Monster S4R, painted
Brakes: Brembo, Spiegler metal braided traces
Fairing: Home made RSC
Tank: Self-made RSC
Hump: Self-made RSC manufactured from metal
Paintwork: Darkish blood sweet purple
Electrics: Self-made wiring harness RSC
Rear mild: LED, darkish glass, embedded within the rear strut
Speedometer: Motogadget Mini, embedded within the fork bridge
Observe the Builder
Net: www.rscustoms.ch
FB: Rocket Sprocket Customs
Insta: @rocketsprocketcustoms
All pics are made by Andreas or Lisa
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