Motorcycles

RMK unveils working prototype of its hubless E2 electric motorcycle

RMK unveils working prototype of its hubless E2 electric motorcycle
RMK has unveiled a working prototype of its E2 electric motorcycle, with hubless rear-wheel drive
RMK has unveiled a working prototype of its E2 electric motorcycle, with hubless rear-wheel drive
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The hubless rear wheel drive is the signature design element of the E2
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The hubless rear wheel drive is the signature design element of the E2
Rear-wheel motor makes 50 kW and 320 Nm
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Rear-wheel motor makes 50 kW and 320 Nm
RMK has unveiled a working prototype of its E2 electric motorcycle, with hubless rear-wheel drive
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RMK has unveiled a working prototype of its E2 electric motorcycle, with hubless rear-wheel drive
RMK E2 headlight
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RMK E2 headlight
The E2 prototype in the flesh
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The E2 prototype in the flesh
Looking down the barrel of the E2 prototype, with its tank-mounted dash
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Looking down the barrel of the E2 prototype, with its tank-mounted dash
Bar-end mirrors and a tank-mounted dash keep the top of the triple clamps nice and clean
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Bar-end mirrors and a tank-mounted dash keep the top of the triple clamps nice and clean
View gallery - 7 images

Finnish electric motorcycle startup RMK has sent us some photos of its completed E2 prototype, as well as performance figures and details on some of the expected features. Notable for its very cool hubless rear wheel drive, the E2 is shaping up to be a fun and sporty machine.

Freshly finished for the MP19 Motorcycle Show in Helsinki this weekend, the RMK E2 prototype signifies that this Finnish company is open for business, open for investment and ready to move into production. Testing is set to ramp up immediately after the expo, and the intention thus far is to set up manufacturing facilities in Finland to keep the company local to its roots.

The E2 currently makes some 50 kW (67 hp) and a huge 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque out of its signature hubless rear-wheel drive unit, which looks as good in reality as it did in the renders, if a little heavy. So too the angular frame, but RMK says the bike's total weight will be kept around 200 kg (440 lb). According to RMK, the bike won't be totally silent as the rear wheel will make some "precise mechanical sound from large bearings" as well as an accompanying electric whine.

The E2 prototype in the flesh
The E2 prototype in the flesh

Wheelbase is 1,600 mm (63 in), which is almost as long as BMW's K1600GT touring bike runs. That'll help keep the front wheel on the ground when all those Newton-meters start yanking at the ground, which will be nice for some and a pity for others. Despite the long wheelbase, the company says the E2's low, central center of mass and lack of rotating engine parts will help it handle lightly and nimbly.

RMK isn't ready to release full details on the battery as yet, but the company will release this bike with "one of the largest available batteries in the motorcycle market, allowing a real-world range of 200-300 km (120-180 mi) depending on riding style and conditions." The battery will charge from 0-80 percent in two to three hours even if you're just using the onboard charger, and fast DC charging will also be available, but details and speeds for that are yet to be finalized.

The E2 will run a scooter-like brake setup, with the right lever controlling the hydraulic front disc brakes, and the left lever managing regenerative braking through the rear wheel – there's no disc brake planned at the rear. Lever feel will apparently be very similar despite the lack of discs thanks to a hydraulic sensor on the rear brake lever.

Bar-end mirrors and a tank-mounted dash keep the top of the triple clamps nice and clean
Bar-end mirrors and a tank-mounted dash keep the top of the triple clamps nice and clean

The footpegs are notably quite a way forward from where we'd expect – RMK says this is done to give the bike a relaxed, cruisy kind of feel when you're not flogging it in the twisties. When you are, you can fold out the passenger footrests from just under the swingarm pivot and get yourself a much sportier riding position. It'll be interesting to see how these options feel in the flesh.

The dash will be integrated into the top of the tank rather than on top of the handlebars, helping maintain a clean look to the front of the bike. It's a large digital screen that's customizable to some degree, and can handle things like navigation prompts as well as over-the-air updates that could add extra features down the track.

As well showing as the E2 prototype, RMK is also announcing a partnership with Australian motorcycle clothing company Saint, whose exceptionally durable single-layer Unbreakable denim jeans are some of the highest quality motorcycle streetwear we've ever encountered.

Check out a short, silent presentation about the bike below.

Source: RMK

RMK E2 finnish electric motorcycle presentation

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
chidrbmt
What a snazzy looking,well engineered electric two wheel machine. Especially from a small,far northern country with such a limited riding season. Must have taken allot of time,money & thought into designing & building. The "dash tank" however might distract the rider's attention from the road. Guessing if one asks the price,they can't afford it?
f8lee
So it's like my BMW C650GT scooter - no shifting needed - obviously the direction all electric bikes will go. But doesn't the hub-mounted motor make for greater unsprung weight in the rear wheel? Is that not a bad thing?
highlandboy
Undulating surface, significant unsprung mass and twisting roads - count me out.