DAB Motors Crafts Unique Red Bike Based on Akira's Design Through 3D Printing Techniques as a Special Edition
Revamped Ride: Akira's Impact on the Wheels of Time
Step into the twisted world of neon lights, rebels, and high-tech gadgetry - that's the allure of Akira. Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking anime didn't merely introduce Western audiences to sophisticated anime storytelling but created a visual language, a cyberpunk aesthetic, that continues to captivate audiences and creatives today, from The Matrix to Stranger Things.
The iconic red motorcycle of protagonist Shōtarō Kaneda, a symbol of rebellion and advanced technology, has been reimagined countless times since its debut in 1988. French electric motorcycle manufacturer DAB Motors took the ball and ran with it, collaborating with design collective Vita Veloce Team, co-founded by reggaeton sensation J Balvin, on a one-off Anniversary gift for the superstar. Unlike the plethora of past homages, DAB's "Akira" tribute was 3D-printed to perfection.
From DIY Dream to Electrifying Innovation
DAB Motors' story parallels the innovation celebrated in Akira. In 2016, founder Simon Dabadie started with nothing but a garage in Bayonne, a computer, a 3D printer, and a Honda motorcycle. Transforming from custom builds to mass-produced electric motorcycles, Dabadie's journey has been nothing short of revolutionary. After working for brands like Yamaha and Deus Ex Machina, Dabadie launched Dab Design before transitioning to full motorcycle manufacturing by 2018, embracing electric in 2021 as both a sustainability trend and a nod to their tech-forward ethos.
Peugeot Motocycles became a majority stakeholder in 2023, providing the resources necessary to scale without losing the artisanal charm that makes DAB unique. Their 400-unit DAB 1α model showcased that they could deliver electric performance while maintaining their craftsmanship.
Pixel-Perfect Perfection with Human Touch
Based on the 1α, the "Akira" tribute takes a hybrid approach, blending AI design tools with traditional craftsmanship. The 3D-printed bodywork delivers that characteristic monolithic shell that envelops the wheels, showcasing cutting-edge tech that answers the anime's impossible proportions. The entire build was crafted in just three weeks, demonstrating the potential of 3D printing as a production revolution.
The collaboration didn't stop at visuals. That deep matte red finish is hand-patinated, complete with intentional imperfections like scratches and "stickers," giving the bike a worn-in appearance as if it's already seen Neo-Tokyo's streets. Sound-absorbing foam between the wheel covers delivers a low-frequency hum that reverbers through the rider, while hidden LED strips emit an ethereal glow in shades of purplish-blue, creating a cinematic atmosphere with each ride.
The engineering hurdles weren't inconsequential. Since anime doesn't adhere to real-world physics, breathing life into Kaneda's ride required creative problem-solving. The 1α platform serves as the electric foundation, but everything above the chassis reflects Akira, encompassing unique features like the distinctive windscreen and enclosed wheels that function despite their anime-inspired proportions.
Too many anime-inspired builds emphasize aesthetics at the expense of practicality, resulting in static exhibits rather than motorcycles. But DAB's creation showcases the perfect blend of style and substance, an actual motorcycle cloaked in one of pop culture's most iconic vehicles.
Specifications
Base Platform: DAB 1α electric motorcycleConstruction: 3D-printed bodywork with hand assemblyFinish: Hand-patinated matte red with weathering effectsSpecial Features: Sound-dampening foam, integrated LED lightingLimited Edition?: Yes, one-off (limited production planned)
Timeline and Costs
The one-of-a-kind J Balvin commission remains just that, but DAB Motors and VVT have confirmed plans for a limited production run. The retail pricing details have yet to be announced, but given the premium positioning of the DAB 1α and the bespoke 3D-printed nature of this bike, expect premium price tags and a limited number of units available.
- The iconic red motorcycle of Akira, symbolizing rebellion and advanced technology, inspired DAB Motors' creation, a company that started with a garage, a computer, a 3D printer, and a Honda motorcycle.
- DAB Motors' "Akira" tribute motorcycle, based on the 1α model, blends AI design tools with human craftsmanship, showcasing a monolithic shell with cutting-edge tech and a worn-in appearance.
- The engineering challenges in recreating Kaneda's ride required creative problem-solving, with the 1α platform serving as the electric foundation and unique features like the distinctive windscreen and enclosed wheels.
- Unlike many anime-inspired builds, DAB's creation is both an actual motorcycle and a faithful recreation of one of pop culture's most iconic vehicles, striking the perfect balance between style and substance.
- The collaboration between DAB Motors and Vita Veloce Team (VVT) has plans for a limited production run of this one-of-a-kind motorcycle, although the retail pricing details have yet to be announced.
- Thislimited production run will offer premium price tags and a limited number of units available, linking DAB's innovation to the opulent and tech-forward ethos celebrated in the world of Akira and other sci-fi-and-fantasy, cybersecurity, data-and-cloud-computing, entertainment, sports, sports-betting, and pop-culture domains.
