Our goals as industrial designers were set by Raymond Loewy's famous philosophy MAYA. Create the Most Advanced Yet Acceptable products. Not only is this a hard goal to reach in design but it is an almost impossible goal for a product to maintain for very long. As society progresses, products that were once cutting edge inevitably become obsolete. But what if a product was designed to adapt to the inevitable innovation of its industry? What if a product could be the Most Advanced Yet Adaptable?

That's where MAYA (the motorcycle) comes in. Rather than sticking to the traditional automotive design process where a structure is designed to support a specific core technology component. (i.e. an Engine, Motor, battery, hydrogen fuel cell) MAYA creates a modular frame where the core technology is designed around its specific core structure. This allows the modular frame of the motorcycle to be reused. While its aesthetics and technology can be redesigned and adapted into an infinite number of different motorcycle models to accommodate the needs of any rider and any market. All while giving everyone the opportunity to repair or upgrade their motorcycle to be the latest cutting edge model.

By only loosening three bolts and some easy disassembly MAYA can simply exchange its three major technology and aesthetic components (the propulsion unit, the seat structure, and the upper assembly) in a matter of minutes. Allowing MAYA to transform from an affordable combustion motorcycle model to the latest cutting edge electric-powered model. Giving riders the financial option to make smarter investments in their personal transportation. Instead of purchasing obscure parts for complex repairs or buying a whole new motorcycle. They can simply buy new easy to install replacement modules. Not only making it a more affordable solution but also progressing them towards newer, more innovative/cleaner solutions later on.

With one frame MAYA can save the consumer money, give manufacturers repeat customers (buying said modules), and reducing unnecessary material waste that is caused by obsolescence in the auto industry.

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I first stumbled upon the idea that would create MAYA while building my first motorcycle in high school. I realized that every motorcycle frame is designed around the engine (or the battery for electric motorcycles) but when one major component breaks or becomes obsolete in its aesthetics or technology the entire motorcycle is considered broken or obsolete. That is until it comes across a custom builder. Where what is considered waste is fixed, and altered into something that surpasses its former glory. So I asked myself, “Why can't products be designed to inevitably be altered?”

From the very start of college, I planned on putting this question into action by making an electric motorcycle for my thesis. So when my last semester came I fully dedicated myself to designing and building MAYA the Most Advanced Yet Adaptable motorcycle. I worked on this project practically 24-7 and quite literally lived on a small bed hidden on top of my studio locker in order to finish on time. After three months I had a fully functional prototype of the dream I had been longing for so long.

MAYA is an electric motorcycle designed to defy product obsolescence. Rather than creating another vehicle that will quickly be outdated, MAYA can reuse the same frame to create a whole new motorcycle. By simply replacing three components (the propulsion unit, the seat structure, and the upper assembly) MAYA can be adapted into infinite types of motorcycle models. From the latest cutting edge electric motorcycle to an affordable combustion motorcycle MAYA can serve the needs of any rider. MAYA gives all riders the equal opportunity to stay up to date, repair, and upgrade their motorcycle to be the Most Advanced Yet Acceptable, now and in the future.

MAYA's modular frame was designed using Solidworks. It was then CNC plasma cut, then bent on a hydraulic brake press, and then welded together. The same was done for the seat structure and the propulsion unit structure. MAYA's aesthetic body components are built from 3d printed petg parts reinforced with fiberglass and plain fiberglass parts. Its current electric-powered model has a range of 30 miles and a top speed of 50 mph. Yet it can be disassembled and ready for a new higher performance model in under 10 minutes.

I am hoping that by creating MAYA it can set an inspiration for how we can rethink the system of how we manufacture products. I want to design products that reuse their structure while their aesthetics and technology can be updated to surpass their former glory. In hopes to make a more sustainable transportation industry, but also bring the gift of seeing the potential in what's considered outdated to everyone. Just like how building custom motorcycles gave to me.