A brief history of DAB

Narrated by its founder, Simon Dabadie.

DAB journey

THE EVOLUTION OF DAB MACHINES

2016-2019

CUSTOM BIKES ERA : LM

DAB Motors started with one computer, one 3D printer and one Honda motorcycle in a small garage in Bayonne (South West of France) circa 2016. This garage was where I was spending most of my time working for motorcycle brands as a 3D designer, known as “Dab Design”. I was designing motorcycle components and doing 3D renderings for companies like Yamaha, Roland Sands Design, Skully Systems, Deus Ex Machina… The rest of my time was spent working on my idea of producing a small series of my lightweight motorcycle design: the LM (Light Motorcycle). This idea gradually took up more space in my projects and became a true obsession.

2019-2021

PETROL ERA : LM-S

In September 2018, I wanted to get ahead of the curve and bring a new kind of production motorcycle to life. Riders had a recurring problem with modified bikes, they are unique, yes, but on the fringe of legality because of the constantly enforced laws in many countries. DAB Motors’s new challenge was to create the world’s most configurable street-legal production motorcycle. Thanks to this new motorcycle, riders would still be able to affirm their identity by riding a very distinct high-end motorcycle and won’t freak out in front of the cops or the insurance companies in case of serious accidents. The project was named “LM-S” (Lightweight Motorcycle – Street Legal).

2021

ELECTRIC ERA : CONCEPT-E

In 2021, my vision evolved, and I became convinced that electricity will define the future of transportation. Electric technology brings new possibilities. It was clear that my single-cylinder petrol engines were nearing extinction, driven by stricter environmental regulations worldwide. My generation, and those younger, are increasingly concerned about the planet—and rightly so. Transitioning away from noisy, polluting engines is no longer optional. DAB Motors embraced a new mission: to make electric vehicles truly inspiring—a challenge in a market already filled with peculiar e-motorcycles. Enters the Concept-E.

5006

2022-2023

ELECTRIC ERA : DAB x BURBERRY

DAB x BURBERRY

Motorcycling often feels bound by tradition and outdated codes. Through our collaboration with Burberry, we deepened our quest for singularity, pushing motorcycles beyond the conventional boundaries of motorcycling.

DAB x BURBERRY

In 2021, Adrian Ward Rees, VP of Burberry, approached us to create the first-ever Burberry motorbike, blending the DAB Motors universe with Burberry’s iconic style. In just five months, we prototyped, co- created, and produced 20 unique DAB x Burberry electric motorbikes. Working closely with Riccardo Tisci and his London team, we crafted a limited edition of the Concept-E—an incredible and rewarding challenge.

2023-2025

ELECTRIC ERA : DAB 1α

In 2023, DAB Motors hits a major milestone: Peugeot Motocycles acquired 80% of the company to industrialize the DAB electric motorcycle. Following the success of our DAB x Burberry collaboration in 2022 and recognition like the Red Dot Design Award, we built a loyal following, including global icons like J Balvin, FKA Twigs, Marcus Rashford, and Rosalía. We knew we had to do more. That’s when we met the Lion, Peugeot Motocycles, to take the next step: the DAB 1α—more efficient, more durable, and even more stunning. Designed in Bayonne and now crafted in Beaulieu-Mandeure at the Peugeot Motocycles factory, the DAB 1α embodies true French craftsmanship, transforming our concept into a production model while staying true to the DAB vision.

4035

dab custom studio

The DAB Custom Studio is where creativity knows no limits. Honoring our custom motorcycle heritage, the DCS is about rekindling that childhood wonder— when the simple beauty of something could transport you, like a child amazed by a beautiful car.

It’s about diving into the uncharted, pushing limits. The DAB 1α is not your average motorcycle; it’s a disruptor, a symbol of our generation’s refusal to settle for the ordinary.