An innovative electric motorcycle, designed collaboratively by J Balvin, DAB Motors, and VVT, was revealed as a surprise for his 40th birthday—combining elements of sculpture and anime while being completely functional for riding.

In the picturesque setting of Tuscany, surrounded by lush vineyards, an exclusive group convened at Castello di Velona to celebrate the 40th birthday of global superstar J Balvin. However, it wasn’t just the stunning location that caught everyone’s attention. It was the surprise debut of a unique electric motorcycle, a collaboration between French company DAB Motors and VVT (Vita Veloce Team), the innovative design studio established by J Balvin and Mattias Gollin.

He knew it was coming. Just not when—or how

José was both informed about and engaged in the development of this bespoke electric motorcycle. He was aware it was in the works but had no clue about the timeline. Projects of this nature usually span months, if not years. What he didn’t anticipate was the motorcycle being delivered unexpectedly on his birthday, set against one of Italy’s most iconic backdrops.

“He knew the DAB x VVT bike was coming,” said Mattias and Simon. “But he had no idea when it would be ready. We kept the manufacturing of the motorcycle completely secret. Rolling it out at Castello di Velona, surrounded by friends—that moment felt special.”

Part sculpture. Part anime. Fully rideable

What followed was a creative journey that merged motorcycle production, conceptual artistry, and next-gen innovation. Based on the acclaimed DAB 1α platform, the bike boasts a striking design with robust, monolithic bodywork, completely covered wheels, and a windscreen—resembling something straight out of a classic Japanese animated film.

The design narrative extends beyond conventional craftsmanship. VVT incorporated AI-driven design tools into their creative workflow, utilizing artificial intelligence as a partner to human intuition rather than a substitute. This fusion of human creativity and AI innovation hastened the exploration of concepts and enhanced the bike’s striking forms and details. This demonstrates that the future of design is rooted in this potent collaboration.

The bodywork featured a rich matte red finish, deliberately distressed and patinated by hand. Unlike typical showroom appearances, this motorcycle conveys a tale through its flaws—thoughtfully added scratches and scuffs that make it seem as though it has already journeyed through another realm before reaching this one.

“We didn’t want it to feel new,” said Simon Dabadie and Mattias Gollin. “We wanted it to feel real.”

Hundreds of hours of crafting

In a race against time, this unique prototype was developed in only three weeks, involving countless hours where every second mattered. The process included everything from initial sketches and 3D modeling to 3D printing, structural modifications, sanding, painting, and manual assembly. Each aspect was crafted using a combination of advanced technology and human skill.

“Even though DAB is now an industrial brand, I started in a small garage,” said Dabadie. “This project brought me back to that. I was in the workshop, sanding, designing, building with our team. It reminded me why I started.”

Coated in a unique Patina Red, the bike’s body was deliberately aged by hand, with scratches, scuffs, and wear marks added to give the impression that this machine has experienced life, endured challenges, and has tales to share.

Sound. Light. Sensation

Aesthetics weren’t enough. The team went deeper—engineering a multi-sensory experience around sound, light, and feel:

• Custom acoustics: Sound-absorbing foam between the wheel covers and rims produces a resonant, low-frequency tone—subtle, but felt in the body. The electric hum is re-shaped into something almost alive.

• Atmospheric lighting: LED light strips hidden in the wheel surrounds emit a glowing aura beneath the bike, giving it a soft, spectral presence after dark.

“It’s cinematic, but functional, we wanted to build something that felt like riding through a dream.” said Mattias and Simon.

Three creative forces. One machine

J Balvin, a globally renowned artist, is famous for his extensive collection of streetwear, fine jewelry, and contemporary art. In 2024, he introduced his creative studio, VVT, at a JOOPITER auction curated alongside Pharrell Williams, showcasing artists such as Murakami, KAWS, Jacob & Co., and Ben Baller. This motorcycle signifies his initial venture into mobility design, blending the worlds of music, fashion, and machinery.

Mattias Gollin, who co-founded RAL7000STUDIO and now leads VVT, is renowned for his bold and emotion-driven reinventions of traditional styles. He has partnered with brands like Vans, Timberland, Diadora, and Puma. His creations are favored by cultural icons such as Balvin, Drake, 2 Chainz, and others who shape culture through their design choices.

Simon Dabadie, the founder of DAB Motors, has turned electric motorcycles into cultural symbols. With his expertise in industrial design and love for pop culture, his designs have received the Red Dot Design Award and led to partnerships with Burberry, David Koma, among others. With Dabadie at the helm, DAB Motors is now at the forefront of the luxury electric mobility movement.

Limited. Emotional. Real

Although this prototype was specifically created for José, a limited series will be released for chosen collectors, creators, and cultural innovators. This is not merely a concept; it is tangible, rideable, and approved for road use. Pricing details can be provided upon inquiry.

Technical Specifications

• Colorway: Patina Red
• Bodywork: Bespoke 3D-printed, hand-distressed to evoke age and use
• Peak Power: 22.7 kW (31 hp)
• Weight: 130 kg
• Range: Up to 150 km (urban use)
• Top Speed: 130 km/h
• Charging Time:
• – 0–80%: 2h30
• – 0–100%: 3h30
• Charging Compatibility: Home socket & Type 2 stations
• Seating: 2-person
• Riding Modes: Eco, Street, Sport, Nitrous Boost, Reverse
• Designed and crafted in Bayonne, France

About DAB Motors

DAB Motors is a French electric motorcycle brand created for those who move differently. In a world full of noise and sameness, DAB offers something rare—quiet power, radical design, and deep cultural resonance. Founded in 2018 by motorcycle designer and engineer Simon Dabadie, DAB was born in a garage with one goal: to create a motorcycle that didn’t exist yet. Today, DAB is part of Peugeot Motocycles, yet remains fiercely independent in spirit—hand-building each machine in France with minimalist precision and emotional depth. DAB’s work has been embraced by global icons like Rosalía, Marcus Rashford, FKA Twigs, and J Balvin, and featured by fashion houses such as Burberry.
No noise. No gimmicks. Just beauty, function, and soul.

About J Balvin, Mattias Gollin AND VVT (Vita Veloce Team)

Vita Veloce Team (VVT) is the multi-disciplinary creative design studio / brand founded by global icon J Balvin in partnership with Italian creative Mattias Gollin. Positioned at the intersection of contemporary design, visual arts, and cultural research, VVT operates as a forward-thinking platform for applied creativity. Officially unveiled at 2024’s Miami Art Basel during J Balvin’s curated JOOPITER auction, VVT offer a fresh voice at the intersection to all the field of creativity. VVT is a design entity dedicated to producing limited, collectible works that challenge convention and celebrate contemporary individuality.