What sort of material can be shaped for the body of a bike?

best electric bikes of 2011 image

Keir Sta

After realizing that building an ultra light weight aircraft would require time that i didn't care to spend, I decided it was maybe time to be a little more realistic. So I am now in the process of building an electric motorcycle, in the design of the "light Cycle" from the Tron movies. I've built the frame and have all the electronics.. buuut I haven't the slightest idea how to design the outer shell.

Sheet metal sounds ideal, but it DOES NOT like to be bent in multiple directions. I need a material that can be shaped without the need for an English-wheel or any other crazy machinery. Just keep in mind that it does not have to be hard or reliable, it's going to be more like a trophy than an actual drivable bike.

Oh and with this economy, lets keep the prices reasonable, okay?

Here's a picture to give you an idea about the shaping that's required.

Answer
As you are building a one-off I would recommend using the fiberglass over foam method. You carve a 3d mock up from conventional insulation foam and then laminate both sides with fiberglass. Then apply a little bondo then a gel coat over it. Unlike with carbon fiber or kevlar fiberglass does not require a pressurized mold, or any mold, and can be laid by hand. this works with any shape including compound curves. If touching resin doesn't appeal to you you might invest in a compressed air powered chopper gun. fiberglass over foam is by far the cheapest method, for something small like a motorcycle you probably wont spend more the 500 bucks for all the materials.
This is how most low budget movie props are made.


Also you should look up Daniel Simon as he designed the new tron bike
here are some of his concept sketches

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18j2ra6w95ivojpg/original.jpg

http://www.feelguide.com/2010/12/18/the-design-process-behind-trons-light-cycle/

http://motomalaya.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TronLegacy_DanielSimon_FlynnsBike_Sketch01.jpg

look around on this site this is where I learned about this method http://www.rqriley.com/frp-foam.htm

This french coach builder uses a similar technique to make cars for autoshows
http://sbarro.perso.neuf.fr/indexgb.html

What is the next most likely fuel for cars?

Axel

I've heard of hydrogen, solar powered and ethanol powered cars, but is there another one? and is there any that could become standard within 15 years?

Please star this cause I want the most answers for this.

Answer
Some people think that natural gas could be the fuel of choice in some countries in the future as it burns cleaner and is more abundant in the US and others. Bio-butanol could also be one potential source...it's compatible with current engine designs and infrastructures and is renewable using bacteria.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317102603.htm

Synthetic gasoline can be produced using nanopellets of hydrogen which flow like liquids and burn clean.
http://news.discovery.com/tech/synthetic-gasoline-for-150gallon-and-no-emissions.html

Hydrogen-powered bike..
http://news.discovery.com/tech/magic-powder-fuels-electric-bike.html

Renewable bio-fuels from algae...
http://www.biofueldaily.com/reports/Joule_Unlimited_On_Track_To_Beat_All_Known_Biofuel_Processes_999.html
http://discovermagazine.com/2010/jan-feb/37

Thermal conversion processes or microwaves can turn garbage, wastes, plastics, old tires, etc.. into oil and fuels...
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/innovator_2.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWf9nYbm3ac&feature=related
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/WPIO.php?printing=yes

Food wastes account for a lost 350 million barrels of oil per year in the US alone...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101003081627.htm

Cleaner fuels using plasma..
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322121100.htm

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