J BALVIN UNVEILS CUSTOM ELECTRIC BIKE

Summary:

• Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin debuted a custom electric motorcycle at his 40th birthday celebration in Tuscany
• The bike was developed through his creative studio VVT in partnership with French manufacturer DAB Motors
• The prototype features anime-inspired design elements and reaches speeds up to 130 km/hr

The Colombian reggaeton artist received an unexpected surprise at his 40th birthday celebration last month when a custom electric motorcycle was unveiled at his party in Tuscany. The celebration, held at Castello di Velona amid the region's vineyard landscape, drew guests including Daddy Yankee, Sofia Vergara, and Zion.

This motorcycle represents the first project from VVT (Vita Veloce Team), the creative studio Balvin established in 2023 alongside designer Mattias Gollin. The collaboration with French electric motorcycle manufacturer DAB Motors resulted in a machine that draws heavily from Japanese animation aesthetics.

Simon Dabadie, who founded DAB Motors, worked with Gollin to keep the project's timeline secret from Balvin. The development process utilized digital design software and three-dimensional modeling to complete the prototype within three weeks. "He knew the DAB x VVT bike was coming, but he had no idea when it would be ready", Dabadie explained regarding the surprise reveal.

Built on DAB's 1α platform, the motorcycle incorporates several distinctive design choices. The body features a deep matte red finish complemented by graphic sticker applications across its surface. The wheels are fully enclosed, and a sleek windshield completes the front profile. These elements combine to create what the designers describe as a machine with both sculptural and animated qualities.

Technical specifications include a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour and accommodation for two riders. The charging system requires three hours and 30 minutes to reach full capacity and works with standard home outlets as well as Type 2 charging stations.

The motorcycle also incorporates sensory features beyond standard operation. Sound-absorbing foam installed on wheel covers and rims generates low-frequency tones during operation. LED light strips integrated into the wheels provide atmospheric lighting effects.

According to Gollin and Dabadie, the design philosophy centered on creating an experience that balances visual appeal with practical functionality. The result, they noted, was intended to evoke the sensation of "riding through a dream" while maintaining real-world usability.

This project marks VVT's entry into vehicle design, expanding from Balvin's established presence in music and fashion. The studio's collaboration with DAB Motors demonstrates how artists are increasingly involved in product development across different industries.