Motorcycle builders Vagabund, who hail
from Graz, Austria, have breathed new life into a 1991 Honda NX650, one of the
original dual-purpose (D-P) bikes before D-P became a stereotype. What makes
this NX650 special, which Vagabund dubs the “V13”, is the extensive use of 3D
printing to produce the bodywork and fuel tank, eschewing the use of
traditional metalworking methods.
3D printing as a fabrication technique was
used in the tail piece, air filter cover, indicator light bracket and handlebar
switch housings. Custom work by Vagabund also extended to the front rack
mounted over the front fender taken from a Husqvarna TC85 motocross bike fitted
with a quick release magnetic mounting system that accommodates a small tool
bag or a tank for extra fuel.
The fuel tank on the V13 was 3d printed
from Polyamid 12, a variant of nylon used as an engineering material.
Integrated into the fuel tank’s upper surface is a tiny Motogadget speedometer
while the custom seat is clad in Alcantra.
Lighting is done with LEDs, the front
headlights being Highsider Satellites while Kellerman units are used for the
turn signals and tail light. The exhaust unit comes from Akrapovic, mated to a
stainless header and custom-made two into one collector. The engine was treated
to a complete rebuild but the power plant was otherwise left stock, making it
road-legal in Austria. The V13 has since been sold by Vagabund but enquiries on
custom motorcycle builds are welcomed on its website.
