Ebike Maker Surron Announces First True Electric Dirt Bike

by | Sep 11, 2022 | KTM, MotoSocial

Surron’s first full-size electric dirt bike offering: the Surron Storm Bee F. (Surron/)

If you stop and think too long about whether emerging EVs are bikes or motorcycles, you’re missing the fun. English EV maker Surron is a great example of blurring these lines, specifically in the category of dirty off-road fun.

But its latest offering, the Storm Bee F, puts two feet solidly in the motorcycle camp. First off, it’s clearly a stout electric platform. Secondly, it will be available on US soil come February 2023.

Surron, known for lightweight pedalless motocross EV bikes, has been putting out 110-pound electric trailbikes, such as the Light Bee X, since 2014. Threading the line between off-road moto, moped, or ebike, its Chinese-made EVs seem to delight in being huge ebikes or tiny trail dirt bikes; you decide.

The Storm Bee F has a liquid-cooled brushless electric motor powered by a 104V/55Ah battery pack. A claimed 22.5kW of peak power and 520 Nm of torque are on tap, along with a top speed of 68 mph and maximum range of 75 miles. A recharge time of three to four hours comes via a conventional 120V wall outlet.

Unlike its previous ebikes, the Storm Bee F is lightly clad in bodywork, complete with number plate and motocross fenders front and back. Said number plate, plus a headlight, are specific to North American versions. An onboard electronics suite includes traction control, three riding modes, and a “turbo” button allowing short bursts of extra power.

It rides on an adjustable 47mm inverted front fork with 11.4 inches of travel. Incidentally, the adjustable rear monoshock offers the same 11.4 inches of compression; its make and supplier unknown at this time.

The $8,499 MSRP puts it far below comparable electric dirt bikes such as the Zero FX ZF ($11,995) or KTM Freeride E-XC ($11,099). At 280 pounds, it’s 33 pounds and 35 pounds heavier than the Zero and KTM, respectively, though sales materials refer to the “casual off-road rider” as the Storm Bee F’s end user.

But does it rip? (Its 520 Nm of torque says yes.)

A healthy amount of skepticism regarding delivery dates is justified. But Surron’s already been to market, complete with dealer network, so it’s worth a think over whether you want to be one of the first 100 customers to plunk down a $500 deposit. Do so and you’ll get a Storm Bee F gift pack, said to be worth $200. Just passing that along.

As mentioned earlier, deliveries are said to begin February 2023.

Bodywork and 11.4 inches of suspension travel (front and back) equals real dirt bike.

Bodywork and 11.4 inches of suspension travel (front and back) equals real dirt bike. (Surron/)

Look, ma, no wastegate: “Turbo” button gives you a short burst of power when needed.

Look, ma, no wastegate: “Turbo” button gives you a short burst of power when needed. (Surron/)

Like the KTM Freeride E-XC, the brushless electric motor is liquid-cooled.

Like the KTM Freeride E-XC, the brushless electric motor is liquid-cooled. (Surron/)

A 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear should allow for tackling berms and dirt whoops nicely.

A 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear should allow for tackling berms and dirt whoops nicely. (Surron/)

The North American versions of the Storm Bee F get a number plate and headlight (not pictured).

The North American versions of the Storm Bee F get a number plate and headlight (not pictured). (Surron/)

At 280 pounds, the Storm Bee F isn’t the lightest electric dirt bike around but plenty of torque is available.

At 280 pounds, the Storm Bee F isn’t the lightest electric dirt bike around but plenty of torque is available. (Surron/)

A $8,499 MSRP plus the fact it’s not Surron’s first rodeo means the Storm Bee F deserves some consideration.

A $8,499 MSRP plus the fact it’s not Surron’s first rodeo means the Storm Bee F deserves some consideration. (Surron/)

Surron Storm Bee F Technical Specification and Price

PRICE $8,499
MOTOR Liquid-cooled, brushless (BLDC) electric
BATTERY 104V/55Ah li-ion
FINAL DRIVE 530 O-ring chain
CLAIMED CHARGE TIME 4 hr. (100%)
CLAIMED RANGE 75 miles @ 31 mph, depending upon terrain
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER N/A
CLAIMED TORQUE 520 Nm
FRAME N/A
FRONT SUSPENSION Inverted 47mm fork, compression and rebound adjustable; 11.4 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Fully adjustable monoshock; 11.4 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE N/A
REAR BRAKE N/A
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR Wire-spoked; 21 in./18 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR Off-road tire; 80/100-21 /100/90-18
RAKE/TRAIL N/A
WHEELBASE 56.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 37.0 in.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 280 lb.
WARRANTY N/A
AVAILABLE February 2023
CONTACT surron.co.uk

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