Koraidon as a technology carrier with a Pokémon design
The life-size replica of the Pokémon Koraidon measures an impressive 2.5 meters and weighs around 303 kg (668 lbs). Visually, the vehicle only looks like an eye-catching plastic figure. In reality, however, it is supposed to be a functional motorcycle with wheels, even if everything is visually concealed by rigid plastic cladding. Honda wants to show how advanced technologies can be used in a playful and creative way.
State-of-the-art self-balancing technology as the basis
The focus is on Honda’s self-developed balance technology, known as “Honda Riding Assist”. This was first presented to the public back in 2017. At that time, Honda demonstrated the system on a converted NC750X, which was able to stand, ride backwards and forwards independently and follow a person. With Koraidon, Honda wants to go one step further: The motorcycle should be able to stand upright independently without any support, both on two wheels and on four legs – similar to the virtual model in the game.
Interactive elements for a realistic Pokémon experience
Koraidon is said to have movable details such as hands, legs, neck and face, at least that’s what Honda talked about in advance. However, the images shown now look as if only the legs can move, and even that could only appear to be the case. According to Honda, these elements will change dynamically depending on speed and movement mode. Honda is talking about a “Sprinting Build” mode that makes the bike look alive and realistically simulates the movements of the Pokémon Koraidon. However, it remains unclear whether they are really ready or whether this is a future goal.
Young engineering team with an ambitious goal
A team of around 40 young engineers from various fields – including motorcycles, automobiles and marine – has been working on the Koraidon project since July 2024. The team’s aim is to spark young people’s interest in the motorcycle industry and mobility technologies in general. Junichi Sakamoto, chief engineer at Honda, told Nikkei Asia that projects such as Koraidon could help the company to hold its own against new competitors from countries such as China and India in an increasingly globalized market.
Driving operation still unclear
Honda originally planned to get Koraidon moving at a slow speed of around 10 km/h by the summer of 2025. At the current exhibition, however, the motorcycle is stationary, so it is not clear whether the vehicle will actually be able to walk or move on wheels in the traditional way. So far, there are no public demonstrations that show whether and how the motorcycle’s legs could actually move. This remains pure speculation for the time being.
More than just a PR campaign
Even if Koraidon looks like a pure fan project at first glance, there is an ambitious technical development behind it. Honda is using the popular Pokémon character to draw attention to innovative technologies and tap into potential new target groups. It remains to be seen how extensively Koraidon will ultimately be technically implemented and what applications could arise from it – possibly also in the assistive area for people with limited mobility.
What is certain is that Honda has successfully combined creativity, pop culture and modern engineering with this unusual approach.
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