Bandai ~ Kaneda's Bike.

I got this one on sale way back in the early 2002, released by Bandai under their "Soul Of Popynica" range which release bikes from various animation. It was an opportunity not to be missed. Even at full original retail price, I would have gotten one. The details are superb ie removable body panels to convert to naked bike version, realistic suspension, die-cast major parts and rubberized tyres, although, I have a nagging feeling that the Shotaro Kaneda (金田 正太郎 Kaneda Shōtarō) figurine which comes with it is a) slightly big in ratio proportion b) looks creepy.

The iconic red bike first appeared in the hit, epic manga, Akira (アキラ), created by Katsuhiro Ōtomo (大友克洋 ,Ōtomo Katsuhiro) way back in 1982 as well as in the 1988 anime incarnation. It survives attempted theft, a catastrophe, and several psychic attacks. The bike appeared in the first few pages of Vol. 1 and Vol. 6 also ended with the last couple of pages with it.

It was reported that the sound of Kaneda's bike engine was produced by compositing the engine sound of a 1929 Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a jet engine. Each time the bike is started and revved, there would be electrical discharges from the both wheels. Rumoured to be a Honda model, as well as may have been stolen by Kaneda himself.

"The bike has been customized just for me. It is too wild for you!" ~ Kaneda to Tetsuo, shortly before The Capsules street battle with their rival biker gang, The Clowns.

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Bike Specification :
Overall Length: 2.947mm
Overall Height: 1,171mm (incl.shield)
Overall Width: 831mm
Seat Height: 340mm
Wheelbase: 2,194mm
Ground Clearance: 76mm
Dry Weight: 154kg
Number of Riders: 1
Braking Distance: 9.9m (Initial Speed : 50 km/h)
Minimum Turning Distance: 3.4m
Tire Size: 18 inches (front), 19 inches (rear)
Power Generator: Cold Superconducting Generator
Maximum Power: 83 kw/12,500 rpm
Maximum Voltage: 12,000 V
Steering System: Power Support System
Front Axie Caster Angle: 39°12', Rear Axie Caster Angle : 3°00'
Frame: Ceramic Box Frame, Cowl : FRP and Carbon
Energy Consumption at Rest: 2.3w
Maximum Speed: 243 km/h
Drag Coefficient: CD=0.24

Equipped with :
Computer Controlled Anti-Lock Brakes.
Auto-Navigation System .
Forward-Looking Radar.
CD Player.

Glove Compartment.
Headlamp : 100w Neo Halogen Laser Light (can switch to fog lamp).

Statistics :
Speed: 0 to 400m : 9.8 sec, 0 to 100 km/h : 8.7 sec .
Battery Charger Time: 1MW every 40 sec (can run for two hours at full throttle on fully charged battery).