Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
The Stark Varg might spell the end of Brap as we know it, but it sends it like no other. (Stark Future /)With the electric motorcycle scene, it’s best to keep your head on a swivel. New models, rumored hardware, and untimely departures from the marketplace are the norm. But as the market shakes out and sheds poor business models, key players remain. Established EV brands get more established while legacy brands are starting to debut first-gen EV tech and thinking. Honestly, this is the most relevant and newsworthy category in the new motorcycle universe. Don’t agree? There’s a comments section for that.Every year deserves its own list. How does this year compare to 2022′s list? Check it out, here’s Motorcyclist’s list of best electric motorcycles for sale in the year 2024. Roll tape.The Zero SR/F impressed with manners, poise, and hellacious power. 10/10 would recommend. (Zero/)Zero SR/F | $20,495Our reviews of the Zero SR/F (read the 2023 Zero Motorcycles SR/F Long-Term Ride Review, 2020 Zero Motorcycles SR/F Review MC Commute, and 2020 Zero Motorcycles SR/F Review articles) made clear its numerous strengths and few weaknesses in silent, stark relief. Power and torque were phenomenal, and while the range was less than ideal for touring, it remains one of the best full-size electric sportbike options out there. Beyond mere specs, dimensions, and performance, a compelling RTB (reason to buy) is that Zero Motorcycles is a proven company that’s been pioneering electric motorcycles since 2006. It sounds like a brochure, but it matters. Without vaporware promises or missed delivery dates, Zero offers phenomenally quick, reliable bikes with proprietarily designed batteries and motors for sale, right now.Aside from the business end of things the SR/F means, well, business. The Z-Force 7510 air-cooled motor draws from a 15.2kWh battery (17.3kWh max capacity) to put 110 hp on tap. But the real fun is the 140 lb.-ft. of torque that gets moderated (more or less) by five ride modes, one of which can be of your own design with the Zero app. But you’ll likely spend most of your time dusting whatever lines up next to you at stoplights. The raw power and simplicity of no shifting are addictive. Nobody likes a cheater, unless you’re the one doing the cheating.Despite <i>Motorcyclist</i>’s February testing, claimed range figures were accurate. Thank goodness for sticky Pirellis on cold pavement. ( Jim Lüning/)The claimed range (176 miles of city riding) comes at the expense of riding the SR/F in anger and enjoyment, and that’s where the chorus of critics come in. But be honest. Do you throw bags on your Yamaha MT-10 for weekend touring? The Zero SR/F is about maximum fun right now. At least until you run out of quarters and have to plug in again. It bears repeating—progress is a process and doubters have their place. But electric skeptics are free to sit on the sidelines and watch electric motorcycles close the performance gap. Quickly.Sky, meet plumes of dirt. Everyone who threw a leg over the Stark Varg was impressed by power and the possibilities offered by no shifting. ( Jim Lüning/)Stark Varg | $12,900Dirt and electric bikes make sense. Range is measured in hours and sessions. And even when you properly send it on the track, riders eventually need breaks to recharge too. The Stark Varg is one of the most capable electric dirt bikes Motorcyclist has seen or tested. Virtually maintenance-free, fairly lightweight, and with power that’s beyond anything offered in the 450cc class, the Varg belongs in any dirt discussion. The Alpha package gives a ridiculous 80 hp, while the Standard package comes with “only” 60 hp. A claimed six hours of riding won’t stand up to super-aggressive riding, but a half-hour recharge should let you finish whatever type of day you’re having.Novice trail riders looked almost expert-ish on trails technical sections. Expert riders loved being able to reposition body and feet at will. Regardless where you fall on the spectrum, there’s less to think about and more to enjoy. Off the shelf, no one can beat the 14.8 inches of ground clearance. And yet, seat height is virtually the same as anything else in the 450cc class at 37.3 inches. The 260-pound weight is respectable, with excellent KYB suspension front and back offering identical 12.2 inches of travel.And to state the obvious, it ripped. All the power is there all the time. And with an optional hand-operated rear brake, all you and your MX boots have to do is hang on and stay planted. Or loose. Or neutral. Or whatever gets you over the river and through the whoops. Just pick a line and listen to birds chirping and wind whistling. Or finally hear what soft knobbies sound like on baby heads. All in all, mud and dirt might be where electric bikes shine brightest.The Energica Experia offers one of the longest ranges of any EV bike currently available: 130 highway and 261 city. Shown here in Black Metal color scheme. (Energica/)Energica Experia | $25,880What kind of list doesn’t have at least one entry from Italy? Beyond regional sympathies, the Energica Experia makes the list because it’s something almost all EV bikes aren’t. It’s a touring motorcycle, with proper range and everything. And after its 2022 rollout, it impressed many reviewers with an unnaturally good seat, great ergonomics, and high build quality. In short, it dramatically closed the gap between EVs and IC motorcycles.A claimed range of 130 highway and 261 city miles puts the Experia at the top of the EV heap. Highway range is calculated at 80 mph, so adjust your own range calculations from there. With some light planning and leisurely lunches, you could have yourself a 300-plus mile day. Although it might be unrealistic to consistently find DC Level 3 recharging on the road, you’ll add about 248 miles of range per hour with it. Or about 80 percent charge in 40 minutes. Otherwise, with Level 2 charging you’ll add about 39.5 miles every hour, depending on the source.Yes, 112 liters of storage, 80 hp, and 85 lb.-ft. of torque. The many numbers of the Energica Experia. Shown here in Bormio Ice color scheme. (Energica/)A new 22.5kWh maximum (19.6kWh nominal) battery is the largest-capacity battery of any electric motorcycle. A redesigned PMASynRM (*deep breath* Permanent Magnet-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor) motor is claimed to be lighter, smaller, and is positioned lower, for improved low-speed rideability. The ergonomics and design are squarely in the ADV, not sport-touring camp. But like most larger adventure bikes, the Experia won’t be hitting many trails. At 573 pounds, it’s not exactly light. But a 17-inch front wheel makes for light, responsive steering and input that belie its heft. The 112 liters of storage in optional panniers and a top case are respectable. But the story here isn’t numbers or specs, it’s that an EV bike belongs in the touring conversation. And given Energica’s longevity and track record as an established EV company, you’re not taking a flyer on an “emerging” product.The LiveWire S2 Mulholland brings a cruiser attitude in a playful, midsize platform. Hang on tight. (LiveWire/)LiveWire S2 Mulholland | $15,999Is a new bike hot off the press? Whatever the correct term is, the new LiveWire Mulholland’s existence was just announced on March 20, with models actually sitting in dealerships, for sale. Until they run out, no deposit necessary.Editor’s note: Read or watch our reviews of the original LiveWire during the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Review MC Commute.Being brand new, it’s by default more interesting than the original LiveWire One, an exceptional EV bike in its own right. It builds on the 2023 Del Mar but takes a more cruiser-centric turn in design and ergonomics. The riser-mounted handlebar is narrower, with a taller “tank” profile channeling the silhouette of H-D Nightsters present and past.Being built on the S2 platform, it shares the Del Mar’s 10.5kWh (nominal) battery, giving it a highway range of 73 miles, with 121 expected in the city. Strangely, sustained highway speed is defined as 55 mph like in 1975, which is a bit poetic. It gives up a bit of stoplight prowess to the Del Mar, getting from 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds, as opposed to 3.0 seconds. But its 84 hp and 194 lb.-ft. of torque are a nice mix of expected and otherworldly in terms of traditional smaller IC cruiser power. The downward-angled, finned battery is striking, and oddly reminiscent of a traditional single forward V-twin cylinder. Then not, since nothing visually cues a rear cylinder. The seat boldly stretches over territory previously occupied by a tank, helping to draw the eye up to the steering stock.Sit up and beg? Or just stand up and yell at the wind. Do both with the LiveWire S2 Mulholland. (LiveWire/)If you look closely, there are passenger pegs, though they only come with the optional passenger kit. Although with that tiny seat, it’s best if you know your passenger in the biblical sense. It’s smaller than most Sportsters, in terms of wheelbase (57.8 inches), but weight is just 432 pounds compared to the historically heavy Sporty. It doesn’t fit neatly into traditional performance or midsize cruiser categories. But then again, does it have to? The party starts with a $15,999 MSRP, available right now.The kids are all right. The BMW CE 02, here shown in its natural environment of desired demographics and aspirational lifestyles. (BMW/)BMW CE 02 | $7,599Here’s one to unite the EV haters with the scooter haters. Let it rain down in the comments section. But for those of us who live in traffic-choked urban environs, this is the smartest way to cheat the Gods of Gridlock. The limits of EV range are not an issue for urban commuters and its size, power, and nimbleness are ideal for “creative traffic solutions” and getting around. The BMW CE 04 brought unapologetic modernity, convenience, and Teutonic funk to the EV scooter class. The BMW CE 02 “eParkourer” is just fun, period.Head-to-head specs with the Honda Grom are a bit unfair. The CE 02 costs twice as much, comes with 14-inch wheels, and weighs 67 pounds more. But a good time is a good time. They even named the ride modes, Surf, Flow, and Flash. With Flash, you should be able to beat most anything off the line until about 20 mph or so. An air-cooled excited synchronous motor is good for a continuous 8 hp, with a maximum of 15 hp on tap. Two 48V batteries good for 1.96kWh get 80 percent recharged in 2 hours and 40 minutes, while an optional Highline package quick charger gets it done in 1 hour, 40 minutes. A single-sided swingarm with a belt drive (whoa, BMW) shows off the 14-inch rear wheel and chonky 150/70-14 Michelin tire nicely.As for the fun stuff, you get a respectable claimed top speed of 59 mph and a World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) range estimated to be 56 miles. You’ll get to 30 mph in three seconds. The seat looks short until you realize the rider is using the passenger pegs. No foot pedals and a long skateboard-style seat mean you’re free to sit up and beg or channel your inner Mike Hailwood. These numbers add up to powerful fun—until your first payment is due. MSRP is $7,599, rising to $8,474 with the Highline package that includes stuff like a better seat and quick charging. But honestly, how much fun would an inexpensive BMW be?With two removable batteries, standard charging will get you to 80 percent in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Quick-charging will do the same in 1 hour and 40 minutes. (BMW/)
