www.3ders.org

Jan 14, 2019 | By Cameron

The Honda Monkey is a commuter motorcycle that’s a reimagining of the minibike Z series that was popular in the ’70s; it earned the Monkey nickname because that’s what you look like when riding one. Honda went with a retro styling to harken back the fun of the good ol’ days. But French design house VIBA felt that the new version, specifically designed to tug on the nostalgia heartstrings, could use a more modern look.

VIBA produces limited-run (23 numbered units) customized versions of select motorcycles chosen by designer Yann Bakonyi. His previous works include Qora (Triumph Bobber) and Lara (MV Agusta), and now he’s introducing Jane, a Monkey with the world’s first 3D printed aluminum fuel tank. Bakonyi describes the motorcycle on his website:

“Jane is playful, could not take herself too seriously, as John Lennon or the Jackson Five, driving feverishly like the iconic version from the 70’s. But melancholy isn’t VIBA’s business, and because it seems ridiculous to associate mobility and austerity, VIBA Jane is transcending several concepts to unite them: elegance, innovation, design and accuracy, which are essentials to any objects of style. VIBA is highlighting the craftsmanship from the 21st century, through the smart use of 3D printing, to find a clean design and simple values, aiming simple mobility, with style and a smile.”

Bakonyi went to SLM Solutions and Rolf Lenk for their expertise in 3D printing metals, and they 3D printed the fuel tank and the front rack respectively. “The front rack can hold a shopping bag, and represents the spirit of Jane: convenient, stylish, technical and playful,” states Bakonyi. Just don’t mistake the front rack for a child seat (which it kind of looks like).

The fuel tank weighs less than the stock tank while providing more rigidity, and it has an internal honeycomb pattern to keep fuel from sloshing around and affecting acceleration. SLM (selective laser melting) 800, 500, and 280 machines were used to 3D the various components; they use lasers to sinter layered cross-sections of a model onto a bed of metal powder.

Bakonyi is simply keeping with the times, as several motorcycles have now been 3D printed, and it’s likely that eventually they’ll all be printed. But his styling is the most fun and inviting; choosing a small, 125cc bike was strategic as it’s the perfect mix of practical commuter and child-like vroom vroom.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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