DAB Motors Revamps Akira's Notable Red Bike as a Single-Edition Model Employing 3D Printing Techniques
Diving into the Neo-Tokyo of Motorcycles: DAB's Akira-Inspired Stunner
The cyberpunk aesthetic from Akira continues to dominate pop culture, like a fine red motorcycle in the retro-futuristic cityscape of Neo-Tokyo. And the latest homage comes from DAB Motors in collaboration with J Balvin and Vita Veloce Team (VVT). This unique motorcycle is a testament to the French electric motorcycle manufacturer's innovative spirit, reminiscent of the scrappy ingenuity that Akira embodies.
First appearing in the animated film in 1988, the iconic bike of protagonist Shōtarō Kaneda has been referenced countless times but never quite replicated until now. This red one-off 3D-printed version, however, sets itself apart with its hybrid approach: AI design tools meet traditional manufacturing techniques to bring the impossible proportions and nomadic spirit of the anime to life in the real world.
From Everyday Innovation to Electric Excellence
DAB Motors' journey began in 2016 when founder Simon Dabadie started tinkering in a small garage, armed with a computer, 3D printer, and a Honda motorcycle. What started as a passion project for custom builds saw Dabadie impress the industry, eventually transitioning to full motorcycle manufacturing by 2018. As the brand evolved, it embraced the wind of change and went electric in 2021, aligning with the global sustainability trend and its own tech-forward philosophy.
The success of DAB Motors skyrocketed when Peugeot Motocycles took a majority stake in 2023, providing the resources necessary to scale without compromising the brand's artisan approach. Its DAB 1α model showcased that electric performance could partner seamlessly with artisanal craftsmanship.
Artistic Expression with Spirit of the Street
Inspired by the anime, the collaboration utilizes AI design tools to create the signature Akira monolithic shell, complete with enclosed wheels. But the deep matte red finish is all hand-patinated, with intentional scratches, scuffs, and cosmetic "stickers" for that lived-in streetwise look. To recreate the cinematic feel, hidden LED strips emit an ethereal glow, while sound-absorbing foam between the wheel covers produces a low-frequency hum that reverberates through the rider's body.
To face the engineering challenge of translating the anime's unrealistic physics, the creators built upon the DAB 1α platform, giving the bike a hybrid form that merges the anime's distinctive windscreen with actual motorcycle wheels. The result is a special motorcycle, equipped with the juxtaposing elements of transportation and artwork.
Limited Edition Akira Tribute
While DAB Motors' Akira tribute began as a one-of-a-kind art piece for J Balvin's birthday celebration in Tuscany, plans for a limited production run are on the horizon. Although pricing details are still under the wraps, given the exclusive nature of the 3D-printed construction and the brand's premium positioning, expect it to rank high in the luxury segment.
Spec Sheet
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
[1] - https://dabmotors.co/[2] - https://www.vitaveloceteam.com/[3] - https://www.jbalvin.com/[4] - https://www.peugeotmotocycles.com/
- The collaboration between DAB Motors, J Balvin, and Vita Veloce Team results in a motorcycle that mirrors the innovative spirit of the Akira anime, blending artificial intelligence designs with traditional manufacturing techniques.
- The unique Akira-inspired motorcycle from DAB Motors, with its hybrid construction and AI design tools, sets itself apart as a fusion of transportation and artwork.
- The limited edition Akira tribute motorcycle, initially crafted as a one-of-a-kind art piece, is expected to have a production run planned soon, placing it in the luxury segment with pricing details still to be revealed.
- DAB Motors' journey began in a small garage in 2016, with founder Simon Dabadie using motorcycles, technology, gadgets, and a 3D printer to create custom builds that captured the industry's attention.
- Peugeot Motocycles' investment in DAB Motors in 2023 has allowed the brand to scale while preserving its artisanal approach, showcasing great success through electric vehicles and cars.
- The artistic Akira tribute motorcycle features a hand-patinated matte red finish with weathering effects, recreating the street-styled look with hidden LED lights and a low-frequency hum for an immersive riding experience.
- In the world of pop-culture, sports, entertainment, sci-fi and fantasy, and lifestyle, the Akira-inspired motorcycle from DAB Motors stands out as a tribute to both the classic anime and the sophisticated union of technology, style, and sports.