If it looks like it’s just stepped out of a movie set, then the designers have got it just right. You’re looking at a concept electric Ichiban motorcycle. Inspiration comes from cult Japanese cyberpunk film ‘Akira’, cited as one of the greatest animated movies ever made. Sleek, no-nonsense and head-turning: its originators believe there’s no reason why this concept shouldn’t be available for you to buy. And there’s Godzilla mode, too. But we’ll come to that.
These aren’t whimsical renderings you’re looking at. They’re fully thought out and conceptually engineered proposals for sleek city mobility. As Ichiban team leader Ivan Zhurba, award winning industrial designer, puts it: "Ichiban isn't simply a mode of transport; it's an escape, a liberating streak of freedom in an excessively interconnected world.” Yes, please.
Design references not only the motorcycle that’s central in ‘Akira’ - do we see ’Tron’ echoes too? - but what the design team say is the Japanese principle of Kanso, meaning simplicity or purity. Functional, unadorned lines are key. There’s input from 1980s motorcycle design influences. Black discs cover the wheels, white is used to cover electric motors, batteries and running gear as well as for the cantilevered saddle support. Red forms the front of the machine. The look is bold and forward-looking.
Ichiban motorcycle: Behind the design
The Ichiban team are good at this, there’s no doubt. As they tell it, there’s "extensive expertise in motorcycle design and the development of cutting-edge technology products ... the team combines a diverse skill set with a shared passion for innovation, making them uniquely positioned to revolutionise the motorcycling industry”. Bold statements, but then the electric motorcycle market has changed the whole notion of noisy, dirty two-wheeled transport. Emphasis here is on clean lines, and no emissions. That doesn’t mean power and fun are left behind.
Far from it. Godzilla mode is the headline: press and you can sustain 100 km/h - 62 mph - for ten seconds. Acceleration is all that we’ve come to expect from the instantly-there power of electric propulsion. There’s 45 kw in total available from a dual electric motor set-up. That offers on this super lightweight machine a 0 - 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. For comparison, that’s about the same as an Aston Martin Vantage. You’re going to have fun at the traffic lights.
Range is what counts though in the increasingly competitive world of electric motorcycles. The Ichiban motorcycle, say its creators, can go 155 miles on a full charge. What’s more, rapid charging will give your minimalist wonder 70% of total charge in just 30 minutes. A quick cappuccino or two and you’ll be on the way. ABS and traction control offer essential safety when you are.
As we’ve said, the Ichiban motorcycle is a concept at the moment. The team behind it are itching to build and market. “We've attracted support,” they say, "from innovative companies for distribution, finance, and future technology development.” Test ride soon, please.
Next up: Check out some of the best Japanese motorbike brands of all time.
All images courtesy of Ichiban Motorcycles
