No Smoke, No Noise—Just Water Vapor: Meet the Jawara Hydrogen Motorcycle

Hydrogen Breakthrough - In a time when cleaner mobility has become a shared global priority, hydrogen technology is steadily gaining recognition as a promising alternative to conventional engines. This evolving conversation found an unexpected yet compelling voice in Bandung, where a group of young engineers from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI)—known in English as the Indonesian University of Education—developed an eco-friendly motorcycle labeled FCEV Jawara, with “Jawara” meaning “Champion.” Their silent, emission-free prototype offers a glimpse of a future in which transportation leaves behind no smoke or engine noise—only a trail of water vapor that quietly replaces the pollution long associated with city motorcycles.

The FCEV Jawara eco-friendly motorcycle prototype is the work of ten students from the Automotive Engineering Education Study Program under the Faculty of Industrial Technology Education (FPTI) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Bandung. (Picture from: MediaIndonesia)

The project began during the PLN Innovation and Competition in Electricity (ICE) 2024, a national contest joined by 30 universities in Indonesia. UPI’s team proposed a hydrogen motorcycle concept inspired by a blend of café racer aesthetics and a sporty design language. Their idea secured funding as one of the two best submissions, allowing the students to bring the prototype to life. The university backed them wholeheartedly with 24-hour laboratory access, academic exemptions, and guidance from lecturer Sriyono, who had previously overseen other green-technology successes such as electric bamboo bicycles and energy-efficient vehicles.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype is shown from a clear front-side angle, featuring white body panels, golden front suspension, blue wheels, and a distinctive round headlamp that create a futuristic yet sporty look. (Picture from: SukabumiUpdate)

Development carried on from 2024 with a five-month design phase followed by three months of assembly. Ten students from the Automotive Engineering Education Study Program, under the Faculty of Industrial Technology Education (FPTI), worked together to shape both the structure and technical systems of the motorcycle. Around 80 percent of its components were sourced domestically, with the only imported part being the fuel cell from Mexico—something the team hopes Indonesia will eventually be able to produce on its own. Their dedication culminated in the motorcycle’s public appearance at the vocational education innovation exhibition held at UPI’s General Meeting Hall on November 12, 2025.

The FCEV Jawara is displayed alongside two of its ten creators and several other eco-friendly motorcycle prototypes at a UPI booth during the PLN Innovation and Competition in Electricity (ICE) 2024. (Picture from: Kumparan)

The Jawara motorcycle stands out not only because of its concept but also its performance. Running entirely on hydrogen that is converted into electricity through a fuel cell, it can travel an impressive 428 kilometers on just two liters of hydrogen. Despite being fully eco-friendly, it still reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, making it suitable for everyday use. The reaction inside the fuel cell produces power without combustion, resulting in an experience free of engine rumble—just a quiet electric motor and water vapor as its only output. Its regenerative braking system adds further efficiency by converting braking energy into additional electrical power.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype reveals its electronic modules, wiring systems, sensors, and fuel-cell setup, showcasing the engineering work behind it. (Picture from: Kumparan)

Much of the project’s technical responsibility was handled by Muhammad Zidan, a 2023 student who oversaw the electrical system and body wiring harness. Zidan explained that the motorcycle’s principle is simple yet powerful: hydrogen enters the fuel cell, electricity is generated, and the motor receives clean energy without producing harmful emissions. This clarity of purpose reflects the team’s belief that hydrogen vehicles could become a crucial part of global transportation’s next chapter, as long as supporting infrastructure—such as hydrogen refueling stations—is developed alongside them.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype is shown its large rear tire, aerodynamic bodywork, and blue alloy wheels emphasizing its sporty design. (Picture from: Kumparan)

To complement its sustainable performance, Jawara integrates several advanced safety and smart features. These include IoT-based monitoring for gas pressure and engine temperature, a GPS tracker, an RFID security system, and even a remote engine cut-off that can be activated via SMS if the motorcycle is lost or stolen. A hydrogen sensor equipped with an automatic safety cut-off adds another layer of protection by shutting the system down when a leak is detected. According to the team, every feature was designed with efficiency, safety, and intelligence in mind, ensuring the vehicle feels both modern and reliable.

@kompetitiftv Kita gaskeun ke mana nih ? . . . #mokakuupi2025 #upi #MOKAKUUPI #fyp #fuelcell ♬ original sound - Imperial Homeware

Looking ahead, the UPI automotive team is already expanding their innovation efforts by developing a hydrogen-powered car prototype and exploring concepts for a hydrogen fuel station. They will also represent Indonesia in the Shell Eco Marathon Asia and Middle East 2026 in the hydrogen urban concept category, continuing the university’s ongoing commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13. The FCEV Jawara motorcycle prototype ultimately stands as a meaningful achievement—an ambitious student-built machine showing that the pursuit of cleaner mobility is not limited to major manufacturers. It’s being shaped right now by bright young minds who believe a greener future must be engineered, not merely imagined.

 

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 | KUMPARAN | LIPUTAN6 | MEDIAINDONESIA | PIKIRANRAKYAT IN X | KOMPETITIFTV IN TIKTOK ]

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The Myth and Mystery of Jean Lehaitre’s 1938 Track-Driven Motorcycle

Inventive Paradox - Long before electric motorcycles and adventure bikes reshaped how we think about two-wheeled freedom, there was a moment in history when inventors dreamed with grease-stained hands and open imaginations. The late 1930s were an age of mechanical optimism — when engineers dared to merge machines that didn’t seem to belong together. Among those restless innovators was Jean Lehaitre, a French creator who asked a simple but radical question: what if a motorcycle didn’t need wheels at all? 

A one-of-a-kind motorcycle that moves like a tank — the Tractor-Cycle, created by Jean Lehaitre in 1938. (Picture from: GridOto — original black-and-white photo colorized using Krea.ai)

That question took physical form in 1938 as the Tractor-Cycle, a track-driven motorcycle that looked more like a miniature tank than anything else on the road. The concept was so unusual that Modern Mechanix magazine featured it in its February 1938 issue under the headline “Belt Drive Replaces Wheels on Novel Motorcycle.” The accompanying photo showed Lehaitre himself sitting astride the machine — proof that this wasn’t just a sketch or speculative idea, but a real, working prototype. 

Jean Lehaitre’s track-driven motorcycle replaced conventional rubber tires with a continuous steel-belt track that looped beneath the frame like a tank tread.  (Picture from: GridOto — original black-and-white photo colorized using Krea.ai)

Lehaitre’s design was a marvel of odd but practical thinking. Instead of the familiar rubber tires of a conventional bike, it used a continuous steel-belt track — a loop running beneath the frame much like a tank tread. This gave the machine exceptional traction and the ability to crawl across rough terrain, climb hills, and handle conditions that would easily defeat ordinary motorcycles. The magazine reported that it could reach speeds of about 25 miles per hour (around 40 km/h), impressive for something so heavy and mechanically complex. Steering, according to the article, was achieved by turning the handlebars to slightly shift the direction of the moving track — a clever adaptation of motorcycle control to an entirely different propulsion system. 

Jean Lehaitre’s second track-driven motorcycle prototype featured small rubber wheels designed to provide stability during operation. (Picture from: GridOto — original black-and-white photo colorized using Krea.ai)

Though designed primarily for rugged terrain, Lehaitre imagined potential military applications as well. The Modern Mechanix cover even showed an artist’s rendering of the Tractor-Cycle fitted with a mounted machine gun, suggesting it could be used for dispatch riding or reconnaissance across bomb-scarred landscapes. While there’s no evidence it ever saw service or entered mass production, the concept aligned neatly with the era’s growing fascination with mechanized warfare and all-terrain mobility. 

Jean Lehaitre’s track-driven motorcycle prototype never saw service or mass production, yet its concept perfectly reflected the era’s fascination with mechanized warfare and all-terrain mobility. (Picture from: GridOto)

Lehaitre’s invention wasn’t born in isolation. France had already seen a similar experiment a year earlier — the 1937 Mercier Moto Chenille, another caterpillar-track motorcycle designed to conquer off-road conditions. The Moto Chenille shared the same mechanical ambition: to merge the agility of a motorbike with the endurance of a tracked vehicle. A few years later, Germany would take the idea further with the NSU Kettenkrad, a half-track motorcycle produced in significant numbers during World War II, used to transport soldiers and equipment across battlefields. Lehaitre’s prototype, in retrospect, seems like a missing evolutionary link between these machines — a French experiment that foreshadowed one of the most distinctive military vehicles of the 1940s. 

Although no surviving units, patents, or museum exhibits remain, the evidence from the 1938 publication confirms that the Tractor-Cycle did in fact exist. (Picture from: GridOto)

Today, only the faded pages of Modern Mechanix and a handful of surviving photographs remind us of Jean Lehaitre’s bold idea. There are no surviving units, no patents, no museum displays. Yet the evidence from that 1938 publication confirms that the Tractor-Cycle truly existed, at least as a working prototype — not myth, not rumor. It was the product of a time when invention was less about efficiency and more about daring; when one person with tools, time, and imagination could literally reinvent what a motorcycle could be. | GuJC-T4v1TU | rNhJt0uWync |

In the grand narrative of automotive history, the Tractor-Cycle occupies a small but fascinating chapter. It represents that restless human urge to build something different — something that rolls not on wheels, but on the conviction that boundaries are meant to be crossed, even if the road ahead has yet to be made.

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 | GRIDOTO | ARTSTATION | ENGINEERING FACTS IN FACEBMOOK | HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS IN FACEBOOK | ANCIENT HISTORY IN FACEBOOK | THE PETROL SHOP IN FACEBOOK ]

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Diem X-01: Norway’s Sleek New Electric Superbike

Voltage Craft - In the ever-growing landscape of electric vehicles, the motorcycle scene is experiencing a quiet revolution. While sleek electric cars dominate headlines, a new breed of electric superbikes is starting to make waves — and not with loud engines or flashy promises, but with substance, style, and serious engineering. One name that’s gaining attention, albeit modestly, is Diem Motors, a startup hailing not from the usual hubs of automotive innovation, but from Norway — with a machine that’s turning heads for all the right reasons: the Diem X-01.

The Diem X-01 combines axial-flux electric power with clean, purposeful Scandinavian design, resulting in a stunning and forward-thinking concept bike. (Picure from: NewAtlas)

At first glance, the X-01 is a stunner. With its futuristic silhouette and uncluttered design, it doesn’t just blend in with today’s electric motorcycles — it confidently sets itself apart. Rather than copy what’s already out there, the X-01 dares to chart its own course. It features a single-beam frame, a hub-mounted axial flux motor, and a single-sided swingarm. The result is a minimalistic yet aggressive look, clean lines that hint at speed, and an overall aesthetic that feels like it belongs more in a design museum than in a parking lot.

The Diem X-01 takes a fresh and thoughtful approach to engineering and design, eliminating exposed sprockets, chains, and even the gearbox for a cleaner, low-maintenance riding experience. (Picure from: NewAtlas)

Behind this elegant piece of machinery are its founders, Daniel Kemnitz and Manvendra Shaktawat. These aren’t wide-eyed newcomers — they’re seasoned designers who’ve worked with heavyweights like Red Bull Advanced Technologies, BMW, Tata, and Piaggio. Their experience shows not just in the styling but in the bike’s engineering decisions. The Diem X-01 isn’t a science experiment disguised as a motorcycle. It’s a serious concept with thought poured into every inch.

 

One of its boldest features is the use of an axial-flux hub motor that drives the rear wheel directly. This isn’t the most common configuration, and it’s certainly not the easiest to implement. But in exchange, it offers a beautifully simplified drivetrain. With no exposed sprockets, no chain, and no gearbox, riders can expect far less time spent on maintenance — and more time on the road. The motor generates around 47 horsepower, which is solid for urban riding and weekend adventures alike. There may be some curiosity — or concern — about the impact of unsprung weight from the motor placement on handling, but that’s a question only real-world riding can truly answer.

The Diem X-01 made its quiet debut on stage at the MBE trade show in Verona this past January, before being presented more recently in Berlin last month, continuing its low-key yet confident introduction to the public. (Picure from: NewAtlas)

What’s particularly refreshing is that Diem hasn’t taken shortcuts. The X-01 isn’t one of those flashy prototypes that look great in concept but fall apart in execution. It’s equipped with a proper TFT display, sharp LED lighting, a Showa inverted fork, and trusted Brembo brakes. These are not placeholder components; they’re choices that signal Diem’s intent to build something real, something roadworthy.

 

Even more impressive is how much of the bike is developed in-house. Diem has taken charge of the frame, motor, and battery — a rare move for a startup. This level of control ensures that the hardware and software are optimized together, which is essential in electric vehicles where integration often makes or breaks the product experience.  Styling-wise, some may see echoes of the Ultraviolette F99 from India or the short-lived Aston Martin AMB 001, but the X-01 stands confidently in its own lane. There’s a harmony to its proportions and a kind of quiet confidence in its design. It doesn’t shout; it doesn’t need to.

The Diem X-01 is equipped with an axial-flux hub motor that directly powers the rear wheel, offering a unique and efficient drivetrain layout rarely seen in electric motorcycles. (Picure from: NewAtlas)

What makes the Diem X-01 even more intriguing is the company’s approach to launching it. There was no viral campaign, no splashy reveal with influencers and countdowns. It made a calm debut at the MBE trade show in Verona back in January, followed by a low-key showing in Berlin in June. Diem isn’t making wild promises or claiming to redefine transportation as we know it. They’re focusing on perfecting the bike and finding the right partners to bring it to market — a grounded strategy in a world of overhyped vaporware.

 

While official specs, release timelines, or production volumes haven’t been disclosed, Diem’s direction feels promising. They're not racing to market; they’re moving with intention. And that alone sets them apart in a sector where too many startups flame out after one flashy prototype. Still, Diem Motors seems serious. The company is focused on refining the bike and, more importantly, finding the right partners to bring the prototype to market. | Ti0oS9JdOAk | 

If the X-01 is any indication of where Diem Motors is headed, it might not be long before this Norwegian superbike earns its place among the more familiar names in the EV space — not through noise or gimmicks, but through real innovation wrapped in genuine style. Sometimes, quiet revolutions make the loudest impact.

 

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 | DIEM MOTORS | NEW ATLAS | THEPACK ]

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Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ – The Self-Balancing Electric Robotic Motorcycle of the Future

Autonomous Ingenuity - In a world where technology continually pushes the boundaries of mobility, the line between machine and intelligence is becoming increasingly blurred. Yamaha, a name synonymous with two-wheeled innovation, recently took this fusion of mechanics and artificial intelligence to an extraordinary level with the unveiling of the MOTOROiD:Λ at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Unlike any motorcycle most of us have encountered, the MOTOROiD:Λ does more than simply balance—it can rise on its own after a fall, hinting at a future where motorcycles are not just ridden but almost alive. 

Yamaha introduces MOTOROiD:Λ, a rotatable concept electric motorcycle at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. (Picture from: Moto-Station)

The Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ is a concept motorcycle unlike any traditional design. Its sleek, futuristic form hides a sophisticated self-balancing system capable of correcting its position autonomously. At the heart of this innovation lies a combination of gyroscope sensors and smart actuators, which allow the motorcycle to react to its environment in real time. Whether adjusting to subtle shifts in terrain or recovering from a complete topple, the MOTOROiD:Λ performs these maneuvers seamlessly without human intervention. Watching it right itself from a 180-degree ground turn feels like witnessing a machine with its own instincts, a quiet marvel of modern engineering. 

The Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ is a concept motorcycle unlike any traditional design. Its sleek, futuristic form hides a sophisticated self-balancing system capable of correcting its position autonomously. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)

This leap in capability is the result of Yamaha’s ongoing experimentation with artificial intelligence, a project that began in 2017 , and has evolved considerably since then into the MOTOROiD 2 in 2023. The self-balancing system is powered by reinforcement learning, an AI method where the motorcycle “learns” optimal positioning from experience. Each recovery makes the system smarter, more efficient, and increasingly precise. In effect, the motorcycle improves with each interaction, creating a dynamic relationship between rider, machine, and the environment. 

The flexible exoskeleton frame connects all the Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ's body parts. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)

Beyond just self-stabilization, Yamaha has imbued the MOTOROiD:Λ with features that further blur the boundary between human and machine. Adaptive AI monitors how the rider engages with the vehicle, fine-tuning engine response, steering, and balance for a ride that feels almost intuitive. The addition of facial recognition adds a personable layer, allowing the motorcycle to recognize its rider and respond to gestures—essentially greeting its owner and adjusting its behavior to suit their style. It’s a vision of two-wheeled transportation that’s interactive, responsive, and remarkably human-aware. | APDdVw4Lcek |

Despite these impressive advancements, Yamaha is clear that the MOTOROiD:Λ is still firmly in the concept stage. Mass production remains out of reach, hindered by the complexity of the technology, high manufacturing costs, and the rigorous safety standards required for public roads. However, the insights gained from this project are expected to influence future generations of electric motorcycles and intelligent rider-assistance systems, laying the groundwork for a transportation era where machines anticipate needs and act proactively.

The MOTOROiD:Λ is more than a machine; it is a glimpse into a future where mobility merges seamlessly with artificial intelligence. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)

The MOTOROiD:Λ is more than a machine; it is a glimpse into a future where mobility merges seamlessly with artificial intelligence. Yamaha’s vision demonstrates not just technical prowess but a philosophical shift in how humans might interact with vehicles—a partnership where the machine learns, adapts, and responds in real time. This motorcycle, standing autonomously after a fall, symbolizes resilience and innovation, and it serves as a quiet herald of the transformative potential awaiting the next generation of two-wheeled transportation.

 

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 | GLOBAL.YAMAHA-MOTOR | UZONE.ID |  ID.MOTOR1 | DESIGNBOOM | MOTO-STATION ]

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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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MZ Streamliner: 1968 Moped Reimagined by Engineer Sebastian Brandt

Moped Metamorphosis - Attracted to the quirky charm of simple two-stroke mopeds? You’re not alone. There's something timeless about these utilitarian machines — especially when they’re reborn as something totally unexpected. That’s exactly what happened when a decades-old East German motorcycle was transformed into a stunning, retro-futuristic masterpiece that captivated the crowd at one of Europe’s biggest custom bike events. Meet the MZ “Streamliner,” a showstopper that broke all the rules and turned simplicity into striking elegance.

The MZ Streamliner, a fully custom 1968 moped reimagined by engineer Sebastian Brandt with retro-futuristic bodywork. (Picture from: BikeBound)

The original machine behind this creation was a 1968 MZ ES150 — a bike built in an era when practicality came before polish. Designed in East Germany during the Cold War, this 143cc two-stroke wasn’t trying to win races or look flashy. It was built to get people to work, to the market, and back again, rain or shine. It had clever details like enclosed chains, splash shields, and deeply valanced fenders — all engineered for durability, not style.

The machine at the heart of this creation was a 1968 MZ ES150 — built in a time when function came before flash. (Picture from: BikeBound)

But as with many motorcycles from the Eastern Bloc, there was something quietly intriguing about the ES series — a sense that it came from a parallel universe where function shaped form in surprising ways. That curiosity was exactly what sparked the imagination of a mechanical engineer named Sebastian Brandt, who decided to take this humble commuter and give it a completely new identity.

What emerged was the MZ Streamliner — a sleek, sculpted custom bike that looks like it rode in from a retro sci-fi dream. (Picture from: BikeBound)

In 2023, at the age of 47, Brandt took a leap back into the world of motorcycle building after years away from the garage. Working out of a small workshop behind his home, he chose the vintage MZ as a blank canvas and set out to reimagine it without rules or limitations. His vision was to craft a motorcycle not dictated by trends or tradition, but by creativity, balance, and fluid design.

The MZ Streamliner captivates at first glance with its shimmering bodywork, graceful curves, and seamless, automotive-inspired form. (Picture from: BikeBound)

What emerged was the Streamliner — a sleek, curvaceous custom motorcycle that looks like it rolled straight out of a retro sci-fi film. At first glance, its shimmering bodywork draws you in with graceful contours and almost automotive proportions. The lines are smooth, the surfaces seamless, the aesthetic unlike anything else at the show. Think 1960s concept car meets minimalist futurism — yet still unmistakably MZ at heart.

 

Beneath the sculpted fairings, the original 143cc engine was replaced with a larger powerplant from the MZ ES250/2, giving the bike a more muscular tone while staying true to the spirit of its lineage. But the real showpiece is the tail section — and here’s where it gets wildly inventive. 

The MZ Streamliner features a rear end not originally designed for a motorcycle, using rear fenders and taillights from the quirky East German Trabant 601, whose cotton fiber and phenolic resin body panels provided an early form of composite material. (Picture from: BikeBound)

The Streamliner’s rear end isn’t motorcycle-born at all. Brandt sourced rear fenders and taillights from a Trabant 601 — the famously quirky East German car — whose body panels were made of cotton fiber and phenolic resin, an early composite material. These parts were cut, reformed in all directions, and structurally reinforced to become part of a motorcycle they were never meant to touch. The result? A rear profile that’s as dramatic as it is unexpected.

The MZ Streamliner is held together by a stainless steel subframe bonded into the fiberglass-reinforced fairing and supported by laminated aluminum, with even the seat base hand-shaped, molded, and seamlessly integrated into its flowing form. (Picture from: BikeBound)

To hold everything together, Brandt built a stainless steel subframe that was bonded into the fiberglass-reinforced fairing, supported further with laminated aluminum. Even the seat base followed suit — hand-shaped, molded, and seamlessly integrated into the flowing body. Almost every component on the Streamliner was either re-engineered or crafted from scratch, with only the speedometer retained from the original ES150. For structure and finish, even thin perforated steel mesh was laminated into the upper shell, giving both rigidity and subtle detail. 

The MZ Streamliner didn’t just impress—it triumphed, earning Sebastian Brandt the coveted “Rookie of the Year” award at the 2023 Custombike Show in Germany for his bold design and engineering mastery. (Picture from: BikeBound)

And the timing? As precise as the build itself was, the schedule wasn’t. The Streamliner was finished just three days before its debut at the 2023 Custombike Show in Germany. Its first-ever ride was not on a test track — it was directly onto the show stage, with hundreds of eyes watching. Brandt later described the moment simply, but powerfully: “That felt fantastic.”

The motorcycle didn’t just impress — it triumphed. Sebastian Brandt took home the event’s coveted “Rookie of the Year” award, a well-earned recognition of both his engineering finesse and design courage. It’s not every day you see a Cold War-era commuter reborn as a rolling piece of sculpture — and even rarer to see it done so authentically, and so beautifully, in a modest home garage. | 5McJekCKlzk |

The MZ Streamliner is proof that creativity has no blueprint. With patience, vision, and a love for machines that whisper history, Sebastian Brandt has turned a forgotten moped into a timeless, unforgettable custom motorcycle — one that will continue to inspire builders and dreamers alike for years to come. 

 

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 | BIKEBOUND | CYCLEWORLD | RAINMAKER1973 IN X ]

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