3D printed Archives — Bikernet Blog

Concept Motorcycle for the Moon: global debut at ADV Overland exhibition

by Otilia Drăgan from https://www.autoevolution.com This Spectacular Moon Concept Motorcycle Opens the Door to a New Space Experience Since the “billionaire space race” has been accelerating, you might have imagined cosmonauts doing a lot of things, but we bet you didn’t picture them riding motorcycles on the moon. Yet, that’s what’s coming, because somebody just built an actual moon motorcycle, one of the most insane concept two-wheelers you’ll ever come across. Last year, a Russian designer imagined what a “NASA motorcycle” would look like. Just one year later, that concept turned into reality and is about to make its world debut in California. The folks who made this happen are a small team from a German company called Hookie, which specializes in custom moto design and parts. Inspired by Andrew Fabishevskiy’s fantasy motorcycle, they were determined to bring it to life. This is how Tardigrade, presented as the world’s first moon concept motorcycle, was born. You might wonder why it got the name of an apparently primitive creature, but these nearly-microscopic beings are incredibly resilient and able to adapt to any kind of environment, including outer space. Despite its otherworldly look, the Tardigrade motorcycle was also meant to be resilient and completely functional, “as close as possible to an original concept of a NASA moon rover.” This futuristic-looking electric motorcycle blends a lightweight frame with single-sided swing arms, balloon tires, and drive-by-wire steering. With a length of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters), and almost 3-foot (0.9 meters) tall, Tardigrade has a battery range of up to 68 miles (110 km). Its maximum speed of 9 mph (15 kph) is comparable to that of the Moon Buggy. Plus, it’s designed to also carry equipment. Incorporating 3D-printed parts, in house-developed wheels, plus a Cake drivetrain and sustainable lubricants from Puraglobe, this one-of-a-kind concept […]

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Vagabund V13 Dominator Is a Partially 3D Printed Honda NX 650

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com 3D printing is slowly making its way into car and motorcycle manufacturing processes. Still to be adopted on a large scale by established players in the two segments, 3D printing is gaining increased traction in the world of startups and smaller, more adaptable entities. And that’s a good thing, seeing how extraordinary projects came to light over the past few years. And a fine example of that manufacturing process is the Vagabund V13 Dominator based on an otherwise unassuming motorcycle. Vagabund is an Austrian design studio that specializes in making custom motorcycles. And by that we don’t mean the usual Harley conversions and not even custom frames. Vagabund uses 3D printing for certain parts of the bikes, and it does it really well. The motorcycle in the gallery above was once a 1991 Honda NX 650 Dominator that got modified beyond recognition and turned the sport bike into a true off-roader. Its modern, yet utilitarian design is heavily due to 3D printing. A host of new parts for the bike were created this way: the fuel tank, which also features a mini speedometer, the rear end, air filter cover, indicator light bracket, and the handlebar switch housings. Accompanying these custom made parts were an engine rebuild and the addition of elements sourced from third parties: the front fender comes from a Husqvarna TC 85, there are Kellerman turn signals, and Bridgestone tires. Despite its minimalistic, borderline futuristic look, the V13 is a road legal motorcycle, at least in its home country of Austria. So much so, that the bike’s official page on Vagabund’s website reads the build is sold – we have no information on how much it went for. As part of our Two-Wheeler Month coverage, we’ll probably talk more about Vagabund’s creations over