In England Marmite, Yeast extract spread, very popular. But even though millions of jars are sold each year, it’s a very appealing flavor. The brand’s hashtag is #LoveItHateIt.
In the motoring world, KTM is probably the closest equivalent. The plastic is angular and aggressive, and the color of the mark is retina orange. Personally, I love KTM’s style — but I also know a lot of people who don’t.
This KTM from Vagabund Moto Surely no one can resist. Led by Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl, the Austrian workshop is renowned for its beautiful aesthetics as well as its high-tech manufacturing skills.
The ‘350 Safari’ is a kit based on the 350 EXC – a classic ‘land bike with lights’. It’s powered by a four-valve DOHC single engine, and since it weighs just 236 lbs (107 kg) dry, performance is crisp.
“We have a client interested in something like Honda NX650,” said Paul. “We received a lot of requests for that bike after it was published. So we thought it would be cool to build something like our Dominator, but easier to handle — in shipping as well as in construction. ”
However, a project like this KTM is very complex and the running of parts is not large enough to provide economies of scale. “You think about a thousand things you would do differently with a one-off bike, but it’s still made to order and made by hand,” says Paul.
“People often hear about ‘series motorcycles’ and think it’s mass produced, but this KTM is still a custom designed project. There is no difference in production cost if we build one or five. ”
Quality has always been sky-high with previous builds of Vagabund, and this one is no different. The bodywork is hidden and monochromatic, but stitched together with factory precision.
“The hardest part was trying to create a minimalist look,” says Paul. “We are manufacturing a fully functional mountain bike, with all the necessary parts to be street legal in Austria. Deal with a lot of compromises! ”
Vagabund is well versed in CAD and 3D printing, and KTM is the showcase for their skills. “We took the entire bike apart and started with 3D scanning,” says Paul. “It was important to keep the original mounting points and give the KTM a new look without cutting or soldering anything on the frame.”
This means that buyers who don’t want to order 350 complete Safaris from Vagabund can remove the plastic from their own bikes and install a KTM kit without major mechanical skills required.
This kit also does not affect the functionality of the 350 EXC. “We keep the original air filter and protect the electrical equipment, etc.,” says Paul. “You can still go off-roading without any restrictions.”
The body material is Polyamide 12, a tough nylon polymer with good tensile strength and wear resistance.
Vagabund used the tool to 3D print everything from the fuel tank cap to the air filter housing, along with smaller items like the license plate holder and radiator surround — including the clever daytime running lights. skillful.
There are two versions of the 3D printed rear end, assembled into a beautifully finished custom subframe with a discreet electrical box hidden underneath.
On top is a long and slim couch with full-body Alcantara upholstery, complete with a branded tab — just like you’d find on a factory-made machine. Next to that is the GKA extra fuel pack on a custom metal rack; This complements the main 12-litre fuel tank, which is a KTM motorcycle unit instead of a factory-installed 350 EXC.
At the close of business, the chunky 48mm WP forks have been hard anodized and the stock fenders have been replaced with a black painted Husqvarna TC85 kit. Directly above it is a compact stand that holds a tiny Kellermann LED turn signal light.
The rack is also flanked by a pair of headlights — Highsider’s powerful satellite LED lights. It’s a very compact setup, as the lens measures just 44mm in diameter.
To close the deal, Vagabund developed an engine cover and swingarm, and they also coated the exhaust muffler with a dark ceramic coating. But the Maxxis tires in these images are optional; If you want, you can add more road-biased rubber.
“It depends on the end use,” says Paul. “We really recommend it as a city bike.” Vagabund can also provide an Austrian TÜV certificate to confirm roadworthiness, and paint colors and finishes can be tailored to customer preference.
We will take the KTM like it is shown in these pictures. But with a set of tires that can handle tight streets as well as hard trails – just like the Continental TKC70s.
Then we’re looking at the ultimate commuting weapon.
Vagabund Moto | Facebook | Instagram | Image of Stefan Leitner
