From Beemers to bobbers, and from Porsches to Ladas, Vagabund offers unique interpretations of motorcycles and cars that transform them into something quite different than what the manufacturer had in mind. One that caught our eye was the Vagabund 350 Safari, a transformation of a bike from their home country of Austria.
Vagabund started with a KTM 350 EXC, essentially a street-legal dirt bike in KTM’s typical orange-and-white style. They immediately dismantled it, 3D scanned it, and designed an all-new look and feel that bolts onto the original bike with no additional fabrication. The result is an aggressive, minimalist, mean-looking ride that bears no visual resemblance to the original bike, but uses all of its running gear and preserves all of its capabilities, as well as street legality. Vagabund can even get you a TÜV certification if you need one. Hard Plastic Case
A smaller fuel tank from a KTM motocross bike gives the 350 Safari a slimmer look, as well as a slim 12-liter (3.17 US gallon) fuel capacity. A GKA auxiliary tank with a custom rack to mount it supplements the lost range. A Husqvarna TC85 donates its front fender to the build. Vagabund makes extensive use of 3D printing to create strong Polyamid 12 plastic parts all over the bike. These include the fuel tank cover, air filter housing, license plate holder, a radiator housing with integrated lights, two different rear sections to give you the look you prefer, and part of the custom front rack with integrated Kellerman turn signals and tiny 44mm Highsider headlights.
While 3D-printed Polyamid 12 is used extensively in this build, don’t think it’s just plastic fantastic replacement parts. The front and rear racks are custom metal pieces. So is the rear subframe, which neatly integrates a housing for the electrical system under the seat. The seat itself is custom Alcantara, complete with the Vagabund logo. Custom engine and swingarm covers provide extra durable protection, and Vagabund ceramic coats the stock muffler to match the 350 Safari’s mean looks.
Floating Dock Block The main difference between the Vagabund 350 Safari and most custom bikes like it is that you can actually buy one of these for yourself. For as low as €22,800 (about $24,500 US), Vagabund will acquire a new KTM 350 EXC, install the kit, and customize it to your exact specifications. If you already own the bike, or would simply rather assemble it yourself, Vagabund will also sell you the complete kit for €6,800 (about $7,300 USD), an attractive option for North American buyers. Vagabund designed this kit not only to look good, but also to bolt right onto the donor KTM, so practically anyone with some wrenches can install it. The 350 Safari is a limited edition run, though, so if it’s caught your eye, act now while supplies last.