Master’s in Motorcycle Design Engineering: Identity and Ergonomics
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle design engineering, identity and ergonomics. 12 modules covering brand identity, rider ergonomics, geometry and dynamics, chassis, fairings and aerodynamics, lighting, electric motorcycles, rider safety, CMF and professional design tools, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the formal identity of motorcycle brands and types.
Design rider and passenger ergonomics.
Relate chassis geometry to stability and handling.
Integrate mechanical components, fairings and lighting into the design.
Propose electric motorcycle concepts with their own identity.
Incorporate active and passive rider safety.
Present projects using professional design tools.
Who it's for
- Motorcycle designers who want to combine strong brand identity with sound engineering.
- Two-wheeler ergonomics engineers working on rider and passenger comfort.
- Digital surface modellers creating class-A surfaces for motorcycles.
- Motorcycle CMF designers defining colours, materials and finishes.
- Chassis engineers who want to understand how geometry shapes the design.
- Accessory and customisation designers working with kits and special editions.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into the motorcycle sector.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 (approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles)
- UN/ECE Regulation No 53 (installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on L3 vehicles)
- UN/ECE Regulation No 22 (06 series) (protective helmets and visors)
- UN/ECE Regulation No 78 (braking of L-category vehicles)
- EN 17092 (motorcyclists' protective garments)
- EN 1621-1 (motorcyclists' protective clothing against mechanical impact: limb protectors)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) No 3/2014 (vehicle functional safety requirements for L-category vehicles)
- Autodesk Alias
- BikeSim
- SOLIDWORKS
- KeyShot
- Gravity Sketch
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1History and types of motorcycle1.2Naked, sport, trail, custom and scooter1.3Brand identity in motorcycles1.4Proportions and visual stance1.5Tank, tail and front-end volumes1.6Neo-retro and electric trends1.7Design versus engineering in motorcycles1.8The development process at a manufacturer1.9Benchmarking of mid-range motorcycles1.10Case study: analysis of a brand's identity
2.1The handlebar, seat and footpeg triangle2.2Riding positions by motorcycle type2.3Rider anthropometry2.4Seat height and foot reach2.5Reach to controls and levers2.6Load on wrists and neck2.7Comfort on long journeys2.8Passenger ergonomics2.9Adjustable elements and personalisation2.10Lab: adjustable ergonomic rig
3.1Rake angle and trail3.2Wheelbase and manoeuvrability3.3Centre of gravity height3.4Static and dynamic weight distribution3.5Wobble and weave instability modes3.6Lean angle and cornering3.7Swingarm anti-squat geometry3.8Gyroscopic effect of the wheels3.9Multibody simulation of the motorcycle3.10Practical: dynamic model in BikeSim
4.1Trellis, twin-spar and monocoque frames4.2Swingarms and rear suspension4.3Conventional and upside-down forks4.4Spoked and cast wheels4.5Exhausts as a design element4.6Fuel tanks and covers4.7Seats and tail units4.8Footpegs and rearsets4.9Visual integration of mechanical components4.10Workshop: designing a tail unit with an integrated rear light
5.1Full fairings and half fairings5.2Rider wind protection5.3Adjustable screens and deflectors5.4Racing wings and winglets5.5Engine cooling ducts5.6Aerodynamic noise in the helmet5.7CFD simulation with a rider5.8Motorcycle wind tunnel testing5.9Fairing materials: ABS and carbon5.10Case study: adjustable screen for a trail bike
6.1Motorcycle LED headlamps6.2Brand light signature6.3Indicators integrated into the fairing6.4Tail lights and brake light6.5Cornering lights based on lean angle6.6TFT instrumentation and legibility6.7Smartphone connectivity and navigation6.8Switchgear and handlebar controls6.9Lighting type-approval according to UNECE 536.10Practical: TFT display design for a trail bike
7.1Integration of the battery pack7.2Electric motors and final drive7.3New proportions without a combustion engine7.4Sound and perception without an exhaust7.5Battery and motor cooling7.6Weight and centre of gravity7.7Charging ports and their location7.8Range and real-world use7.9Electric form identity7.10Workshop: concept for an electric naked bike
8.1Cornering ABS and inertial platforms8.2Traction control and anti-wheelie8.3Motorcycle-mounted and jacket airbags8.4Body protectors to EN 16218.5Visibility and conspicuity8.6Advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS)8.7Helmets according to UNECE 22.068.8Protective clothing according to EN 170928.9MAIDS accident studies8.10Case study: radar integration on a touring motorcycle
9.1Tank paints and lacquers9.2Graphics, decals and liveries9.3Chrome plating and sustainable alternatives9.4Machined and anodised aluminium9.5Exposed carbon fibre9.6Seat upholstery9.7Textures of plastic parts9.8Weathering durability9.9Personalisation and accessories9.10Practical: CMF proposal for a special edition
10.1Motorcycle sketching in perspective10.2Surface modelling in Alias10.3Full-scale clay modelling10.4Scanning and reverse engineering10.5Virtual reality review10.6Rendering and presentation10.7Functional rolling prototypes10.8Competitions and design portfolio10.9Collaboration with chassis engineering10.10Lab: clay model of a fuel tank
11.1Custom culture and builders11.2Café racer and scrambler11.3Off-road and enduro motorcycles11.4Urban scooters and design11.5Racing motorcycles11.6Type-approvable conversion kits11.7Restoration of classics11.8Emerging markets and utility motorcycles11.9Accessories and rider equipment11.10Case study: scrambler conversion kit
12.1Briefing and target segment12.2Research with riders12.3Formal concept and sketches12.4Proposed ergonomics and geometry12.5Complete 3D modelling12.6CMF and lighting of the proposal12.7Ergonomic and technical validation12.8Final project presentation12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Alias, BikeSim, SOLIDWORKS, KeyShot and Gravity Sketch, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: adjustable ergonomic rigs with riders, multibody dynamic simulation and full-scale clay modelling. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, UN/ECE Regulation No 53, UN/ECE Regulation No 22 (06 series), UN/ECE Regulation No 78, EN 17092, EN 1621-1, Delegated Regulation (EU) No 3/2014.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Autodesk Alias, BikeSim, SOLIDWORKS, KeyShot, Gravity Sketch, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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