artist 3D prints their own honda CB500 motorcycle

3D printing first arrived in the 1980’s, and it’s a process that continues to rapidly gain momentum year on year. today this method encompasses several industries, such as ‘photography‘ and ‘dentistry‘, and now artist jonathan brand has built a full-scale 1972 honda ‘CB500’ motorcycle. at first glance this bike assembly could be easily confused for its authentic counterpart.

all images © jonathan brand / ultimaker

jonathan brand is a new york and connceticut based artist who always wanted his own motorcycle, but for circumstances he never managed to get one. using open source 3D printers from ultimaker, he managed to finally own his dream bike, the honda ‘CB500’.

brand starts by designing each of the motorcycle’s components required for the full-scale build using 3D modelling software. when printing he used more than 18 kg of PLA plastic, with certain individual pieces taking as long as 24 hours to complete. everything is kept extremely thin–one millimetre–to maintain its transparency. he then undertook the painstaking process of assembling the entire bike, ensuring that all elements had life-like qualities, including real rolling wheels.