Hello guys,

I stumbled upon of the following prototype designed fully (except for the electrical parts) by 3D printing of the German BigRep AM company.



Any thoughts on the design?

My first impression from the driver's scenes through the forest ride is some instability during the ride, keeping in mind the weather's conditions of the drive were as optimal as they can get.

Also, I've never seen tires designed the way the motocycle has.

 

Why would we want a fully 3D printed motorcycle? What advantages does it have over any other motorcycle?

I think the airless tires are more important on heavy machinery where the terrain is not adequate and the machine would be able to carry more weight and so forth. The tires wont have to be replaces so often too. But for a city bike why would this be important?

It also looks like the cg of the motorcycle would be really high up. That would not be safe for sure for a rider. Instability problems will occur a lot.

The motorcycle also seems to have very rigid architecture. And very few absorbers (dampers). Most probably a lot of mechanical vibration for the rider.

 

More like why not ? Speak of less costs, autonomous manufacturing, designing to our whim.

Obviously, the whim here is having severe physical limitations.

But in principle, I personally don't even wonder why would I bother doing 3D printing: if it's up to me and if the technology is fully-fleshed out, I'd rather 3D print my own tools and needs!

I thought the design was great, but damn the vibrations indeed, are going to be a dire issue.

Well, if the component is built in with reinforcements and negative material slots, it would damp them I guess.

 

But the production rate would be slower, right?. Also the balance of the motorcycle wouldnt be a problem? because of the cg being too high up?
I think thats the most important thing actually. Safety while the machine is being used is utmost importance.
The vibrations can be controlled using that or by using 3D printed shock absorber. But then the design did not have the wow factor. I dont know why. Maybe because it looks like a piece of lego motorcycle.

 

XD XD XD. Oh come on! It looks better than that.

It's a matter of taste I guess.

Aside from vibration, I wonder how the plastic would withstand the heat packing from the heat convections occuring