Akira‘s influence on pop culture runs incredibly deep. Katsuhiro Otomo’s dystopian masterpiece (based on the 1982 manga) didn’t just introduce Western audiences to mature anime storytelling but became a visual language that Hollywood still knows how to speak today. From The Matrix to even Stranger Things, the cyberpunk aesthetic that blends rebellion and bleeding-edge tech continues to resonate with viewers and creatives today.
Even if you haven’t seen Akira, you know what protagonist Shōtarō Kaneda’s motorcycle looks like. The bright red bike has been referenced and tributed countless times since the film’s 1988 debut but French electric motorcycle manufacturer DAB Motors just made a one-off version in collaboration with Vita Veloce Team, the design collective co-founded by Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin. But unlike the array of prior homages, this version was 3D-printed.
From Garage Startup to Electric Innovation
DAB Motors’ journey mirrors the kind of scrappy innovation that Akira itself celebrated. Founded in 2016 by Simon Dabadie in a small Bayonne garage with nothing but a computer, 3D printer, and Honda motorcycle, the company has evolved from custom builds to production-ready electric motorcycles. After cutting his teeth at major brands like Yamaha and Deus Ex Machina, Dabadie launched what started as Dab Design before transitioning to full motorcycle manufacturing by 2018.
The pivot to electric came in 2021, aligning with both global sustainability trends and the brand’s tech-forward ethos. When Peugeot Motocycles acquired a majority stake in 2023, it provided the resources to scale without compromising the boutique approach that makes DAB special. Their limited-to-400 DAB 1α model proved they could deliver electric performance with artisanal craftsmanship.
AI-Assisted Artistry with Hand-Built Charm
Based on the 1α, this Akira tribute represents something of a departure for DAB, built as a one-off art piece specifically for J Balvin’s birthday celebration in Tuscany. The collaboration utilizes a hybrid approach, integrating AI design tools with traditional manufacturing. The 3D-printed bodywork creates that characteristic monolithic shell that fully encloses the wheels, tackling the anime’s impossible proportions through modern manufacturing. The entire build purportedly took three weeks, which shows just how useful 3D printing can be in manufacturing efficiency.
But DAB didn’t just copy the visual. That deep matte red finish comes hand-patinated with intentional scratches, scuffs, and cosmetic “stickers,” giving the bike a lived-in appeal that suggests it’s already seen action in Neo-Tokyo’s streets. Sound-absorbing foam between the wheel covers creates a low-frequency hum designed to reverberate through the rider’s body, while hidden LED strips emit an ethereal glow with purplish-blue lights that trail behind when moving, creating cinematic-grade nighttime rides.
The engineering challenge here wasn’t insignificant. Since anime doesn’t follow real-world physics, translating Kaneda’s ride required creative problem-solving. The 1α platform provides the electric foundation, but everything above the chassis takes after Akira, from the distinctive windscreen to enclosed wheels that somehow still function as actual motorcycle wheels should.
Too many anime-inspired builds sacrifice practicality for aesthetics, creating static display pieces rather than actual motorcycles. But DAB’s machine bridges that gap, offering genuine transportation wrapped in one of pop culture’s most recognizable vehicles ever.
Spec Sheet
Base Platform: DAB 1α electric motorcycle
Construction: 3D-printed bodywork with hand assembly
Finish: Hand-patinated matte red with weathering effects
Special Features: Sound-dampening foam, integrated LED lighting
Limited Edition?: Yes, one-off (limited production planned)
Pricing & Availability
While the original J Balvin commission remains a one-of-a-kind art piece, DAB Motors and VVT have confirmed plans for a limited production run. No pricing details have been announced yet, but given the DAB 1α’s premium positioning and this bike’s bespoke 3D-printed construction, expect pricing well into luxury territory, and with a very limited number of units made.
Recap
DAB Motors x VVT Akira Bike One-Off
DAB Motors uses its 3D printing expertise to craft a one-off motorcycle inspired by the iconic red bike from Akira. While this was a one-off in collaboration with J Balvin’s VVT, limited production is planned for the future.
