Dirt Bikes

The recently concluded EICMA is solid proof that CFMoto is on the up. The Chinese bikemaker revealed its near-production, all-electric CF-X concept. It’s designed to take on the traditional 450cc ICE dirt bikes. And it’s a looker.

Among other things, Niu Technologies has already brought us an electric urban motorbike, scooter and ebike. Now the Chinese mobility company has announced its first-ever electric dirt bike, the XQi3.

Until relatively recently, riders looking to kick up dirt would have been accompanied by the ear-splitting clatter of a two-stroke. Electric motos offer a cleaner and quieter alternative, and Flux Performance is currently working on a new option.

This electric 2WD fat bike is built to tackle just about anything, with huge balloon tires at the front and rear. It can cross water in amphibious mode, and handle serious distances with a range extender and up to 40 liters of fuel in the wheels.

Taiwanese company Graft has launched a super-lightweight new electric off-road motorcycle – or is it a pedal-free ebike on steroids? The EO.12 puts out a meaty 20 kW, while weighing just 50 kg thanks to neat touches like carbon wheels.

Yamaha has now followed the launch of the TY-E electric trials bike in 2018 with a 2nd-gen prototype, which has been designed to offer riders more fun than they can have on the two-stroke machines typically seen – and heard – in trials events.

Nathan Armstrong has played a key role in the design of many innovative vehicles, including the Aptera automobile, the Airlander 10 airship, and the outrageous V8 Foose Coupe. His latest project is an electric motorbike he says is unlike any other.

One of the more flamboyant ebikes to ever put rubber to hard ground, the Xion CyberX also packs an impressive list of specs. Riders can accelerate up to 50 mph in seconds or take things slow and nomadic, wandering up to 100 miles per charge.

Czech shop WoodVans warms up the motorbike-hauling camper, creating a Moto van so cozy and inviting it could double as a winter retreat for four people, at least when it's not busy serving as a dirt bike shuttle and base camp.

Yes, that's a Kawasaki KX450F with a Hossack-style front end supporting a set of regular telescopic forks. Australian motorcycle suspension tuner Laurie "Suspension" Smith has created this bizarre-looking "TwoEvo" setup, in search of a superior ride.

With a fast-popping seat, mixed tires, plenty of suspension and a 14-kW electric powertrain, the Kuberg Ranger creates a category between dirt bike and scooter. Riders can kick up chunks of earth at 50 mph, sitting, standing or launching in the air.

Cake has today announced a new e-motorcycle. Based on the Kalk Or, the Kalk Ink comes with marginally heavier wheels and simplified suspension. It rocks the same drivetrain though, for speedy, emissions-free and fairly quiet backcountry exploration.