FreeWheeling Fury

Concept: Samurai Motorcycle
Designer: Artem Smirnov and Vladimir Panchenko
Odds of Production: The Future Is Now

Though almost a reality, the Samurai motorcycle concept from Artem Smirnov and Vladimir Panchenko is a two-wheel titan for tomorrow—a machine that mirrors the mise-en-scène of Blade Runner rather than contemporary style cues. And much like that futuristic film, the one-of-a-kind cruiser carries a distinctly Asian aesthetic. “My vision was very influenced by the Japanese approach to industrial design,” says Smirnov. “Nothing superfluous.”

For Smirnov, the all-electric example is also a personal expression of freedom. “Before becoming a freelancer, I worked at a studio and had to listen to the opinion of authorities who were distant from design,” says the Belarus-based creative. “This whole project was made in my spare time and for myself.” It’s a declaration of independence that imparts new meaning to the term autonomous vehicle.

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The Samurai Motorcycle, by Artem Smirnov and Vladimir Panchenko, pays tribute to Japanese industrial design.

Photo: Courtesy Artem Smirnov and Vladimir Panchenko.