My story unfolds from a unique background in mechanical/structural engineering, a passion for racing motorcycles, and a casual interest in video games. Unfortunately, in Canada the race seasons are painfully short, spanning just a few months. Although, it's probably for the better – given that both tires and race entries can be a strain on the wallet. Thankfully, the offseason brings a small reprieve, giving my finances time to recover and recharge...

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Winter Challenges and Inspirational Beginnings:

Living in Canada, where winters are brutally cold and often plummet to -40 degrees, motorcycle enthusiasts like myself face the annual ritual of winterizing our bikes. During these long winter months, my living room becomes a temporary home for my bike. It was in the midst of a particularly frigid winter that I had an overwhelming feeling of needing to ride my bike; even for just a couple laps around the track (if you know, you know...). So, I downloaded MotoGP from Steam and after a few hours of gripping a controller and still feeling wholly unsatisfied and submitting to the realization that nothing couldn't replicate that feeling and I was going to have to wait for the next season like everyone else.

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From Concept to Prototype:

Without a clear plan or specific expectations in mind, but with a determination to capture the true essence of motorcycle racing, I put my design skills into action. With a few days of coding and wiring a microcontroller and some custom 3D printed parts, I ingeniously turned my race bike into a functional USB controller to play motorcycle racing games.  Although I didn't think much of it at the time, but after an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from friends, it inspired me revise and create something better.  This simple prototype was the first step towards something much bigger—a full-scale motorcycle simulator project.

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Identifying the Gap and Innovating Solutions:

As my project took shape, I spotted a significant gap in the market: a realistic, yet affordable motorcycle simulator for home enthusiasts. The available options were either too pricey or just didn't hit the mark on playability. Eager to bridge this gap, I set out to design a simulator that would cater to a wide user base. After numerous iterations and much tinkering with the steering mechanism, I stumbled upon my "eureka" moment.

 

From all the research and the countless videos I watched, I noticed a common challenge with existing simulators - their steering was notably difficult, often overly complex. It struck me that most videos only showcased brief snippets of riding, likely masking their struggle with control. This observation was pivotal. I set out to address these shortcomings, leading to a pioneering innovation: a dual input steering system that seamlessly integrates both lean and handlebar steering.

 

This patent pending innovation was more than just an improvement; it revolutionized the simulator's control system. It offers a hybrid of realism and playability, capturing the exhilarating sensation of leaning into high-speed corners while allowing for precise, subtle adjustments with the handlebars. No longer did users have to resort to exaggerated body movements to steer. This breakthrough formed the foundation of my project, setting it apart from anything else on the market and elevating it from a mere simulator to a truly special experience.

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Designing for Accessibility and Customization:

At the core of my design journey was a vision: to craft a simulator that wasn't just about the thrill and playability but was also welcoming and adaptable to anyone who wanted to experience the race track. Throughout my trial testing phase, I encountered a remarkably diverse group of users, varying widely in body type, skill, or mobility. This diversity significantly impacted their experience with the simulator, leading me to a crucial design insight that sparked a fundamental change that dramatically deviated from the initial idea.   

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To accommodate this variety, I introduced interchangeable counter springs, allowing for customization tailored to each user's specific weight and support needs. This feature also includes the option to adjust the lean intensity, making the simulator more user-friendly and accessible. Whether it's increasing or decreasing the amount of lean required, the simulator can be finely tuned to suit individual preferences.

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This adaptability ensures that riders, regardless of their skill level, physical ability, or experience, can enjoy a thrilling experience without compromise. This simulator became more than just a machine – it's a chameleon, changing to fit who's riding it, making the thrill of racing accessible to all. It’s about bringing that heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled joy of racing to everyone, no matter their background or experience. And that, to me, is what really makes it special.

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Refining the Vision:

The journey of developing the simulator, especially as we introduced more features, inevitably led to an increase in both its complexity and potential cost. It was a balancing act, ensuring that the advanced capabilities didn't make the simulator prohibitively expensive for our enthusiasts. In the fall of 2023, this challenge took center stage as I turned my focus to the core of the simulator – the ProtoV3 frame.

 

The ProtoV3 frame's redesign wasn't just a tweak; it was a fundamental reimagining. I dove into every detail, considering how each component contributed to the overall user experience and cost. The driving force behind this redesign was to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost and time, chiefly by cutting down on the welding required. The goal was clear: refine and streamline the design without diluting the immersive experience that is the simulator's hallmark.

 

This process was like sculpting, carefully removing excess, and enhancing the essential. I aimed to preserve what made the simulator unique — the thrilling realism and responsive feel — while making it more accessible. By optimizing the design, I managed to reduce unnecessary complexities that were driving up costs, ensuring that the simulator remained within reach for our users.

 

But the frame was just one piece of the puzzle. The fall of 2023 also saw the addition of a series of features that elevated the simulator to new heights. A custom display was integrated for a more immersive experience, self-calibrating inputs were introduced for ease of use, and custom RevZED PCBs were developed to ensure seamless performance. These PCBs were designed with expandable inputs, allowing for the continuous addition of features, reflecting our commitment to ongoing innovation and improvement. This period of development was also when the name RevZED was born. It symbolizes the ever-evolving and improving nature of the design, a nod to the relentless pursuit of perfection - a trait very much part of my personal ethos as a perfectionist. It's a playful yet meaningful acknowledgment of the ongoing journey to refine and perfect the simulator, much like the continuous adjustments a racer makes to their bike in pursuit of that perfect lap.

 

The resulting ProtoV3 frame, coupled with these innovative features, epitomizes this vision. It strikes a fine balance between practicality and advanced performance, being lightweight yet sturdy, sophisticated yet uncomplicated. Together, they form the heart of what is currently being showcased - a vital step in realizing the complete vision of the simulator. This combination of the redesigned frame and the additional, continuously expandable features stands as a testament to our dedication to innovation, accessibility, and delivering the ultimate racing experience.

 

Looking Ahead: Community Engagement and Launch Plans:

You. Are. Here: You've arrived at a pivotal moment in our journey. The next 6 to 12 months are all about diving deeper into the community's heart. It's simple: to make this simulator soar, we need the wind of moto-enthusiasts' passion and feedback. Your insights are the fuel that will refine and perfect this simulator.

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This phase culminates in a Kickstarter campaign, and it's much more than a funding drive. It's a call to arms for everyone who shares our dream, an opportunity to elevate this project from a passion project, conceived in a basement,  to a tangible reality. This campaign is about handing you, the community, the reins to drive this project to its ultimate potential, delivering this groundbreaking simulator to your doorstep.

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With the Kickstarter (which will be launched in the coming months), our goal is to fund the crucial finishing touches. We're talking about upgrading from 3D printed parts to professional-grade materials, enhancing the aesthetics for a sleeker look, and incorporating top-tier electronics for unmatched performance. These improvements aren't just about quality; they're about making this simulator more accessible by further reducing costs. It's a step towards making sure that when this simulator reaches you, it's the best version of our collective vision – a fusion of high-end technology, user-centric design, and affordability. Let's make this journey together and see just how far we can take it.

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I'm proud of the work that went into this, and if this prototype is far as it goes, I'm wholly content. But with your support, we can take this further. So, if you're a moto-enthusiast that has always dreamed of a product like this, let me here how bad you want it! #Jointheride

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-Kris

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