Batman's new motorcycle revealed [UPDATE: link to video]

Posted Monday, June 18, 2007 at 2:19 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

The LA Times web site has published the first photos of Batman's new ride for next year's The Dark Knight. It's a massively-wheeled motorcycle named the "Batpod."

According to the source, the bike has 20-inch-wide wheels -- each sporting an engine in its hub. The monster doesn't have traditional handle bars. The driver steers by moving his arms within two forearm sleeve shields. "It's tricked out with grappling hooks, cannons and machine guns," so says the site.

The design is very reminiscent of the "tumbler" Batmobile from Batman Begins. That's because both were designed by Nathan Crowley. Six of the Batpods were built for the film's production. You know, just in case, the stunt drivers weren't able to handle the thing and crash. (I have a feeling they'll use up every one of them.)

For a while I have been hanging on every 'leaked' photo from the Warner Bros. hype machine for this movie. They've already shown us the look of The Joker as well as Batman's new suit.

I'm just afraid they're releasing too much, too soon. But then again, I guess they have to reveal this stuff now so some schmuck with a telephoto lens doesn't beat them to the punch by snagging pics during filming.

So, to summarize this story... Cool Bat bike. Dumb Bat name.

UPDATE: MSN has video of the Batpod taken from NBC's Today show. It's just a short clip of Al Roker and Meredith Vieira with the thing but it sure does look awesome.