The Honda Motocompacto is undoubtedly a nifty gadget. Designed as a compact, foldable scooter ideal for navigating bustling urban landscapes, it undeniably serves its purpose. However, it does come with one significant drawback – lackluster speed. With a rated output of less than a single horsepower, it struggles to accelerate, taking seven seconds to reach a modest speed of 15 miles per hour. Recognizing this limitation, we embarked on a mission to transform the Motocompacto into something truly exceptional – the Motocompacto Type R.
The Vision
The Type R badge is synonymous with Honda’s most exhilarating and capable machines. To earn such a prestigious title, our objective was clear: to enhance the Motocompacto’s speed, agility, and overall enjoyment factor. While the path we chose may not have been the easiest, we were determined that it would be the most rewarding.
Strategic Decisions
Upon careful consideration, we concluded that purchasing and modifying an existing Motocompacto would not yield optimal results. Instead, we opted to build our own from scratch. Leveraging the fact that the Motocompacto shares many components with other Honda products, such as the Civic, we were able to source essential parts like the electric motor, brake, and body panels. While this approach presented its challenges, starting afresh allowed us greater control over the customization process.
Sourcing Components
Central to our project were the motor and controller. We procured the motor directly from Honda and acquired the controller from Flipsky, renowned for its high-quality inverters. With these critical components in hand, we meticulously inspected the motor, noting its similarity to generic scooter hub motors. Despite its modest power output, we were confident that with the right modifications, we could unlock its full potential.
Engineering the Frame
Designing the frame was a crucial aspect of our endeavor. Armed with the Motocompacto’s wheelbase dimensions, we meticulously crafted a frame that would accommodate the upgraded components seamlessly. Utilizing a combination of square and round aluminum tubes, along with steel reinforcements, we ensured the structural integrity of our creation. Our partnership with Oshcut proved invaluable, providing precision laser-cut metal parts essential for the frame assembly.
Final Touches
Mounting the body onto the frame marked the culmination of our efforts. Through meticulous scanning and prototyping, we achieved a perfect fit, seamlessly integrating the body panels with our custom frame. Additionally, we 3D-printed a new headlight for the scooter, adding a touch of modernity to its design.
The Road Ahead
As we prepare to embark on the next phase of our journey – testing and riding the Motocompacto Type R – we remain committed to sharing our insights and experiences with fellow enthusiasts. Stay tuned for the upcoming installment, where we delve deeper into the driving experience and the intricate workings of the power electronics.
In conclusion, our journey to create the ultimate Honda Motocompacto Type R has been both challenging and immensely gratifying. Through meticulous planning, innovative problem-solving, and unwavering determination, we have succeeded in crafting a truly exceptional machine that embodies the spirit of Honda’s legendary Type R lineage.
