It is prudent to expect the unexpected when it comes to this year's Big Boys Toys exhibition at Abu Dhabi's Adnec. Exhibitors always bring their boldest, priciest and whackiest vehicles, inventions and curiosities, so this year, we headed down on day one and put together eight of the coolest toys for you to check out this weekend — everything ranging from a giant robot to solid gold sound systems, batmobiles and electric wakeboards.
• Big Boys Toys is on Friday November 19 and Saturday November 20 from noon until 10pm at Adnec. Tickets cost from Dh50 per day. For more information visit www.bigboystoysuae.com
Water Bike
The Schiller S1-C is designed to cycle on water at speeds of up to 11 kilometres per hour. This cool contraption allows riders to “immerse” themselves in nature, literally — whether on fresh water lakes, or rougher coastal seas. Although it folds up to fit in very small spaces, it can hold up to 240kgs — making it a water cycle for two.
It uses inflatable pontoons and a propulsion system that automatically raises itself when the Schiller hits land. The water bike is also fully customisable, with alternative handlebars, pedals and even mounted fishing poles available.
Solid Gold Sound
This system, River’s Tone, was designed and built by technology invented by Michio Sakamoto, the technical director of a large Sony studio complex in Japan in the 1980s. The 60kg system is made of 99.999 per cent solid gold, and adorned with diamonds — making sure it doesn’t just sound good, but looks good too. Its box was created by Kyoto craftsmen and the three-piece set comprises two speakers and an amplifier, to make sure the system sounds as loud as it looks.
It is quite the expensive statement piece, valued at a whopping $US9 million, (Dh33 million) though there is only one of the “Dubai edition” systems in existence.
Those looking for a cheaper piece, however, need look no further than Valorado’s gold-plated electric violin.
Giant Robot
Another curious entry from Valorado, this enormous robot is more decorative than functional. Though one could be forgiven for assuming it is a Transformer, an anime otaku might scold you if you say it out loud. The mech was designed by Kunio Okawara, a legend in the world of anime, who designed mecha for Gundam and Brave Series. He was the first in the industry to be designated a mechanical designer. While it may not fire off lasers at your guests, it should at least capture their attention — given that it is taller than your average man.
Tumbler
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy introduced the world to the Tumbler Batmobile — half sports car, half tank. This replica might not ever see any vigilante action, but it does boast a V8, 5.87 litre Chevrolet Corvette engine. While it is not equipped with a rocket launcher, explosive mines or machine guns, propane tanks do shoot fire out the back.
However, the Dh3 million price tag might put any prospective owner off throttling smashing it around the city anyway.
Wingcopter
The Wingcopter is a cross between a drone and a plane — or as the company calls it, a vertical take-off and landing / hybrid aerial system. It combines the best of both worlds — when used as a copter, the motors work in front and behind the wings; during flight, they are above and beneath the wings. The Wingcopter can travel up to a record-breaking 150 kilometres an hour, and manoeuvre like a fighter jet. There are only 10 of these special edition gold Wingcopters available for US$1 million (Dh3.6 million), though the standard white line of products — which start at $60,000 (Dh221,000) — can be used for a wide range of applications; they are stable enough to use professionally for film, and fast enough to help with fire fighting and delivery.
Bienville Legacy
This 300bhp motorcycle, one of just 12 hand-built by master-craftsman JT Nesbitt, is composed of aerospace-grade materials; titanium, carbon fibre, hand-tooled leather and mahogany details. When it comes to design, Nesbitt is renowned for the outrageous and unexpected. Although it costs a huge $350,000 (Dh1.3 million), this is perhaps a small price to pay for such luxury. It not only boasts a liquid cooled, but also has the world’s first patented leaf-spring suspension, which keeps the engine and rider anchored at the centre of the motorcycle.
Radinn Wakejet Cruise
If you like wakeboarding, you will love the Radinn Wakejet Cruise — an electronic powered wakeboard. Though, you may not love the price, at $23,000 (Dh84,479), the experience is the best of wakeboarding and surfing combined. While you maintain the agility and momentum of wakeboarding, you can ride further out on water.
The electric power system is quiet and eco-efficient, with the device monitoring and balancing every battery cell in real time. It also keeps an eye on heat, and turns itself off if it detects any abnormalities that could cause permanent damage. Its speed is controlled by a waterproof remote, and it has an internal computer system and a mobile app, providing a huge range of options for future developments.
Digger Bike
LJ Miller’s newest custom chopper was built specifically for Big Boys Toys 2015, and is the world’s first to have 30-inch front and rear wheels. When Louwrens, the owner of LJ Miller Engineering who started building custom V8 cars 35 years ago, first requested the frames — he was told it could not be done. However, eventually they built a the one-off frame and front girder forks needed to house the enormous wheels. The $250,000 (Dh918,000) motorcycle boasts a 103 CI S& S Panhead motor and a suitably outlandish appearance — capped with the words “Gold Digger” emblazoned on the side.