You don't need to be solely dedicated to a life of 3D printing to know that it's come a long way. Thanks to the introduction of super-strong, carbon-reinforced polymers, we've heard about motorcycle OEMs like BMW utilizing 3D printing in their racing garages for years now.
But what about smaller-scale projects? After all, not everyone has the kind of deep pockets that BMW, as an organization, has. The good news is, in 2025, even independent companies like this Canadian firm called Pantheon are doing some really cool stuff. They're not a motorcycle maker or even a custom shop; they're a 3D printing specialist. Somehow, that makes what they've done even more special, for two reasons.
One, even if you're not a hardcore motorcycle fanatic, you know that minibikes are cool. And two, if you're trying to find ways to demonstrate just how strong your new additive 3D printing processes and materials are, it's difficult to think of a better and/or more fun and attention-getting way to do that than by designing and printing an entire motorcycle. In a week.
You know, as you do.
Fittingly, they call it "Pantheon Compo," and while the first test unit they put together in this video uses BMX handlebars, they do eventually figure out how to print a set of handlebars that can take the kind of strain that they must in order to be fully functional motorcycle bars.
For not having previously designed a motorcycle, the end result looks pretty cool and fun, too. Don't worry, there's also lots of test ride footage included in this video. You'll see the Pantheon guys in full leathers, both crashing multiple times and getting knees down multiple times. Honestly, it looks like a ridiculous amount of fun, and it's even cooler because it's pretty much as handmade as handmade gets. Custom shops that make use of machining skills from raw materials are one thing; designing and completely printing each and every piece and then assembling it is honestly kind of next-level.
They're thinking about making a limited run of these little guys to sell to people because it turned out so well, though it's not at all clear if they'll do it. If they did, would you ride one?
