Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Cristian Sosa of Sosa Metalworks on his Anthem custom build. (Ryvid/@Mr.Pixelhead/)Cristian Sosa is no stranger to innovative, meticulously crafted two-wheel works of art, but when the metal master was approached by California-based Ryvid last year, he knew it’d be a unique challenge. For one, Ryvid is an electric motorcycle manufacturer, and for another, the platform bike being proposed was the new Anthem, an ultramodern model that’s not only packed with the latest tech—and actually has an adjustable seat—but also boasts a removable battery. All those things would create some potentially worrisome obstacles for Sosa, who is perhaps better known for his traditional metal fabrication on custom bikes. Adding to the mix was the fact that the Ryvid Anthem would be Sosa’s first attempt at a battery-powered motorcycle. No sweat, right?Sosa’s custom cues include acres of aluminum, tracker styling, and chunky rubber. You’d never guess this was an electric. (Sosa/Ryvid/)For a custom builder like Sosa, those challenges are actually what attracted him to the build. Given the futuristic Anthem’s folded steel frame and massive battery pack, Sosa had to take a different approach from a traditional machine, where he’d normally design around the motor and transmission. “Those elements dictated the use of sharper, straighter lines compared to the curved designs I often use,” he explained. “Stepping outside my comfort zone was what made this challenge so much fun.”But some of Sosa’s preferences didn’t change at all, such as his choice of material. With many classic custom machines steel is usually favored, but Sosa likes aluminum for a lot of his builds, and especially on modern machines. Not only does it fit the theme better but it’s lighter, and helps keep the bike’s overall performance aspect intact. “Aluminum is harder to work than steel because it requires welding on both sides, but it’s softer and easier to shape,” Cristian said. “I also really like how hand-polished aluminum looks; I try to avoid mirror-polishing anything because I feel it loses its soul.”Related: Sosa Metalworks Recasts A 1940 Indian ScoutCustom Sosa seat retains its functionality and can be raised and lowered via onboard electric system. (Sosa/Ryvid/)In stock form, the Anthem basically consists of a rigid steel backbone frame, removable 4.3kWh battery with integrated charger, 72V air-cooled brushless DC motor, controller, and sealed belt drive. It also has a unique height-adjustable seat, which can be dialed in to the rider’s specs with the flick of a switch. Sosa was careful to integrate this feature in the build, taking care to keep its functionality—and, in fact, beautifying it along the way. The result is a lovely saddle that flows from the central spine and, even though it looks solidly integrated, it can easily be raised and lowered with the Anthem’s electronic system. The battery access was similarly addressed, with Sosa fabbing up special side panels that could be removed to get to the battery and remove it if necessary.Custom side panels can be taken off to get at the removable battery. (Sosa/Ryvid/)Sosa described the Anthem custom’s workflow this way: “I did most of the work by hand but also incorporated my CNC table into the design and build process, which is something I’ve never done before. Once every part was cut, I shaped them by hand on the power hammers.… Hammering requires a lot of time but it’s my favorite part of the process because I can get into my zone.” Thanks in part to the technology used, the entire build took about three weeks to complete, including the design process.“Every now and then, I make something that comes out better than I imagined, and this is one of those times. I remember when we were assembling the bike and it caught me by surprise. I couldn’t believe how well it came together and how good it looked. It has a classic feel but the lines make it appear very aggressive and slightly futuristic, which I wasn’t expecting.”Sosa getting after it in the desert. Even custom bike builders need to get out and play on their creations. (@Mr.Pixelhead/Ryvid/)After Sosa got involved in the Anthem project, Ryvid launched its second model at the 2024 One Motorcycle Show. The Outset is based on the same frame, battery, and motor as the Anthem, but adopts scrambler styling with taller suspension, a longer dirt bike-style seat, and wider handlebars.The Ryvid Anthem Electric and Ryvid Outset Electric are available now on ryvid.com.The $6,495 Anthem comes in a choice of four colors, while the new $5,995 Outset will come in either Sector Red or Vapor Grey. Both lightweight, approximately 300-pound machines are capable of a 75 mph and more top speed, and will provide up to 70 miles range on the Outset or 75 miles on the Anthem.For his part, Sosa says he is down for another electric project: “Let’s make something happen with the new Outset!” he laughed.The Ryvid Anthem custom combines sleek futuristic design with a retro/dystopian vibe. (Ryvid/)
