This Anime-Inspired Electric Motorcycle Go 0 to 62 MPH in 3.5 Seconds
Ichiban wants to help you recreate one of the most famous moments in anime history.
The company has just unveiled a new electric motorcycle inspired by Shotaro Kaneda’s bike from Akira. And unlike most of the head-turning designs Ichiban has shared on its Instagram account, this two-wheeler is actually going into production.
It’s important to note that Akira is not just some cartoon. The big-screen adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga of the same name is one of the most influential pieces of science fiction media ever produced. Except for Blade Runner—which hit theaters the same year that Otomo’s comic debuted—it is hard to think of anything that has influenced the cyberpunk aesthetic more. But anime has done more than just influence design and fashion. Its iconic shot, in which main character Kaneda brings his futuristic motorcycle to a sliding halt, is one of the most frequently referenced moments in the last 40 years of cinema.
Because of this, it’s easy to see why Ichiban designer, Ivan Zhurba, looked to the film for inspiration while designing the electric two-wheeler. The company’s battery-powered bike isn’t a complete rip-off of the cinematic bike, though, but you can see its influence most clearly in its shape, the design of its swingarm, and, most notably of all, its red and white paint job. Zhurba was also inspired by the Japanese aesthetic concept, Kanso, which translates to simplicity of purity, and made sure to excise all but the most necessary of elements. The result is one of the most streamlined motorcycles, electric or otherwise, around.
Ichiban seems to be well aware that its first model e needs to do more than just look good. The company says the motorcycle will be powered by a 45-kW dual-motor system that is potent enough to rocket the bike from zero to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds when “Godzilla Mode” is enabled. The company hasn’t said how big the bike’s battery will be but promises a range of 155 miles. When juice does run out, the pack can supposedly be charged to 70 percent capacity in just a half hour. The vehicle will also have an anti-lock braking system and traction control.
Ichiban Electric Motorcycle
Ichiban Motorcycle Design
We don’t know when, but Ichiban is determined to make this bike, which seems not to have a name at this point, its first production model. There’s no timetable for when this will happen, but you can sign up for updates on the company’s website now.
