Apr 5, 2016 | By Andre
Today’s do-it-yourself fabrication culture is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was just a few years back. A lot of this is due to the growing number of community based Maker, hacker and tool sharing networks that are springing up all across the world.
While 3D printing remains an integral component to these growing institutions, other computer assisted technologies such as CAD based waterjet and laser cutters; as well as CNC routing machines are pushing the the tech culture of today. To further hammer this point home, I introduce to you Jack Lennie’s full-scale, open source and completely functional Tinkerbike.
The Tinkerbike is a CAD/CAM driven motorcycle that is designed to be constructed using nothing but tools commonly found in Makerspaces along with some raw-materials and basic assembly skills (no welding required). It is designed with a drastically reduced carbon-footprint in mind (thanks in part to fewer shipped parts) and hopes to pass the most stringent road safety guidelines set forth in the United Kingdom.
And while you’ll still need an engine, tires and a whole slew of parts that can’t be 3D printed or made with locally accessible fabrication tools, the idea of building your own reliable, high-powered (upwards of 140mph) chopper without requiring an expert level skill-set is something any 2-wheeled fanatic should be drooling over.
This downloadable motorcycle was first showcased with the help of the below video as a design project about a year ago but has recently made its way to maker platform wevolver as a way to breathe new life into damaged/non-road worthy motorcycles “by re framing the existing or purchased engine and running gear.”
By studying classic 20th century motorcycle designs, Jack Lennie has gone ahead and designed a stylish version of what may be the bike of the future. And while road-legality remains a grey area for the time being; and it’s technically still a work-in-progress (initial data sets may not be ready for another 12 months), this modern spin on utilizing locally available fabrication tools to manufacture a full-scale road-ready motorcycle is something that would have been fantasy only a few years ago.
While sparse in detail when it comes to 3D printing’s contribution to this two-wheeled wonder, 3D printed carbon fibre “trick parts” are said to be in the works for a city bike version that comes equipped with more storage space that will be handy for the daily commute. Lastly, its yet to-to-be-determined if you will be able to 3D print these parts on carbon-fibre based desktop 3D printers like the Mark Two by MarkForged or if you’ll need to rely on more industrial processes, the open source from the ground up approach should appeal to any thrill seeking maker out there.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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