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150 Pound CAKE KALK – Is This The Future of Off-Road Motorcycles? (with video)


Minimalist Swedish design can seem pretty extreme … shocking even. Don’t let that fool you or put you off when you think about the new KALK electric off-roader from Swedish company CAKE. With a weight of 150 pounds, and enormous 24″ wheels, the KALK is a clean-sheet design that deserves your attention.

CAKE Motorcycle founder Stefan Ytterborn is no novice when it comes to innovative design and building a successful company. He previously founded the bicycle helmet and armour manufacturer POC, and he appears to have taken a no-compromises approach to the design of the KALK, which features almost nothing off-the-shelf when it comes to components.

Ytterborn is serious about protecting the environment as well, with custom design, narrow tires minimizing damage to off-road trails, in addition to the zero emissions nature of his bike. He states:

“On the mission to speed up the journey towards a zero emission society, my new ride is electric. I’m extremely excited to announce that we are innovating new technologies for a sustainable approach to off-road motorcycling, allowing for an optimized riding experience yet being respectful to the planet.” 

CAKE is already offering the KALK in a limited edition first run of 50 bikes for delivery this summer (priced at €14,000), with regular production models scheduled for late 2018.

Here is what CAKE has to say about the KALK, followed by a video of the bike in action:

The CAKE KALK bike, built for light off-road performance, uses an industrial standard IPM motor, customized for CAKE and made in Europe.

It´s a 15 kW mid motor, powered by a 51.8 Volt, 50Ah battery for torque and range, conducted by specifically developed and tuned software, for the controller and dynamic performance.
With the intention of simplicity, promoting easiness in terms of riding as well as maintenance, it´s a light bike weighing in at sub 70 kilos, using a single pivot direct drive, reducing the number of heavy and moving parts.

The suspension is specifically developed, by Öhlins supporting the category of hi performance at minimum weight.

Nothing has been left aside and every part including axles, hubs, cockpit, sprockets and even the tires (to minimize wear and footprint of trails being used), have been explicitly designed and engineered for the ultimate experience.

The light and snappy ride, with it´s focus on off and on trail riding, in the outback, means that its main character is about torque and acceleration, while providing a quiet gliding and surfy experience.

Thanks to it´s digital pre setting it´ll let anyone fly at their own level.

Weight: sub 70 kilos
Top speed: 80 Km/h
Nm: 42 on motor shaft
Range: up to 80km
IPM motor with direct drive
Kw: 15 peak, converted to hp: 16hp
Lithium Ion battery pack, at 2.6 Kw/h
The controller services 3 riding modes
Adjustable motor braking

Motor:
-IPM
-15kW peak/9kW continuous
-42Nm peak torque
-3000 rpm

Battery
-18650 lithium cells
-51.8 Volt
-50Ah
-2.6kWh

Controller
-Configured for 3 ride moods
-Tunable motor braking and re-gen
-Future up date ready

Frame
-6061 aluminium, extruded, CNC jointed and welded.

Body
-Carbon fiber.

Swing arm

-6061 aluminium extruded tube profile with linkage.

Suspension
Front
-The upside down fork is air/oil sprung and features 38mm stanchion tubes for extra rigidity and strength, with 204mm travel, specially developed by Öhlins. It is adjustable for high-speed compression, low-speed compression and low-speed rebound.

Rear
-Öhlins TTX dampening technology, Nitrogen pressurized bladder reservoir system, 3-level high speed and 16 click low speed compression and 7 low speed rebound
adjustment. Linkage.

Brakes
-Motorcycle standard, four pistons calipers, alloy levers and 220mm/3.2mm stainless steel rotors.

Cockpit
Handlebar
Aerospace grade 7050 aluminium, 800mm wide, 20 mm rise, 31.8mm.

Stem:
Aerospace grade 7075 aluminium stem with integrated dashboard.

Headset
Hope

Seat
Developed by Reconsider.

Wheels and tires
-Enlarged 25 mm axles
-Aerospace grade 7075 Power hubs™
-24 inch/50 mm 6061 alloy, triple chamber rims.
-24 inch specially developed tires for durability and minimum trail wear.

All fenders and side plates made of carbon fibres.

All bearings throughout the bike are SKF´s.

*Note that all specs are subject to changes


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171 Comments

  1. John says:

    “a zero emission society”? I wish people would stop saying this – there’s no such thing. How much energy is used and toxicity generated making the components of an electric vehicle? How is the electricity that recharges the batteries generated? 14.9% of the electric generated in the US is renewable including hydropower. Everything else is either fossil fuel (64%) or nuclear (20%).

    Electric vehicles aren’t “zero emission”, not even close.

  2. mickey says:

    I have a question about electric bikes that I hope some of the intelligent readers of MD can answer, and I’m talking about a street bike like a Zero S here. Do they generate the proper type of electricity and do they develop electricity that could power electric jacket liners and gloves, gps’s, power for charging cell phones etc. or would that stuff be a direct drain on the bikes power shortening the range?

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      You can hook 12v accessories up, and yes, a full suite of heard heated gear in particular would present a material drain on the battery.

      • mickey says:

        thanks Jeremy

        • mickey says:

          ok another question..can the batteries in an electric motorcycle be recharged countless times (everyday 365 a year x 5 years +)or do they have a finite number of times they can be recharged.. and do they need to be drained completely to receive a full charge? Guess that is 2 questions lol

          • mickey says:

            ok another question..would the chain, sprockets and tires last the equivalent time as the same items on an ice motorcycle?

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            The batteries have a finite number of charge/discharge cycles. The batteries will gradually lose capacity over time, just like you cell phone battery as Todd drew comparison to. It doesn’t make any difference if you charge it from empty, half full, etc. The software doesn’t actually let the battery deplete to a level low enough to cause premature damage.

            I believe Zero considers it’s battery at the end of life when it can only hold less than 80% of it’s original charge. I don’t know if this is some kind or industry standard or not.

            I couldn’t say for sure, but I would actually expect the driveline to last longer. Piston firing events introduce shock to the drive line, and throttle changes and gear shifts introduce substantial torque spikes (which is cush drives exist.) I don’t know how much wear comes from these hammering forces vs other types of wear. Maybe it isn’t material, maybe it is. In any case, an electric motorcycle with a single gear ratio eliminates gear shifts and the firing events from the equation.

          • todd says:

            How long does your iPhone battery last? It’s best to not charge a battery that is fairly full. It’s best not to over-drain a battery. Battery life is always on a downward trend, it will never last as long as it did the day before or the day before that. Quoted range is with a brand new battery, you’ll always get less and less until you replace the battery.

            Tires and chains will behave and last just like they do on a regular motorcycle – maybe longer since electric bikes typically have much less power.

          • Scott says:

            Zeroes are belt-driven. Tires are going to work just like any other tire. YMMV. Batteries are supposed to go 200,000 miles and retain 80% capacity.

            A lot of your questions can be answered by studying the Zero web page…

          • mickey says:

            yea I did visit the Zero web page an didn’t find answers to any of those questions, hence my asking here.

  3. Bob says:

    The next ‘witty’ journalist who uses ‘shocking’ in an article to describe an electric bike should be violently and with malice aforethought kicked extremely hard in his gentlemans bits.

  4. fred says:

    Just imagine if the scenario was reversed. The Cake Kalk is a normal motorcycle. Then some crazy company invents a dirt bike for 1/4th the money, that is faster, has longer range, and can be recharge from a can or from a pump in about a minute.

    No, my friends, the future is here, and it’s wonderful. You can keep your expensive, slow, short-range EV bikes. Gasoline and oil will change the world.

    • Dave says:

      Without the existing gas station infrastructure, it’d be dead on arrival, especially after the first few users burned their homes to the ground trying to transport and store the new mystery fuel.

      The Kalk is obviously a non-starter because of the price. There is other stuff out there. Click on the link I shared just below your post. Same basic performance, 40lbs lighter, 1/5th the price.

      • fred says:

        I hear you, but historically, my scenario actually happened. Gasoline was first sold in cans, then pumps and gas stations appeared, and the world was changed.

        Rather than gasoline being a non-starter, it was the fuel, literally and figuratively that changed the world, and brought in previously undreamed prosperity. Electrics couldn’t compete 100 years ago, and they still can’t, even with massive subsidies.

  5. Dave says:

    Hey Dirck,
    Maybe these guys would provide a review sample?:

    https://lunacycle.com/luna-sur-ron-dirt-mx-ebike/

  6. KenLee says:

    18.000 $ is enough to buy KTM EXC-F 350 for 10.000 $ and spend remaining 8.000 $ on gasoline for 25 years (twenty five) of riding, considering 4000 miles a year, which is a lot for off-roading. Thank you for your attention 😉 By the way- every time I see info about new electric vehicle, I make such compare with equal, or better performing petrol vehicle and it looks always the same: 10-30 years of fun for a money…

  7. Sam says:

    I imagine this as a dedicated ‘Trials bike,’ that with such light weight and low speed torque without the evil 2 stroke exhaust smell could allow spectators to enjoy the pristine air, in the country at those events, without any damage to their eardrums 🙂

  8. Doc says:

    Couple of ideas. Sell this thing through IKEA! And you want longer range? How about 20-25 years? Without refueling! GO NUCLEAR BABY!!!!

  9. TimU says:

    “Future of off road biking”? No. Not in my future.

  10. Grover says:

    Take one mountain bike, add batt, motor and drive belt and charge nearly $18,000. Think about
    that, $18,000. What else could you do with $18,000? I’m not drinking the Kool-aid.

    • Norm G. says:

      Q: What else could you do with $18,000?

      A: put a sweet deposit down on a Pani V4S with the Akra exhaust, or cop a KTM Freeride with a 2nd battery, your choice.

  11. paul246 says:

    What we really need to do first and foremost is too develop the technology for generating, storing and distributing CLEAN electricity. The toys can follow.

    • Dave says:

      I’ve read a theory that the “toys” (vehicles and general electrification of things) will actually drive the power utilities to greater efficiency as power demands rise, and that the vehicles and residential/commercial storage utilities will contribute to that efficiency.

      • paul246 says:

        Good point, so that should take about another 100 years to be complete.

        • Dave says:

          The study I read said that at the current rate of electric vehicle proliferation, a tipping point will occur between 2024 &2028, when oil dependency will drop enough to create a glut in oil supply and force electric utilities to respond.

      • Lenz says:

        The toys may increase demand as the bias shifts to electric powered “toys” – the really significant shift is to have the available power come from renewables not fossil fuelled generation.

  12. Peter says:

    This looks like lazy design. Like something someone threw together in CAD in 5 minutes. If by minimalist, you mean minimal effort in design, I agree. Looks like a great bike to ride through a soulless dystopian techie future. Sorry, this is a fail. Many other electric bike designs out there that are leaps and bounds beyond this in terms of aesthetics.

  13. motorhead says:

    When they start making hundreds of thousands of these bikes, the price will plunge nicely. Way more fun than a mountain bike for us old guys. Keep on innovating and pushing the boundaries! Kids will go for it.

    • Crazyjoe says:

      Cannondale makes electric mountain bikes at a third of the cost. Not cheap or as fast but anything to help get me up hill. It would be worth it for me at least if they came up with a high quality small displacement motor that could be bolted to a bicycle.

    • Dave says:

      Starting to happen in Asia. Those kinds of volumes only really exist in lightweight scooters & products like that. If it becomes more widespread, then the niche products could benefit from that economy of scale.

      • Crazyjoe says:

        Take away government subsidies they will go away.

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          I had read a while back where electric car sales in Denmark dropped by 60% after the government there removed subsidies. So, sad but true at this point probably.

        • Dave says:

          The oil industry enjoys that has given petroleum vehicles an insurmountable advantage. The electric bicycle market is growing like crazy with no subsidy, despite them costing 5x comparable un-powered bicycles and in many cases, more than a nice gas powered scooter.

          Electric vehicles need to happen so I hope they keep subsidizing them here in the US. Otherwise, our auto industry will fall way behind as Europe does the right thing before we do.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            I hope so too. Did they remove the subsidy for electric motorcycles this year? I know it was set to expire, but I figured they would likely extend it again. I know they did for electric cars, but I don’t know if motorcycles were included.

          • CrazyJoe says:

            This was a few years ago and I’m not sure if hybreds still get a tax break but toyota was discounting hybrid camrys by 7000. Cheap fuel is part of the problem but they don’t sell. Cheap fuel is what keeps the economy flowing. There’s tax write offs for construction and the like but subsidies i’d like to learn more.

        • Tim Rowledge says:

          Sure; but take away the trillions of dollars of subsidies the fossil fool industry gets as well, eh?

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            Don’t be ridiculous. What “subsidies” does the oil and gas industry get? Sure, they do subsidize fuel costs in big OPEC countries, but not in Europe or the US. I’d wager the only industry that gets taxed more would be tobacco.

          • ilikefood says:

            The $trillions we spend on military adventures in oil-rich places are a direct subsidy to the fossil fuel industry. And tolerating environmental damage caused by extraction and by burning fossil fuels is a massive indirect subsidy. The fossil fuel industry is the most heavily subsidized of all industries.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            Imaginary subsidies then. I see.

          • ilikefood says:

            These are real subsidies. How much would a gallon of oil cost if oil companies had to pay for their own private military to ensure access to oil in the Middle East and other unstable places?

          • Bill in CA says:

            Jeremy in TX – I always appreciate your remarks, you seem to be perceptive and well informed. But I suggest you do a bit of research on subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. You are way off base on this one. The subsidies, both direct and indirect, are huge and they are most assuredly real.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            Hi Bill. I’ve worked on the financial side of Oil and Gas for over half of my professional career. I’m sure, with that tidbit out, that many people (almost everyone probably) will automatically categorize me as an industry shill regardless of any assurances I may make to the contrary.

            I have no illusions regarding the negative environmental impact resulting from both the production, refining, transport and consumption of gas and crude products. Nor am I blind to the sociopolitical issues involved.

            But nearly all of the “subsidies” people typically refer to are simply fictitious, at least insofar as to what the definition of a subsidy is. Other claimed subsidies are no more than typical tax practices (and loop holes) that are available to virtually any industry.

            While one can genuinely find some true subsidies at the state level sometimes, I personally can’t think of any at the federal level at the moment.

            Anyway, I don’t want this to devolve down the rabbit hole any further. I should have never taken the bait or replied so curtly. Experience has taught me that passions typically infest the quality of debates around this subject, and no inside knowledge of mine or factual references will affect the outcome.

            I don’t mean any of this as an insult and hope it isn’t taken as such.

          • Bill in CA says:

            Jeremy – well said. As usual, an intelligent and sincere reply. I don’t have an axe to grind, just trying to get a true read on things. I will continue to question my own assumptions as well as others. Sometimes it is better to follow the road (or trail) than the money. Happy riding.

          • Dirck Edge says:

            “Intelligent and sincere” describes all MD readers, doesn’t it?

    • paquo says:

      this has nothing to do with a bicycle or e bike

  14. Scott says:

    that funny sound you hear is my super tenere’ laughing its a$$ off.

  15. Paul48130 says:

    Our sport is evolving. In the same way some resist the transition from two stroke to four stoke off road bikes, alternative power is the next step. We’ve all seen the reports, motorcycling is withering and we have to find ways to bring riders into the sport while also managing some of the barriers, access, safety, price, etc. A bike like this goes a long way to doing that. Its not so dissimilar to aggressive mountain bikes and is at a competitive price. Its light enough that it could be easily transported; its also quiet, a huge issue with land access. KTM has their e-machine and now this; these are the bleeding edge of what’s sure to come. We can either embrace it or get left behind.

    • Scott says:

      ^ Gets it.

    • hh says:

      electricity as an energy is the present and the wish or stuggle here is to make it manageable, nothing that runs on electricity is the future…someday people will look back and will call the age of fire the dark ages and the age of electricity the dim ages…

      • Scott says:

        So what do you think is the future? Fossil fuels?

        • Chase says:

          Doesn’t have to be fossil fuels , but an engine tied to a very limited range power source will never be THE FUTURE.
          There is much science to go before the potential energy of fossil fuel is surpassed as a source of motion. This is not a step towards it, just a bizarrely packaged drawing to grab attention.

          • P Harris says:

            Tesla is the best selling luxury car in Europe. Electric will rule.

          • Chase says:

            Proving there are plenty of idiots in Europe. I certainly don’t look to europe for validation of any type.
            Tesla wouldn’t even exist of not for taxpayer subsidies keeping it afloat. Their cars are still unreliable crap. But hey go ahead and buy them if you got the money.
            I’ll keep buying what I like.

        • hh says:

          C’mon, imagine you are a young man 250 years ago and you meet Ben Franklin and he tells you about his work with electricity. Then it is 1833, you are getting older, and you meet William Sturgeon who tells you that he has made a working electric engine. Well it is now 2018! So somewhere out there, just like Einstein, and others, there is a kid growing up or yet to be born, who will think up a game changer and a bunch of other folks will make it manageable. After two and half centuries of development I don’t think the future is burning anything or making more electricity. At least I hope not, since that seems pretty grim and stuck. I am an optimist, who wants to see my grandchildren and beyond in world of vision and discovery that can manage out of hole where the answer isn’t making better shovels. Be well, hh

    • Regan says:

      2stroke riders don’t “resists the transition” they choose superior motorcycles.
      $17500 for the Pound cake, wow that looks like a good price. Buy it you can be a trendsetter.

  16. Gunner says:

    This IS the future, get used to it! It is simply a matter of time before everything on two wheels burning fossil fuel will be forbidden or priced or taxed out of the picture. Perhaps in a couple of years (hopefully) or at least before 2025. So, if you still want to ride by then, you simply got to have one of these or something similar. The nice thing is, you get the whole dirt experience, except the most of the smell and old fashioned sound, so start building your own or start saving!
    (I am selling off all my present bikes, while starting to play with electric motors, batteries and controllers, to learn and be prepared for the last, better and even more challenging part of my racing life).

    • Montana says:

      You seem pretty sure of yourself Gunner. Electric vehicles have been around for over 100 years, and they still haven’t taken over. The problem is range. 80 km sounds great, but it’ll work out to 25 real world miles, fine for racing but not enough for trails exploration.
      Energy produces heat, and the more of it you pack into a small package, the more likely you will end up with exploding laptops and cell phones. Until a whole new energy storage technology is developed (and I see nothing on the horizon), proponents will continue to think globally and ride locally.
      I’m with you when it comes to rooting for a new technology, I’d love the torque, reliability, cleanliness, simplicity, and low maintenance of an electric road bike.
      But when you start talking about coercion via taxation or legislation, well, we’re on opposite sides of the fence there.
      We are nowhere near producing sufficient green electrical power today for household needs, let alone transportation, so every time you recharge your CAKE, you’ll still be burning coke.
      Let’s not even talk about the carbon footprint left by battery production.

      • Dave says:

        Let’s break this down.
        “Electric vehicles have been around for over 100 years, and they still haven’t taken over.”

        This has nothing to do with viability and everything to do with lobbying and marketing and it’s changing. Fast.

        “Energy produces heat, and the more of it you pack into a small package, the more likely you will end up with exploding laptops and cell phones.”

        Because gasoline never catches on fire. This is a myth. Heat is completely controlled by engineering discipline with electric machines.

        ” 80 km sounds great, but it’ll work out to 25 real world miles, fine for racing but not enough for trails exploration.”

        No, it’ll work out to 80km (or their product will fail, miserably, they know this..), and probably more off road, since there’s a lot more coasting in that ride mode. Batteries are improving quite fast (look up lithium sulfer). And as I enjoy pointing out, the battery in a Chevy Bolt holds the equivalent of 1.8 gallons of gasoline’s energy. A gallon of gas has the same BTU/gallon as it has since it was discovered. Look how our vehicles have progressed. There’s still a lot more opportunity in electric efficiency.

        Opposition to land access for off road moto has focused on noise and emissions, among other things. How could erasing those two things be a bad thing?

        • mickey says:

          Let’s break this down.
          “Electric vehicles have been around for over 100 years, and they still haven’t taken over.”

          “This has nothing to do with viability and everything to do with lobbying and marketing and it’s changing. Fast.”

          I’m not sure that’s true Dave. I think it has to do with viability and cost for a great many motorcyclists.I test rode A Zero SR. Ran fine. It was fun. I could absolutely see myself driving an electric motorcycle. But drive time, recharge time and initial buy in cost were viability items that didn’t measure up and items I could not ignore.I’m not going to pay more for less convenience. They have been tested and reported on and promoted for at least a decade now and I have NEVER seen one on the road. The new ones do look better, they just don’t measure up to current ICE motorcycles and until they do, there is no sense buying one.

          • Dave says:

            I meant to convey that the obstacles to development and viability have been the oil lobby. I agree that a Zero’s cost/benefit ratio isn’t acceptable now, but if electric had progressed at a rate more in line with the rest of consumer electronics, that price would be a great deal lower now. It’ll get there, just not as fast as it could.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            I don’t buy into that. I think the main obstacle has been value proposition, not lobbying. Gas and diesel engines have just offered much more utility and significantly cheaper up front costs than electric.

            Cost of fuel (which is where I assume you are referring to how the oil lobby affects electric vehicle development) has only ever affected the average fuel efficiency of vehicles sold.)

            Battery tech investment has been massive over the years as there are plenty of industries beyond personal transportation that benefit from battery performance. Nothing has blocked that.

            Upfront cost, range, charging times, and lack of charging station infrastructure: that is what has checked demand for electric vehicles which ultimately keeps manufacturing volumes lows.

    • mickey says:

      “This IS the future, get used to it! It is simply a matter of time before everything on two wheels burning fossil fuel will be forbidden or priced or taxed out of the picture. Perhaps in a couple of years (hopefully) or at least before 2025.”

      you are NOT going to get rid of or outlaw ICE vehicles within 7 years. That’s an environmentalists pipe dream.

      • Gunner says:

        “you are NOT going to get rid of or outlaw ICE vehicles within 7 years. That’s an environmentalists pipe dream.”

        Call me whatever you want. Perhaps you are right, probably living in the Trump part of the world. I am not and I have already started getting rid of my ICE vehicles, starting with a new Tesla, perhaps manufactured close to you.
        It just happens to be a nice, rather quick car and I am sure my future bikes will, too.

        • mickey says:

          There are a few countries that hope to have the majority of their vehicles ev by 2025 (Norway, Netherlands), or 2030 (India), but most of Europe plans on going elect by 2040 (Germany, Britain etc). I don’t expect that the US will even be ready by then. Maybe 2050?

          • KenLee says:

            Major reason of electric vehicles success in scandinavian countries is taxation. Crazy taxation… Danish citizens i.e. are used to pay about 200% of purchase taxes only for a car. It means, the final purchase cost is three times higher than in US, or central Europe. Buying electric they reducing tax and then no matter it’s twice more expensive on a price tag. Asking people in other parts of the world to do the same now could lead to revolution (and not electric revolution)…

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “There are a few countries that hope to have the majority of their vehicles ev by 2025 (Norway, Netherlands), or 2030 (India), but most of Europe plans on going elect by 2040 (Germany, Britain etc). I don’t expect that the US will even be ready by then.”

            it’s worse, many of those countries won’t be ready by then either. as P246 points out, there’s a HUGE issue with generating capacity. it’s one to thing have some know-nothing dolt legislate everybody and their nana switch over to BEV’s, but it’s WHOLE ‘NOTHER matter to actually have the electricity available to meet the demand of all these vehicles. England is a good example.

            need i mention solar doesn’t generate at night/during off-peak. many have got their cart carrying a petrol generator in front of their electric powered horse, those governments are kidding themselves boys.

    • Norm G. says:

      RE: “I am selling off all my present bikes”

      i call “dibs” on the ’04 Nicky Hayden.

  17. guu says:

    How are 24″ wheels huge? That`s a BMX cruiser size. Mountain bikes now run 27.5 or 29 inch wheels (rim sizes of 584 and 622 millimeters). Off road motorcycles have 18,19 and 21″ _rims_, the actual wheel size is much larger (rim diameter plus 2 x tire height).

    • Dave says:

      Huge by moto standards, I guess. Should have a similar effect as it’s had in MTB, better “roll-over” should lead to more efficiency and range as long as it still results in the appropriate amount of wheel travel for the ride.

    • Dirck Edge says:

      21″ wheels are currently the largest on a production motorcycle (that I am aware of). Most street bikes have 17″ wheels, and the front wheel of a motocross bike is 21″.

      • Bob K says:

        That’s the rim size only. With a tire, the outside rolling diameter of a 21″ MX tire is about the same as that 24″ BMX cruiser tire.

      • Butch says:

        For what it’s worth, the Honda XL 250S from the late 70’s was fitted with a 23″ front wheel.

      • guu says:

        Like I wrote, in motorcycles the inches refer to RIM size. On bicycles its the WHEEL size (rim + 2 x tire height). 21″ RIM is about 530 mm. That is about the same as the various bicycle 24″ WHEELS have for a RIM (507 to 547 mm). Since motorcycle TIRES have higher profiles (height) the actual WHEEL size of this bike is probably slightly smaller than on real dirt bikes. Which is not a surprise since it faces the same packaging issues as do motorcycles. (sorry about the caps)

  18. clasqm says:

    Someone finally figured out that electric motorcycles don’t need fake fuel tanks.

  19. MotoMaster39 says:

    The problem with high powered electric bikes is that you’d be forced by local laws in most places to ride them on either private property, or dirtbike/quad trails. They’d work fine for a backyard playbike, but for trailriding, and all day track riding, I would want more range than these types of high powered electric bikes can currently deliver on one super-expensive battery.

  20. RRocket says:

    Someone did this a few years ago….essentially a powered mountain bike. They put a 125cc 4 stroke in it. It’s lighter too…136 lbs. And it started at ~$4000 US. Company is called FXBikes Mountain Moto.

    Would much rather have….

    • Bryan Kowalchuk says:

      I have been playing with my own version of this, built around the MotoPed platform with a 140cc Piranha engine.
      Power figures are very close to this bike, but mine currently weighs 120lbs. I am considering an electric conversion, but wanted to build a gas powered one to test as a bench mark first.

      These kind of bikes have their place, but its no substitute for my Husaburg FE450.

  21. Grover says:

    They need to hire an Italian designer to spruce up the looks of this bike. That thing has a frame that only Sponge Bob would find attractive.

  22. ilikefood says:

    The future of off-road motorcycles is an electric mountain bike?

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      It looks to be considerably more substantial than your typical mountain bike to me. I like it.

  23. hh says:

    These bikes are just goofing us around. We should think and move further forward and faster. The next break thru I want should give us bikes like the ones Apollo and Starbuck rode back in the 1980s.

  24. Scarecrow800 says:

    Wait … what? … Battery … 18650 Lithium Cells … Man, dats a lot of triple A batteries in there. Anyway, regarding the price, I remember when the first 50 inch plasma TVs came out, they were 12,000 dollars. They were neat but I wasn’t going to buy one at that price. Recently, I spent about $1000 dollars for a 65 inch HD LED TV. So, prices do come down over time, the real factor is whether there is enough demand to actually cause the price to drop. Oh yes, and the 24 inch wheels do bring back the memories of my old XL500 with the front 23 inch wheel.

    • Dave says:

      18650’s have been the cel that makes up the batteries in Tesla cars. I believe they’re onto a larger, but still “metal can” battery cell of their own design.

    • Tim Rowledge says:

      Those 18650 cells are rather larger than triple As. The clue is in the name 18mm diameter by 65mm long (don’t ask why the extra 0). Tesla are using larger 21 x 70 cells In the M3. Apparently better package density at the pack level.

  25. Scott says:

    On the price, they did mention this is a limited run of 50 units, and that later there will be a regular production run. I would speculate that the price may be a bit lower on the production units? Maybe it won’t have the Ohlins suspension and the carbon fiber bodywork? We shall see…

    • ApriliaRST says:

      On the price, €14,000 is $17,500? Did I make my conversion right? 1 USD = 0.8 Euro.

      • LaaryC says:

        Your conversion is correct, but your formula is wrong. One Euro gets you $0.80, or $1.24=1 Euro.

      • guu says:

        In Europe prices include all taxes and other charges unless otherwise mentioned. That makes a big difference as in Sweden the value added tax (kind of like sales tax) is at world-record level of 25%

  26. Jeremy in TX says:

    I like it, though 70 kgs isn’t that hard to accomplish with a 2.6 kwh battery. I doubt you could get much more than 30 – 35 miles off road with that, even considering the skinnier tires and light weight. I like the concept, but it seems like the guy is just building luxury devices right now. Nothing wrong with that, of course.

    • sbashir says:

      50 miles.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        No way. I don’t care what they claim.

      • RyYYZ says:

        50 miles, probably if you baby it around at a slow pace. Sort of like the advertised range for electric street motorcycles, which whither when you increase speeds to even just the speed limit on major highways.

        And when you’ve drained the battery after a hour of trail riding, then what? Swap in another charged, expensive battery pack (on top of the already high price)? Plug it into the gas-powered generator you’ve brought with you and wait for a few hours for it to charge? And how’s that any better than just running a gas-powered bike to start with?

        I love the electric dirt bike idea – could be much simpler, quieter, cleaner – but the devil is in the details, particularly range.

        • HM says:

          And you get it! Having worked between two electricity substations. Whenever there is a brown out they would light off to supplement the grid. Electricity does not come out of the wall until it gets to said wall. At this point most electricity is nuclear generated and most of the rest is still generated by fuel oil/natural gas. Electricity as it is currently generated is not forward thinking at all imo.

  27. Crazyjoe says:

    This is a game changer.

    • EGS says:

      It will certainly change the balance in my savings account! Still expensive at 1/2 the cost.

      • Crazyjoe says:

        Cannondale makes electric mountain bikes at a third of the cost. Not cheap or as fast but anything to help get me up hill. It would be worth it for me at least if they came up with a high quality small displacement motor that could be bolted to a bicycle. I think the price of electric conversions could be close to 800.

  28. tf says:

    Probably a good option for older dirt riders like myself. My range isn’t much more than 80km anymore.

  29. Norm G. says:

    admittedly when i first read the title i thought it said “150 pound CAKE WALK”. nice nod to BMX with the 24″ tires, that’s a classic size, not small like a 20 but not as big as a 26.

    btw what’s the Pac-Man logo about…? is that to symbolize this kit’s “eating up electrons with reckless abandon”…? has the use of this image been cleared through Namco…? that’s no joke, the Japanese will jump on ya.

    and finally, it needs PEDALS. i don’t do anything mimicking push bikes without pedals. i told you i need the exercise, i’m working on my gut.

  30. Don says:

    For those who are interested, the power and torque in ‘merican units are:
    20HP Peak
    12HP Continuous
    31ft-lbs Torque

    Seems like a ridiculous price. These could be cool once there’s a decent battery breakthrough. I wonder what tire selection is like for that size? I’d hate to be limited to only one style of tire for all of my riding.

  31. Dig Dirt says:

    Zero emissions? Electricity isn’t zero. Skinny tires will have more pounds per square inch than fat tires thus causing more disturbance to trails. Quiet and quick? The eco-terrorists claim that quiet and quick sneaks up on wildlife and increases their stress levels. A lot of PR going on here. Please do not keep trying to make us better motorcycles, but I don’t think this is better in any way to my dirt bike.

    • Mick says:

      The tires that I took off of my YZ250 to put the ice tires on it are 90mm front (call it a fat 3.5″) and a four inch wide rear trials tire. Those tires and wheels are now leaning on one of the tires on one of my fat bikes. Those tires, narrow by current fat bike standards are four inches wide front and rear.

      So you in fact have and average wider foot print on a fat bike. Those tires are run at a lower pressure and the motor powering an electric bike is very likely to have less power, and less ability to spin the rear tire. That and the whole package, if you are talking about a bike that uses what are basically bicycle tires is going to be about 100 pounds lighter.

      I have zero issue with the promotion of current dirt bikes. I love them dearly. But using misinformation is jut plain dishonest.

      All that said. I believe that the off-road centered electric motorbikes will end up as a hybrid of the bike we see here and the Alta that I believe has yet to grace theses pages.

      These bikes are clearly early and a bit crude. But they do show signs that, once again, people my age (56) have repeatedly been invited to live in the future. I feel that eventually I will be able to sample some of this future. Enough to perhaps keep a set of ice tires on one of my IC dirt bikes because it is not needed in the summer to serve as a buddy bike. The electric, or the other IC bike, will serve that purpose.

      I’m watching. There is a lot to like in what I see. I just have yet to see it all on one unit. That will come.

  32. Michael P. says:

    I love electric motorcycles but have a few problems with them. I have an Alta like I’ve mentioned before, cool bike but range and charge time isn’t so good, fun factor is off the charts however. I personally think electric bikes are best suited for the off road market due to the average low speeds and obvious sound, or lack there of. I’ve donated big bucks for one already only to have them (Alta) drop the price of the bike 2 grand just 4 months after I bought it, so I’m trying to wash this bad taste out of my mouth. Until battery technology gets better and faster charge times a reality without all sorts of fancy chargers and special plugs wired into your home, I’ll sit by and watch how it all unfolds.

    • william says:

      Just plan on running the Alta until it dies, then it doesn’t matter what resale is, and doesn’t matter about the price drop. Ok you could have waited and then spent less but you cannot know the future to predict that. Actually though, electric is supposed to be coming down in price so people should expect that. But price drop would be expected to accompany a larger manufacturing volume and larger bike sales instead of just a random drop. To get more potential buyers and make a product more mainstream instead of that rare item, the price has to be closer to the competing products. So it could be a marketing strategy. Anyway that’s a nice bike, and if you think the fun factor is off the charts which I can believe, then ride it and enjoy it. There are a whole lot of people who envy you for having one, that they could not afford but also want one.

    • Scott says:

      Someone has to be the early adopter. In this case, Michael P., it was you. Thanks!

      Some people in the 70’s paid $1200 for the first generation of VHS cassette players, so that the rest of us, 40 years later, could buy a Blu-Ray player for 60 bucks.

      While it’s a bummer you paid so much for your Alta, it’s because of people like you that Alta is still in business, and now folks can buy one for less, and the more they sell, the less they’ll cost. And instead of griping about how the bike was overpriced and didn’t have enough range, you bit the bullet and you’ve been able to enjoy your fine machine all this time. So congrats!

      Too many people spend their time whining and complaining about things that aren’t perfect enough for them, and they use it as an excuse to never do anything. They’ll go to their death bed, still waiting for that perfect motorcycle to come along…

  33. Tank says:

    How exactly do you pronounce Kalk? Talk, walk, Kalk?

    • JesVestervang says:

      As a Dane I would pronounce it like ‘calc’ in calculator. It literally means calcium which makes sense given the pale look of the bike.

      Regarding the bike I would very much prefer the KTM Freeride E. Perhaps I would even consider switching my LC4 to one of those at some point. It’s a shame that the battery packs are so darned expensive.

  34. Brian D says:

    That is a seriously big rear sprocket – especially considering it looks large even on those massive 24″ wheels.

    • william says:

      Maybe that is where it will get some traction, from the large wheels. Larger wheels will smooth out the ride a bit as well.

    • sbashir says:

      Because it is direct drive. They didn’t use a transmission to save weight. Zero motorcycles also have a large rear sprocket.

  35. xootrx says:

    I’ve had multiple electric bicycles over the years, and I still have a couple which I enjoy. I’m not ready for an electric motorcycle just yet, but I expect it’s only a matter of time. As a nasty minded Yank though, I’m having fun with that name. “My name is Cake, and I’d like to show you my Kalk.” Oh, dear me.

  36. Bud says:

    Looks like a fun thing to have in your garage. But not in my garage, at that price point.

  37. Austin ZZR 1200 says:

    Climate deny all you want, I love it.

  38. Paul246 says:

    So, for the $17,500 price tag… this minimal bike is competing with even more minimal and far lighter top tier mountain bikes, of which you could buy several at this price. 154 pounds versus 28 pounds for a good and strong MTB. I would much, much rather have the MTB and use the balance to pick up a CRF110F or two.

  39. Tom says:

    Ok is it cake or is it caulk? It can’t be both.

  40. Denis says:

    So what do you do when it runs out of jiggawatts in the middle of nowhere? I guess the only viable solutions would be to drive in a truck to either pick it up or to haul in a battery or a generator, all of which are going to require (GASP!) some type of fossil fuel. Ohh! But wait!! What about the environment! Oh ya, that nasty stuff called gasoline? It’s been killing the people and the planet for years!! OK folks, let’s move along.

    • Don says:

      What do you do when you’re gas dirt bike runs out of gas in the middle of nowhere? You probably learn a valuable lesson about trip planning is what.

      • Paul246 says:

        Switch to reserve and head back. Usually add gas from the red gas can before that happens.

        • Shaunock says:

          Golly, if only electric vehicles has some sort of indicator of the charge remaining in the battery. That sure would be a game changer.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        Haha. Point taken, but many of us carry extra fuel or fit larger fuel tanks. As much as I would love something like this or an Alta, there isn’t a single off-road ride route that I routinely take where where bikes like these would make it even halfway. Even the Alta with over double the battery capacity might be good for forty or fifty miles max.

        An hour or two of off-road riding is plenty for some people making these bikes a great option I think. They aren’t quite there for me personally, yet.

      • Denis says:

        What’s easier to transport to a stranded vehicle? A can of gas or a “can” of electricity? I have heard a story about electric cars becoming stranded in a traffic jam on a major interstate on a cold and snowy day. Some of the cars ran out of fuel (or electricity) as the drivers tried to stay warm. Which vehicles do you think were easier to get moving again? Give me a gasoline vehicle over anything else.

  41. william says:

    I always like to read articles on electric motorcycles. It’s a great new trend. The video gave a better impression than the photos. They were riding on somewhat smooth ground and easy off road situations. Sort of half way between a bicycle and a motorcycle. I thought Zero started out that way as well but parts were breaking so over time they moved to more motorcycle and less bicycle. You come into a corner with speed and the wheels buckle sideways on you. The wheels looked stronger in the video, they might hold up. Traction should be a problem with their smooth tread design. Motorcycle people do like to have vehicles that look good as well as functional so they might have to put some effort there. It definitely looks minimal on everything. Like they went for all function and keep it as simple as possible. A person could have some fun on this thing though. 154 pound vehicle would be fun in some tough single track trails. Not sure how it would handle rough ground, or big rocks or logs.

    • Bob K says:

      You’re right. The first Zeros were way too much like a bicycle and did not withstand daily use, even on pavement. Bicycle wheels and brakes and even a spindly small diameter bicycle suspension fork. Even the frame was flimsy. Way under-designed.
      .
      These Cakes do look a lot more durable. I’m curious about the tires though. Mountain bike width or fat bike width. I wonder how many people would try to put a much less expensive bicycle tire on a 154 lb machine with a power output of more than the 1/2 HP most humans put out.
      .
      Also, why not a perimeter frame and at least a cheesy skid plate to protect the power train?

      • william says:

        I also noticed the somewhat lack of protection. A nice smooth curved skid plate is in order. That box in the front sticks out there just begging to get hit. It is high up, but still looks fragile. Looks like that diagonal frame member makes a triangle, so good for strength but doesn’t protect anything that sticks out in front of it.

        My guess is a regular mountain bike tire is much more skinny than these.

        It says 50 miles for range. The specs are not too bad. I wonder what the seat height is. Seems odd the KTM and this have same continuous power of 9kW and 42 Nm torque. Not sure that is measured at the wheel or engine though.

      • Scott says:

        Am I missing something? When I look at the pictures posted above, I’m seeing a rather substantial-looking skid plate under the motor, and the frame looks like a perimeter design to me…

        • william says:

          Yes you are missing something. Ok it is a perimeter frame, but the diagonal tube goes to the foot peg. The frame up front is usually not straight, it goes down, then horizontal under the engine. This is bicycle style. There is a plate, but it looks wimpy to me. Usually the frame is out front since it can take a hit, and a skid plate covers the frame so spread out the impact and make it glide over a big rock or log. This thing has a sharp cornered electrical box in the front. Pop the front tire up over a log, then the bike rests right on the little box as you try and shove the back of the bike over the log. The whole front area is an impact zone. So this layout looks like it is meant for light duty off road. I have seen really thick aluminum skid plates dented and grooved. I guess it depends on what type of use you are thinking of.

          • Scott says:

            Okay, you’re obviously using a different definition of perimeter frame than I am. You’re talking about the downtubes that cradle the engine, like on a typical MX bike, I guess?

            In any case, I think you’re fantasizing alittle too much about what this bike is meant to do. “Light” offroading is correct. This thing isn’t going to be crawling over big logs and boulders. It’s just a fun little scoot for exploring single tracks and bombing around…

  42. Random says:

    I at least need to learn how to read the specs of electric motors and, more importantly, batteries (assuming they will really substitute internal combustion, which I know it’s not certain). Engine power (even in Kw) is ok, power is power. Regarding batteries, though, things aren’t clear to me. Voltage helps power output as far as I know, and amperage is how fast you die if you mess with it. Could Kw/hour be an equivalent to range (dead dinosaurs in the tank for us pre-milennials)?

    • sbashir says:

      The higher the voltage of the motor, controller and battery, the thinner the wires can be, because less current has to flow to make the same power. Voltage x Current = Power. Thinner wires reduce weight and size. kWh is how much energy can be stored in the battery, like your gas tank. It determines the range.

      • Random says:

        Thanks for the info Sayed. However, increasing voltage doesn’t have any disadvantages? There should be a trade-off somewhere, usually no free lunch with nature.

  43. Trpldog says:

    Lets be respectful to the planet after I fill in my erosion prompting ditches I just dug with my tree hugger stickman bike. 😉

    • nickst4 says:

      Too right! There was nothing eco-friendly about these bozos tearing that track up.

      Personally, I think that powered two-wheelers belong on roads. Leave the countryside for nature and those humans who enjoy it in a peaceful way. That’s me, when I don’t have my biking kit on and am exercising one of a dozen bikes.

      • Scott says:

        And the hikers think you MTB hooligans tear things up, so why don’t you stay out of nature?

        • nickst4 says:

          Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear enough: in the countryside/nature I walk and enjoy the peace and quiet. On the road, I ride my motorcycle, hopefully without annoying anyone. Just to mess with the heads of the average non-motorcyclist, I like to stop and let little old ladies cross the road. Always good for a laugh!

  44. Paul says:

    No, thanks.

  45. Scott says:

    Looks like fun. More like a downhill mountain bike with an electric motor than a motorcycle. I wonder if you could ride it on public roads, the same way you can ride a bicycle, or if they would require lights and all the other equipment as well as registration and insurance?

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