Modern mountain bike is the epitome of form after function. The narrow fuel tank makes it easier to grab your knees, the flat seats allow you to shift weight around, and the plastic bodywork can be replaced after a crash. That’s why they are so formulaic in their design.
Vagabund Moto are here to put some style into this category. Founded by Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl, Austrian apparel is part of a growing chain of custom stores that blur the lines between motoring, design and fashion. Their builds are modern and edgy, and crafted using the latest manufacturing techniques.
If this svelte KTM leaves you feeling déjà vu, it’s because it’s close to another KTM which Vagabund built earlier this year. But there is one big difference—this car is based on the electric KTM Freeride E-XC.
“We started this project with the general idea of creating a super-flexible urban transport, while keeping the option of going for a walk in the woods after work,” says Paul. We are really pleased with the results of the previous KTM ‘Safari 350’ build and the overall quality of the KTM. Also, this is an Austrian brand and we love the idea of reinterpreting a ‘Race Ready’ bike to our idea of using it.”
Both KTMs share a monochromatic color palette and modular aesthetic, but this is no copy-and-paste business. The two bikes are vastly different, so no single part can be replicated as-is. So the team started by taking the Freeride E-XC to the bone and 3D scanning the entire bike.
“We focused on the most important parts to achieve the minimalist Vagabund look without draining the budget,” says Paul. “It was a challenge to keep the original outline, while still trying to incorporate our own design ideas.”
After the new bodywork was designed, Vagabund 3D printed the various parts. Everything is made from Polymid 12, a tough nylon polymer that is resistant to abrasion and straight bolts.
The set includes new ‘fuel tank’ panels and a new tail section that includes integrated LED taillights. Each one complements the next, with great attention to detail. Peak around the front end and you’ll even spot honeycomb panels tucked into the front ‘wings’.
A new cover sits at the front, but it doesn’t contain the traditional headlights. Instead, Vagabund designed a bracket to hold the lower pair of LED Highsider headlights. The subtle Vagabund ‘label’ is on the side, with the igniter integrated at the bottom.
The front fender is one of the few parts available on this build; it comes from a Husqvarna TC85 and has been modified to match.
During the redesign, Vagabund was also interested in keeping the KTM street legal. The Highsider pair of turn signals are located on the underside of the handlebars, held in a CNC machined aluminum housing. Behind is a custom aluminum license plate holder, also equipped with LED Highsider lights.
Custom seats add a finishing touch, upholstered in luxurious Alcantara. It sits on a KTM OEM seat hinge, so you can still access the battery without any hassle.
As for the bike’s bones, Vagabund decided to leave it alone. The main frame is chrome plated, the bolts are in forged aluminum and some other parts are powder coated black but nothing is cut or welded. In addition, the original WP wheel, brake and suspension components are still used.
That means the 42 Nm, 240-pound Freeride E-XC still has loads of suspension and ground clearance. So it should still be a thoroughly enjoyable ride, with the added bonus of looking better than anything else on the trail.
It also means that the work Vagabund has done here can be replicated. So they’re opening the order book for these custom-made Freeride E-XCs.
Who else is busy imagining this in their garage right now?
Vagabund Moto | Facebook | Instagram | Photo of Stefan Leitner
