Bulma’s Capsule Corp Number 19 Bike Comes to Life in the Real World

Mechanical Fantasy - It’s always fascinating when fiction leaps off the page and lands squarely in the real world — especially when it’s something as iconic as a vehicle from one of the most beloved anime series of all time. For Dragon Ball fans, Bulma’s futuristic gadgets and machines have always felt a little ahead of their time, but what if one of her most memorable rides wasn’t just a fantasy? As it turns out, the stylish motorcycle she rides — famously known as the “Capsule Corporation Number 19” bike — isn’t purely a product of imagination. It was inspired by a real-life racing legend, and now, decades later, it has finally been brought to life. 

Bulma’s Capsule Corp Number 19 bike from Dragon Ball comes to life in the real world, reimagined as a stunning, full-scale version of her iconic ride. (Picture from: GaneshaCustom)

The roots of Bulma’s motorcycle go all the way back to the 1950s. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, was deeply influenced by his father’s passion for mechanics. Growing up surrounded by engines, chrome, and grease, Toriyama developed a love for cars and motorcycles that would later shape much of his art. That influence shines through not just in Dragon Ball, but also in his earlier manga, Dr. Slump, where futuristic vehicles zoom across the pages in playful detail. So when it came time to design Bulma’s ride for the title page of Chapter 73, Toriyama turned to one of the most ambitious motorcycles ever built — the 1955 Moto Guzzi V8 racer, also known as “Otto Cilindri.” 

The 1955 Moto Guzzi V8 aka. “Otto Cilindri," designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano, served as the inspiration for the Capsule Corp Number 19 motorcycle. (Picture from: TheDAOOfDragonBall)

The Moto Guzzi V8 was no ordinary machine. Designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano, this Italian masterpiece was a technological marvel of its time. With a V8 engine that could push speeds up to 172 mph (280 km/h), it dominated Grand Prix racing between 1955 and 1957, holding the record as the fastest racing bike in the world for two decades. Its performance and sleek aerodynamic design made it legendary — even earning it a spot on Discovery Channel’s list of the Top 10 Greatest Motorcycles of All Time, where it ranked ninth. It’s easy to see why Toriyama fell in love with it.

Bulma, the genius inventor created by Akira Toriyama in the action-packed anime series Dragon Ball, confidently rides her iconic ‘Number 19’ motorcycle, a sleek and futuristic machine. (Picture from: WebBikeWorld)

In his adaptation, Toriyama took the essence of the Moto Guzzi’s design and gave it a whimsical twist. He added a pair of small “machine guns” on the front, a rounded racing decal marked with the number 19, and, of course, the unmistakable Capsule Corporation logo on the fuel tank — a nod to Bulma’s family business. The result was a mix of style and sci-fi that perfectly embodied Dragon Ball’s tone: fast, fun, and full of personality. 

Bulma’s Number 19 bike was brought to life by DOPE’s designer, known simply as Note, who used a Honda Monkey 125 as its foundation. (Picture from: Blauereiter in X)

For years, Bulma’s Number 19 bike existed only as an illustration — a dream vehicle that fans admired from afar. But now, that dream has rolled onto the streets of Japan. A custom motorcycle company called DOPE has brought this piece of anime history to life, transforming fantasy into tangible metal and paint. Using a Honda Monkey 125 as the foundation, DOPE’s designer, known simply as Note, reimagined the compact motorcycle into a stunning real-world version of Bulma’s iconic ride. 

Front view of Bulma’s Capsule Corp Number 19 bike. (Picture from: Blauereiter in X)

This real-life replica, part of DOPE’s Ganesha Custom lineup, is more than just fan service. Every element has been carefully crafted to mirror Toriyama’s original vision — from the deep green color and number 19 decal to the faux machine guns on the front. Even the Capsule Corporation branding is faithfully reproduced, along with a clever feature: a side door beneath the roundel that opens to reveal the engine and provide easier access to the seat. It’s equal parts functional and nostalgic, capturing the spirit of both Moto Guzzi engineering and Dragon Ball creativity.

Right side view of Bulma’s Capsule Corp Number 19 bike. (Picture from: GaneshaCustom)

Of course, a masterpiece like this doesn’t come cheap. The Racer Replica Ganesha sells for around  ¥1,595,000 JPY (approximately $11,600 USD), which includes tax and shipping. That’s nearly three times the price of a standard Honda Monkey 125, but for collectors and lifelong Dragon Ball fans, it’s not just a motorcycle — it’s a piece of living art. Production numbers haven’t been confirmed, but it’s safe to assume the run will be limited, making it even more desirable among anime and bike enthusiasts alike. 

The image shows a detailed figure of Bulma from Dragon Ball riding her iconic green Capsule Corp Number 19 motorcycle, complete with the signature roundel and futuristic design. (Picture from: TheDAOOfDragonBall)

Seeing Bulma’s motorcycle roar to life after nearly forty years feels like a love letter to Toriyama’s creative genius and his lifelong fascination with machines. It’s a rare fusion of nostalgia and craftsmanship, where passion for storytelling meets precision engineering. And now, what was once just an image from a manga panel has become something you can actually hear, touch, and ride — a real-world reminder that imagination, when fueled by creativity, can truly take you anywhere. Just a heads-up: The video shows another replica based on a Honda Monkey 125, created by a different custom motorcycle designer, not the bike we’re focusing on. | B5KNw78UODQ |

And if this remarkable tribute to Bulma’s bike makes you curious about how far anime-inspired engineering can go, you might want to revisit the other real-life Dragon Ball bikes I’ve covered before — each one carrying its own story, design philosophy, and a spark of Toriyama’s world brought to life. They all share the same spirit: proof that even decades after its debut, Dragon Ball continues to inspire people to build the impossible. 

 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GANESHACUSTOM | THEDAOOFDRAGONBALL | WEBBIKEWORLD | BLAUEREITER IN X ]

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