DAB Motors unveils electric motorcycle inspired by retro gaming
Created by DAB’s Custom Studio, the one-off bike references the world of retro gaming, with fully transparent bodywork and gamified controls.
24TH SEPTEMBER 2024, FRANCE — DAB Motors has unveiled a fully transparent electric motorcycle, paying homage to the innovations, aesthetics and culture of retro gaming.
Drawing inspiration from the “Atomic Purple” Game Boy Color by Nintendo, which celebrates its 135th anniversary this week, the entire body of this DAB 1α is made with fully translucent plastics, showcasing the inner mechanics. The bike’s controls, design features and colour palette curates a gamified aesthetic and experience, while a customised vintage game cartridge start key provides a truly unique and distinctive feature for gaming enthusiasts.
This one-off electric motorcycle is created by the DAB Custom Studio (DCS), a bespoke service branch of DAB Motors dedicated to creating unique and experimental adaptations and adjustments for customers.
Combining nostalgic design with modern EV technology, the handlebars feature custom-designed controls based on the classic A & B buttons and a cross-shaped D-pad on arcade games and portable consoles.
Hidden cheat codes have been integrated into the motorcycle’s software, with owners able to unlock special features, including speed boosts, display variations and 8-bit sound effects. The owner of the bike will discover the hidden features through a classic-style cheat code magazine, reminiscent of the gaming publications of the ‘90s.
Founded in 2018 by French entrepreneur Simon Dabadie, DAB Motors is a boutique electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Bayonne, France. It has amassed a cult celebrity following, including the likes of J Balvin, FKA Twigs, Marcus Rashford, and Rosalía, as well as collaborations with leading brands such as Burberry. In April 2024, the brand opened registrations for the DAB 1α, its first production electric motorbike.
The gaming customisation is available when registering for the DAB 1α on the DAB Motors website.
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About DAB Motors
At DAB Motors, the team defies the norms of motorcycling, infusing subjectivity, emotion, art and beauty into every creation. They challenge conventions by crafting art pieces that transcend size and power, designed for strong individuals who dare to stand out. Born from a desire to escape conventional life, DAB motors injects passion and singularity into every aspect of the brand, rejecting norms and offering an experience defined by innovations and luxury. Unlike others, they prioritise wild and uncompromising designs, curating a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty of singularity. At DAB Motors, they don’t just sell motorcycles; they provide works of art that resonate with those seeking singularity.
About Simon Dabadie
Simon Dabadie is a French-based designer, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is the Founder, CEO and Chief Design Officer of DAB Motors, which set out to redefine the traditional motorcycling world, by putting creativity and innovation at the forefront. Born and raised in Bayonne, Southwest France, Dabadie continues to work and live in the French city.
Dabadie studied and trained as an engineer before working as a 3D designer for world-leading motorcycle brands, including Yamaha, Skully Systems and Roland Sands Design. Equipped with expert knowledge of the mechanics of engineering and the motorcycle industry, Dabadie began DAB Motors with just one computer, one 3D printer and one prototype motorcycle. In 2023, his concept brand was acquired by Peugeot Motocycles.