Yep, Honda’s Koraidon—a real-life replica of the rideable dragon from Pokémon Scarlet—is the motorcycle equivalent of that high school crush who moved away before prom. It’s there, it’s glorious, and it’s not coming to America. At least, not yet. Let’s unpack why this bike has U.S. riders swinging between envy, hope, and the urge to start a revolution.
#BringKoraidonToUS
If you’ve spent five minutes on motorcycle TikTok or Reddit’s r/motorcycles lately, you’ve seen the Koraidon frenzy. Hashtags like #BringKoraidonToUS are trending harder than a Harley at Sturgis. Videos of the bike “walking” on its wheels (thanks to Honda’s self-balancing tech) have racked up millions of views. Fans are calling it “the Pikachu of motorcycles”.
Honda hasn’t even let anyone ride it yet. The Koraidon’s Tokyo exhibit is basically a glorified statue show. And still, riders are losing their minds. One Reddit user joked, “I’d trade my Ducati for a shot at this thing—even if it just sits in my garage and judges me.”
Koraidon is based on the American Indian motorcycle brand
Honda “Making Dreams Come True”
Honda’s official line? The Koraidon Project is about “making children’s dreams come true.” Cue the tiny violins for grown-ass riders clutching their helmets in despair.
Let’s give credit where it’s due: This isn’t some slapped-together cosplay bike. Honda threw 40 engineers at this project, tapping into tech from their ASIMO robot (you know, the one that does backflips) to nail that self-balancing magic. The Koraidon weighs 668 pounds, stands 8 feet 2 inches tall (Shaq would struggle to throw a leg over it), and mirrors the Pokémon’s in-game specs down to the last detail. It’s a mechanical love letter to fans.
Honda’s been tighter-lipped than a Ninja 650 owner at a Harley rally. No hints about production. No whispers of a U.S. release. Just a coy “Come see it in Tokyo!”
Why Gamers and Gearheads Are Obsessed
The Koraidon isn’t just a bike—it’s a cultural crossover. And Honda’s not alone. Yamaha just dropped a Netflix anime collab with a futuristic bike, and Toyota built its own Pokémon bike (Miraidon) last year. The message is clear: Gaming and riding are merging faster than a sport bike on a straightaway.
Why America Might Say “No”
Even if Honda wanted to bring the Koraidon stateside, Uncle Sam’s rulebook might shut it down. Here’s why:
1. Safety Standards
The Koraidon’s got moving hands, feet, and facial expressions. Cool? Absolutely. Safe? The NHTSA might side-eye those flippers like, “Are those wheels or pool toys?” And that 8-foot frame? Good luck with lane-splitting in L.A. traffic.
2. Emissions
The EPA doesn’t care if your bike looks like a dragon. If it can’t pass emissions tests, it’s staying in Japan. Honda’s stayed mum on whether the Koraidon’s engine meets U.S. specs, but my gut says it’s as ready as a rookie at a MotoGP start line.
3. Roadworthiness: “Does This Count as a Motorcycle?”
U.S. laws require bikes to have blinkers, mirrors, and handlebars under a certain height. The Koraidon’s “handlebars” are basically its neck. Good luck explaining that to a state trooper.
Lessons from Honda’s Past
Before you torch your Honda hoodie, remember: The Super Cub and Grom both started as Japan-only models. Honda tweaked their emissions, fattened the fuel tanks, and boom—they became U.S. cult classics.
Could the Koraidon follow? Maybe. But it’ll need more than a tune-up. We’re talking a full Tony Stark-level redesign to meet regulations.
Fans Aren’t Backing Down
U.S. riders aren’t just whining—they’re organizing. Change.org petitions have thousands of signatures. Influencers are tagging Honda in “Bring it to the States!” reels. One TikToker even Photoshopped a Koraidon cruising Route 66 with the caption: “Honda, let us live the meme.”
Expert Take: “It’s a Long Shot… But Not Impossible”
I rang up a few industry buddies (okay, I lurked on expert forums). The consensus?
- The Pessimist: “Adapting this bike for the U.S. would cost more than a MotoGP team. Honda’s not that crazy.”
- The Optimist: “If Tesla can sell cyber trucks, Honda can sell a Pokémon bike. The demand’s there!”
Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be lane-splitting on Koraidons, turning heads and crushing commutes. Until then, keep the rubber side down.
