Do you remember the legendary motorbike of Shotaro Kaneda, the protagonist of Akira? That visionary manga from the 80s that struck an entire generation (a random one: mine) with its mix of cyberpunk, psychic powers and post-apocalyptic atmospheres? Well, get ready to take a dive into the past that is also a leap into the future, because the industrial designer Ivan Zhurba presented Ichiban: an electric motorcycle that seems to have come straight from the drawings of Katsuhiro Otomo, but with a high-tech heart beating under the retro body.
Kaneda style, Kanso spirit
The first thing that strikes you about the Ichiban is its design. Clean, essential, almost zen. Thanks to the Japanese principle of “kanso”, which means “simplicity” or “purity” and guides the entire design philosophy of this truly special two-wheeler.
Of course, we are not looking at a cosplay on wheels of Kaneda's motorbike, but the inspiration is clear. From the gray panels that wrap around the electric motors (you read that right, there are two motors!) to the red-black combination that gives the whole thing an aggressive and aerodynamic look, everything about this bike screams “Akira!” at the top of its lungs. Neon lights included.
Not Just Akira: Blade Runner Meets Super Mario
It's not just the aesthetics that wink at the 80s. Even the digital dashboard seems to have come out of an arcade cabinet (I can't, too many memories) with the speed, autonomy and battery data that stand out in an acid green on a black background. Perfectly legible even in the full sun of Neo-Tokyo, or any other metropolis of the future like Naples the morning after the New Year's Eve fireworks.
And speaking of backlighting, the headlights are no exception. Just a glance at the front one, with its curious “pill” shape, or at the neon lines that run along the rear, is enough to understand that this bike is not afraid to be noticed. At night, then, it must be a spectacle.
Godzilla Mode: When Power Meets Science Fiction
Aside from that, I’m not fooled by its retro appearance: under the hood (or rather, under the panels) of the Ichiban beats a hyper-technological heart. Two electric motors for a total of 45 kW of power, which push this silent racing car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,5 seconds.
And if that seems like little to you, wait until you activate the “Godzilla” mode, which for 10 seconds will make you feel like the king of the monsters himself, with a torque boost and power that will glue you to the saddle: an experience bordering on science fiction, I imagine. What I would give to ride into Comicon at full throttle with this thing. I rephrase: what I would give TO BE OLD enough to get in etc.
Autonomy, charging, safety: the future is already here
A motorcycle, as we know, is not just about burning acceleration. And in fact the Ichiban does not disappoint even in terms of autonomy: 250 km on a single charge, more than enough to cross the city far and wide without the anxiety of the charging station.
And speaking of charging, here too we are in the future: thanks to the rapid charging system, in just 30 minutes you will have 80% battery, ready to set off on new adventures. Kaneda would be proud of you.
Again: Akira may be set in a dystopian future, but that doesn't mean Ichiban has forgotten about safety. The ABS braking system will keep you glued to the road in any condition, whether you're hurtling through the acid rain of Neo-Tokyo or simply negotiating potholes in the city.
Akira-style Motorcycles and Where to Find Them: In Brief
With this bike the future is truly within reach of the handlebars. It's just a shame that for now it is still at the stage of concept, but good Ivan Zhurba and his team are already working to turn this retrofuturistic dream into reality.
And you, what do you think? Would you like to take a ride on the Ichiban, perhaps with the Akira soundtrack in your ears? Or do you prefer more traditional two-wheelers? Let us know on the Futuro Prossimo social networks and, if you like, share this article with your friends who are passionate about manga and motors. Who knows, maybe they will be able to convince Ivan to speed up the process.
