Rolando Tradii

Rolando Tradii

An internet interview with the Designer/Manufacturer of the T.R.D.moto range of bikes

rcbike.com: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Rolando: I’m 52 years old. I was born in Sasso Marconi, Guglielmo Marconi’s native country, but now I stay in Osteria Grande (Bologna). I only studied till 15 years because I had lost the will to do it. When I was 15 years I was very interested in doing practical things, so I begin my training to be a turner. I learn a lot in my training, I develop good machine shop skills but after 8 years I didn’t want to work in a factory any more, so I begin to work as bus driver since 23 until 50. When I reach 50 I was pensioned.

rcbike.com: When did you first become interested in rc motorcycles?

Rolando: In 1986 I become interested by rc motorcycles, (when there was D.W.A), after 7 years of mini-model motor race.

rcbike .com: Have you been involved in racing rc motorcycles in Italy, or anywhere else in Europe?

Rolando: I won 2 Italian championships in 1987 & 1988 with D.W.A. motorcycles, in Germany I won a European Championship in 1988.

rcbike.com: Did you design the electric and nitro motorcycles yourself, or did someone else do it?

Rolando: I plan myself my motorcycles. I use knowledge found in racing D.W.A. motorcycles.

rcbike.com: When and why did you decide to manufacture the T.R.D.moto range of motorcycles?

Rolando: I decided to manufacture the T.R.D. moto range in 1994 when is born my son Enrico. Because D.W.A. shut down, I enjoyed D.W.A. so much I thought it was a big loss so I decide to manufacture so my son could have the same fun I did with model motorcycles.

rcbike.com: Can you tell us a little about the design and manufacturing process?

Rolando: I manufactured my first 20 moto with my equipment, then as I had to manufacture a lot of motorcycles, I had done most elaborate part with numerical control machinery.

rcbike.com: Were you influenced by any ‘real’ motorcycles when you designed the T.R.D.moto electric and nitro motorcycles?

Rolando: No I was not influenced by ‘real’ motorcycles. I don’t take care of industrial design, but only of robustness and functionality. I build into T.R.D.moto everything I learn with racing D.W.A. motorcycles. T.R.D.moto is born out of real racing experience, this to me is the most important and valuable thing I can give to anyone who buys a T.R.D.moto.

rcbike.com: How long did it take to produce the first working prototypes?

Rolando: To produce the first prototype I spent about a year.

rcbike.com: Do you manufacture T.R.D.moto electric and nitro motorcycles in large quantities, or do you specialize in low quantity production, or do you only make the motorcycles to special order?

Rolando: When I only produce electric type, I make in high quantities of motorcycles, but when I start with internal combustion engine I produce in low quantities so it’s always abreast of technical progress, as well as my race type.

rcbike.com: Do you produce all of the parts for T.R.D.moto motorcycles yourself?

Rolando: Yes, except some elaborate elements. I have a little workshop, the machines are not new but they are very good and perfect for my use.

rcbike.com: Do you think people are becoming more interested in rc motorcycles, and if so do you think they will soon be as popular as rc cars?

Rolando: In August 2003 Italian network advertise of rc motorcycles races, something is changing, but if a beginner is not helped, he try and he immediately fail. To drive rc motorcycle is not easy, with practice beginners will soon learn the secrets of control and begin to enjoy model motorcycles.

rcbike.com: Have you ever thought about producing some aftermarket accessories for the T.R.D.moto motorcycles?

Rolando: Not for T.R.D. motorcycles because are already full optional when sold. I’ll like to produce accessories for the other rc motorcycles.

rcbike.com: What plans do you have for the future for T.R.D.moto?

Rolando: Now I have produce n° 27 motorcycle with internal combustion engine and I hope to make up to n°50. I also think to make a motorcycle with the engine pull start.

rcbike.com: Rolando, thanks for the opportunity to talk with you and to tell everyone the story about the motorcycles from T.R.D.moto.

Rolando: Thanks rcbike for the opportunity to speak about my story and T.R.D.moto story.

Slideshows:

Rolando kindly supplied rcbike.com with images of himself with son Enrico, their bike 'lineup' and the workshop home of T.R.D.moto. To view these images click on the 'Slideshows' button above, or click here to go to Slideshows.

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