It’s not a car, it’s not a bike, then what is it? The line between cars and motorcycles is blurring, and Ichiban’s futuristic electric motorcycle-type vehicle is symbolic of this merger. The electric motorcycle is unlike any other traditional bike or motorcar. It represents something entirely new: a 45kW dual-motor setup, Akira-inspired design, and a unique “Godzilla Mode.” Perhaps Ichiban’s electric motorcycle will cause a disruption to the motorcycle market, but for now, it stands as a futuristic vehicle to ogle at.
Design sourced from Manga
Who said manga is not inspirational? With the idea taken from the cult manga Akira (1982), as well as the legendary 1988 anime film adaptation, Ichiban’s electric motorcycle is an eclectic mix of anime and reality. It was, in fact, the protagonist Shotaro Kaneda in the movie whose red bike became the focus of Ichiban’s design.
What Ichiban, a Japanese design studio, has done is transform iconic inspiration. Assistance from industrial designer Ivan Zhurba allowed the team to replicate Akira’s bike, which was reimagined through a lens of “Kanso,” a Japanese design principle focused on purity and simplicity.
The motorcycle looks minimal in an aggressive way, boasting a delicious gray matte finish with red accents paying tribute to Akira’s aesthetic. It is the choice of all-black wheels with solid hubcaps that add somewhat of a futuristic look to the motorcycle. An iconic feature is the stripped-back dashboard that features 1980s arcade-style neon-green graphics as well as a single LED headlamp pill-like in shape. The motorcycle is a design enthusiast’s dream.
More than meets the eye: High-torque performance
The anime-inspired design is one thing; however, with this motorcycle, one cannot judge the book by its cover. Hidden beneath a sleek and sculptured exterior is an electric drivetrain. The Ichiban motorcycle is home to a 45kW dual-motor system, a setup capable of moving this machine from 0 to 60 mph in just 3,5 seconds. With a battery that can be replenished to 70%, this ride is highly practical for urban commutes and weekend joyrides too.
One of the most integral features is what Ichiban terms “Godzilla Mode.” A simple turn of the throttle releases the full ferocity of 10 seconds of full-force torque and acceleration. Imagine a high-speed sprint where your heartbeat races alongside the machine. With Ichiban, every ride becomes a journey worth noting.
While beauty and force have been considered, safety is taken into consideration too. This futuristic ride can handle a variety of conditions, making it a delightful combination of adrenaline rush with hints of responsibility. With Ichiban’s motorcycle, you can play it safe while being on the wild side. Japan has always been famous for its engines and fuel alternatives, and it is exciting to see what the future holds for this Japanese brand.
Still a concept in the making, but closer than ever
Although the Ichiban motorcycle is still a concept this year, the team is working on building a prototype and testing electronic and mechanical systems. There has been no set release date as yet, however, there is a sign-up on offer for enthusiasts who need to be alerted for updates on future availability.
Ichiban wishes to bring a machine to reality, and the buzz around this creation that draws inspiration from Akira suggests that this is part of an entirely new category of electric personal mobility. With the market filled with bikes that look similar, this bike breaks the mold entirely. Ichiban’s electric motorcycle is bold, performance driven and a cultural reverence that pays tribute to the past and the future of mobility.
It is not a car, not a motorcycle, but a futuristic vehicle that is based on a well-loved anime. With other legendary Japanese motorcycles going hybrid, it will be exciting to see what the future of Ichiban will be like in the real world.
