AKIRA's Legendary Bike Inches Closer to Reality Thanks to Ichiban Motorcycle
There’s no shortage of futuristic gear in sci-fi anime, but nothing has ever topped the cool factor of Kaneda’s motorcycle in Akira. That sleek red motorcycle racing through the neon-soaked streets of Neo-Tokyo is a cultural symbol.
Whether it’s the unforgettable “Akira slide” or the way it’s been lovingly copied in games, films, and animation for decades, fans have been dreaming of riding their own version for years. That dream just got a small jolt of electricity.
At Reload Land in Berlin, Ichiban Motorcycle, a Japanese company with a clear obsession for style and speed unveiled a bold prototype inspired by Akira. While this machine doesn’t match Kaneda’s bike beat for beat, it pulls from the same futuristic aesthetic. Sleek. Minimal. Fast. And very red. It’s not a screen-accurate replica, but it feels like the kind of ride Kaneda would roll up on in 2025.
“Our First Prototype Debuted at Reload Land,” the company shared in a press release. “The First Step of Something Big. Last weekend, something incredible happened. At Reload Land in Berlin — Europe’s premier showcase for electric bikes — we unveiled our very first prototype to the public: Ichiban Prototype 01. It’s bold. It’s electric. And it’s built with one obsession in mind: the rider.”
The bike reportedly hits 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds, and there’s even a feature called Godzilla Mode that boosts the torque for those anime-worthy takeoffs. It's wild. It's over-the-top, and it's kind of perfect. Over 2,000 fans have already pre-registered in hopes of getting their hands on one when it eventually goes into production.
This thing probably won’t come cheap. Most Akira fans will still be stuck with PVC cosplay bikes or desktop models. But for a lucky few with deep pockets and a need for speed, the Ichiban Prototype 01 is as close as we’ve ever come to bringing Neo-Tokyo to life.
Fans have been trying to recreate Kaneda’s ride for decades. Some go the DIY route with foam and paint, others have built powered versions that get kinda close. But there’s always been a challenge with the original bike’s design, mainly that it sits so low to the ground and wraps the rider between the wheels. It’s not exactly street legal or comfortable. Ichiban’s prototype sidesteps that with a practical but stylish frame built for the real world.
More than three decades after Akira hit the screen, its influence shows no signs of slowing down. Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 anime classic still hits hard with its cyberpunk visuals, government conspiracies, and of course—Kaneda’s unstoppable bike. Now, thanks to a little innovation and a lot of love from Ichiban, we’re one step closer to tearing through the streets like it’s Neo-Tokyo.
Via: Animecorner