The 3D Printed Parts Thread

[avemachina]

We've got old bikes, and those old bikes have old parts that break and are getting hard to find.

Fortunately, we've also got folks on these forums that know how to use CAD and 3D printing to resurrect these extinct parts! I'm starting this thread so we can get any STLs, OBJs, etc. in one place.

Notes on Access:
For those of you who don't have a 3D printer of your own, try checking out your local university, college, or library--often, these places have makerspaces, and can print things for you or teach you how. There are also services like PrintAThing that can also print things out for you and deliver them, but that depends on where you are.

It's also generally a really cool skill to learn 3D CAD software--a good starting point is FreeCAD. I learned using AutoDesk Inventor, but switched over to FreeCAD after my license ran out. There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help you learn. The concepts are pretty universal.

Notes on Materials:
Different filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, others) behave differently--they're all plastics, but they do different things well. Especially on a motorcycle! Depending on the part, there are different things to consider when choosing a material to print your part out of.

• TPU: Thermoplastic Urethane--it's squishy, it flexes. Great for replacing things that used to be rubber.
• ABS: Strong, heat-resistant, but brittle. The same stuff a lot of the plastics on your bike is already made of. Good for body parts or things you plan to paint later, because it's easy to sand.
• PETG: Strong, heat-resistant, less brittle than ABS, but slick. Good for parts that experience mechanical stress.
• PLA: I don't really like it, because even though it's the most commonly used filament, it has a really low melting point and I've had pieces deform just by being in the sun under a motorcycle cover. You do you though.
• Exotics (nylon, CF, wood, etc): No experience with these, but someone else may have tried them.

Give us some parts already!

Here's what I've made so far:

- Intake hose:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6992979

**Updated with new dimensions**

- 45mm to 52mm hose adapter (for fitting pod filters, replacing your hoses with silicone, etc):

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6992969

- 45mm hose coupler (same as above, but just point-to-point)

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6993433


- 90480-01141-00 Lower side cover grommet

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6993434

- 1L9-15441-00-00 Clutch cable holder

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6993476

 

[avemachina]

As I design or print things, I'm collecting them here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/avemachina/collections/43123719/things

 

[jjm3210]

My DOHC 1983 XS400 Maxim has a different air intake boot that I just designed and printed a model for.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7002272

Printed in TPU, I was able to squeeze the boot together and fit it into the air intake box after removing the seat, gas tank and air box bolts that hold it to the frame. On my bike, this is easier than moving the carb.

 

[BBS360]

I haven't done much with the printed bike parts in quite a while but check these out:
https://www.xs400.com/threads/3d-printed-parts.13719/

In the case of the reservoir a 3D printed part would not be suitable for holding brake fluid. Needs to be cast in urethane.

At that time I did not own a printer of my own. Those were ordered through Shapeways, which has since shutdown and reopened again.

Since then I have bought an SLA printer. Good for making parts that will then be cast in other materials but not suitable for functional parts unless I buy really fancy and expensive resin.

 

[avemachina]

One more from me--an airbox grommet:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7026481

I updated the geometry of the air intake hose, printed a pair (as well as the above grommet), and they're now live on my bike .