Motorcycle companies have a tendency towards the uninspired when it comes to graphics and color schemes, and lately Honda has been one of the worst offenders. British designer Kar Lee agrees and with a few swift strokes of the mouse rendered what he thinks the 2013 CBR600RR should look like. Spicier graphics are the main theme. “The problem with factory paint schemes today is that they’re simply not daring enough,” Lee says. “The model slowdown brought on by the recession has played a hand in stifling creativity of new bikes, and this is mirrored in the conservative paint schemes.” So Lee took it upon himself to give the industry a shot in the arm—Honda more specifically.
If the bikes here almost look familiar, it’s no accident. Lee’s designs are meant to remind us of a time when Honda wasn’t afraid to splash some color on their bodywork. For example, his fresh take on the old school RC30 paint scheme, “It’s the simplicity of the design which makes this a timeless classic,” says Lee. “The colors are pure RC30, first seen back in 1987. The gold pin-striping is essential to glue the scheme together—without it the design doesn’t gel.”
Not all of his designs are so specific though, as shown by his use of the classic HRC colors in the large rendering above. “There’s something about the combination of red, white and blue that strikes a cord with the patriotic among us. We Brits love it, and of course they’re the main colors of the Star-Spangled Banner. They’re also the same colors used in Honda’s HRC logo, which only adds sporting kudos to the association.”
Adding some life to a model line with paint seems simple enough, and cost friendly so we would like to go on the record as saying the time is more crucial than ever to make the most out of graphic design work to get some excitement back into models that aren’t seeing huge leaps and bounds elsewhere. With any luck Honda will agree.
Pick Your Pleasure
Nothing crazy about these schemes but they have a factory fresh appeal even the oldest of execs at Honda could unanimously agree on. Which of these three would you be most apt to roll out of the dealership with. Let us know on Facebook.