ONYX RCR 80V electric motorcycle review, Digi Mart USA News: ONYX sells the RCR 80V as a bridge between electric bicycles and motorcycles. The machine ships with functional bicycle pedals and a street-legal ebike motor, but a restriction wire inside the battery compartment can be cut to convert it into a 21,000-watt electric motorcycle capable of 75 mph (120 km/h).
The review, completed by New Atlas writer Kevin following the death of colleague Joe Salas, describes the bike as visually distinctive, with a retro cafe-racer silhouette, motorcycle wheels and tyres, proper suspension, lights, signals and mirrors. Co-founder and Chief Design Officer Tim Seward told New Atlas he had identified a gap between conventional ebikes and full-size electric motorcycles as early as 2017.
In the locked configuration, the pedals work with chain and sprocket but provide no pedal assist, so the motor does not respond to pedalling. The reviewer said the riding position suited a 6ft1 rider and that the bike felt stable and predictable, with smooth torque in its normal mode and a strong but controllable power delivery once the restriction was removed.
The reviewer noted several issues: the front brake felt weak on the test unit, the battery sounded loose over jumps, and the mirror vibrated at around 24 mph (40 km/h). The rear hydraulic brake and regenerative braking performed well.
Seward said ONYX deliberately tuned the front brake to be less aggressive for newer riders and that the front fork is designed to accept Honda Grom parts for upgrades.
ONYX is also launching a footpeg kit for riders who prefer not to use the pedals. Seward said earlier versions used software restrictions to stay within ebike limits, an approach he acknowledged as a loophole that new regulations in California are closing.
Registration rules vary by state.
