Somewhat off-topic, but I always found the movie a bit of a cluster-fuck. Okay...that's putting it mildly.

Obviously, the manga's been highly recommended to me, but I never got around to picking it up. Anyone here read it and can comment on it??

I figure SOME connection to the property is necessary to be able to appreciate this toy. Otherwise, it'd just some random dude on a weird-looking red motorcycle!

I read it some time ago, so I can't break it down for you as it's not fresh in my mind, but I will say that the film adaptation is very different. but after seeing the movie (old dub), then reading the manga, then seeing the movie again (with the new dub) I was just in awe of Katsuhiro's talent and vision (and awesome editing skills, haha! the manga is a big read). For me, both the manga and movie was right on the money for everything that I love about anime/manga.

you should really give the manga a go.

I get what you're saying, but still...it is a pretty fucking bad-ass weird-looking red motorcycle.

A connection to the property probably helps justify the expense but, to me, Kaneda's bike is one of the coolest-looking sci-fi/future motorcycles out there.

Check out this one too -

http://forbiddenplanet.com/47886-akira-kanedas-bike-replica/

Bit steep on price