White Motorcycle Concepts Ltd (WMC), in collaboration with EY3 and Productiv were awarded a Niche Vehicle Network Production Readiness grant (Oct 21 to Jun 22) to productionise their WMC300FR first responder motorcycle.  This project built upon the work already completed to create a working prototype of the WMC300FR, most of which was constructed using rapid prototyping.  This working prototype was extensively tested to understand any modifications to design to ensure the final product was robust and fit for purpose.

Moving from a prototype into production is a huge challenge, from a design, manufacturing method and targeted costs perspective.  Not only did a great deal of the work completed involves selecting the appropriate manufacturing techniques, but it also the consideration of how the motorcycle would be constructed, used and ultimately serviced.  The output from the Production Readiness phase has been critical to create a repeatable, manageable robust solution that meets the price point desired by the customer.

This timelapse video provides an insight into the conversion of the standard Yamaha Tricity into the WMC300FR, incorporating WMC’s patented duct technology, as well as, an electric hybrid drive powered by detachable batteries.  The video covers the entire process, inserting the duct, fitting the police specific looms and bluelight system, adding the panniers and top box (containing all of the electrical systems), adding the electric drive and finished off by applying the police livery. 

There are now 8 WMC300FR motorcycles in use by Northamptonshire Police with a number of other forces expressing an interest.