Styling
Clay model first
Unlike conventional designs, the design studies for the new ZZR did not begin with sketches. An actual clay model was produced, and the designers and stylists continuously refined the model until the definitive shapes were achieved. Working with a 3-dimensional model rather than sketches, the small group of engineers and designers used a carrozzeria-style design process to achieve a tightly focused and very concentrated design. Like a living organism, the design evolved quickly on a day-to-day and even hourly basis. Step by step the basic design of the new ZZR began to take shape.
 |
|
“There was a big difference between the model’s early, mid-stage and final designs. The actual design process was quite long. Each member of the design staff had a clear idea what the new ZZR should look like, and that idea never lost its focus. As development proceeded, everyone shared a unified concept of what the bike should look like,” says the Design Planning Section Chief. The design theme for the ZZR called for a visually powerful image with a distinct presence, one that was intimidating rather than beautiful. When the chief designer saw the sketch for the new ZZR he simply used one word “Menacing.” This was precisely the image that Kawasaki’s hard-core fans wanted. |
