This is something I can look at all day. Designed by Russian graphic designer, Mikhail Smolyanov of Solifague Design, this steampunk style chopper named “The Black Widow” will most likely not see the streets anytime soon, but Mikhail’s design is so amazing and realistic that many custom motorcycle sites has featured this chopper thinking it was real. This beautifully designed low-riding chopper has all the bells and whistles that scream steampunk. What I really love is the bent back forks leading back to the handles and the single swing arm in the back. Considering that “steampunk” has become very popular in the world of illustration and cosplay, it is pretty awesome to see someone take that concept and run (or ride) with it. This stretched out chopper would look mean if you say it roaring down the street. Too bad its only a concept and will (most likely) be never made.
Hit the jump to see more of the steampunk “Black Widow” chopper
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Safety is definitely a huge factor if you are planning on getting a motorcycle. Well, considering there is a huge amount of customization going on for motorcycles, why not put your personal touch on your helmet as well. Especially if its something bad ass like an Iron Man custom paint job. Safety is definitely key, but you shouldn’t have to give up style. Just don’t be a douche and put some lame ass fluorescent colored plastic mohawk on your helmet. Thats just tasteless and… well I guess douchey.
Hit the jump to check out some geek motorcycle helmets.
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For any old school anime fans, you will know and appreciate Macross (also known as Robotech in the States). For those of you that don’t know what Macross is, Macross is a long running series that has been airing on and off since 1982. Created by Shoji Kawamori, Macross’ popularity has stood against the test of time. Over the years, the Macross franchise features 9 television series/mini-series, 3 movies, and 2 graphic novel collections. The name “Macross” refers to advanced fighter mecha spacecrafts that were created from reverse engineered from an alien starcraft that crashed on an island. Mechas in Japanese animation is a very common thing like Gundams and Voltron, but Macross featured beautiful “variable fighters” that can transform the mecha in three forms. The three forms that these variable fighters are capable were fighter (fighter jet mode), gerwalk (part fighter jet/part human form), and humanoid (human form). The many different stories that were featured in the Macross series spotlighted the many pilots that flew these incredible machines.
One of the most popular characters from Macross was Rick Hunter (also known as Hikaru Ichigo/Ichijyo). His weapon of choice was his signature red and white VF-1 Valkyrie. Over the years, there has been an abundance of Macross related collectibles and toys and some of the best ever produced was from Japanese toy designer and manufacturer, Yamato. Until now, we have always seen various action figures in many different scales, but one thing that alludes us (the Macross fans) was a replica of the cool helmets that they pilots wore. Fortunately, thanks for Yamato, we get something to satisfy our craving for more Macross collectibles. Introducing, the Macross Motorcycle helmet! Designed to look like a replica of Hunter’s Skull Squadron type helmet, these bad ass helmets were not made to just sit on your shelf. These helmets were designed to be worn with the rider’s safety in mind.
Yamato is planning to release this helmet in the first quarter of 2010. Based on couple images that Yamato released of these helmets, it looks like this won’t be the first or the last Macross helmet they produce. Hit the jump to see a turnaround of this cool collectible!
Where to Buy: Big Bad Toy Store $459.99 (It’s expensive, but it looks soooo bad ass!)
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