scorecardA design firm used 3D printing to transform a 1991 Honda motorcycle — take a look at how they completed the 2-year project
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A design firm used 3D printing to transform a 1991 Honda motorcycle — take a look at how they completed the 2-year project

Mary Meisenzahl   

A design firm used 3D printing to transform a 1991 Honda motorcycle — take a look at how they completed the 2-year project
Vagabund V13.Vagabund Moto
  • Vagabund design studio transformed a 1991 Honda NX 650 motorcycle into a custom offroad vehicle.
  • Many of the new elements were 3D printed, including the fuel tank.
  • The entire project took about two years.

Vagabund design studio in Austria builds custom motorcycles, and one of their latest creations was fully updating a 29-year-old motorcycle with 3D printing.

Designers spent two years designing, prototyping, and building the Vagabund V13 using custom and 3D printed parts. The studio is dedicated to redesigning motorcycles, like this BMW from 1983 and this Honda from 1972. Their designs take inspiration from classic motorcycle styles without being bound by them, leading to their motto "We're not reinventing the wheel, but we're rethinking it."

See some of their other creations and concepts on Instagram.

Here's how the studio updated this motorcycle from the 1990s.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The model was originally a 1991 Honda NX 650 dominator.

The model was originally a 1991 Honda NX 650 dominator.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

To create the new motorcycle, the studio spent over two years developing ideas and realizing them.

To create the new motorcycle, the studio spent over two years developing ideas and realizing them.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

Designer Stefan Leitner told Business Insider that one of the hardest parts of the project was achieving a minimalist look while making the V13 a capable offroad bike.

Designer Stefan Leitner told Business Insider that one of the hardest parts of the project was achieving a minimalist look while making the V13 a capable offroad bike.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

They also made the motorcycle street legal in Austria, which took other compromises and work.

They also made the motorcycle street legal in Austria, which took other compromises and work.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

Leitner also said that because the project was done completely in-house, prototyping was a big factor in why it took so long.

Leitner also said that because the project was done completely in-house, prototyping was a big factor in why it took so long.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

Many of the additions are 3D printed, which was also time consuming.

Many of the additions are 3D printed, which was also time consuming.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

Vagabund added all new handlebars, controls, and levers.

Vagabund added all new handlebars, controls, and levers.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

The license plate holder was custom made....

The license plate holder was custom made....
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

...with a new brake light and turn signal combination.

...with a new brake light and turn signal combination.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

One of the biggest undertakings of the whole project was the 3d printed fuel tank...

One of the biggest undertakings of the whole project was the 3d printed fuel tank...
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

...along with completely rebuilding the engine.

...along with completely rebuilding the engine.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

The seat was also custom designed...

The seat was also custom designed...
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

...and newly reupholstered with alcantara.

...and newly reupholstered with alcantara.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

A custom rack on the motorcycle carries extra fuel for long trips.

A custom rack on the motorcycle carries extra fuel for long trips.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

The rack is magnetic for easy attachment.

The rack is magnetic for easy attachment.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

It has power coated wheels with stainless spokes.

It has power coated wheels with stainless spokes.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

By the end of the project, the fuel tank, rear end, air filter cover, indicator light bracket, and handlebar switch housings were all 3D printed.

By the end of the project, the fuel tank, rear end, air filter cover, indicator light bracket, and handlebar switch housings were all 3D printed.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

Nearly every other piece on the old base was custom made.

Nearly every other piece on the old base was custom made.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

It also got all-new wiring.

It also got all-new wiring.
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

See more of Vagabund's custom motorcycles here.

See more of Vagabund
Vagabund V13.      Vagabund Moto

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