This post was created in conjunction with our sister site, GritShift. Specializing in electric dirt bikes from Sur Ron, Segway, Talaria, and more, GritShift’s in-house R&D team designs and builds quality components in addition to stocking riding gear and complete e-bikes for the electric future. Check us out at GritShift.com.
At the 2019 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, Honda released their CR Electric dirt bike concept. It’s taken several names since then, but a promising sign is that it hasn’t gone away yet.
In numerous YouTube videos, you can get a glimpse of the Honda CR Electric dirt bike in action, but we wanted to take a closer look at what to expect. Let’s see how the electric Honda dirt bike stacks up and the performance it offers.
Honda CR Electric Dirt Bike
Before we dive into the specs, it makes sense for you to see it run. Here is one of the YouTube videos that show what this electrified dirt bike is capable of.
This bike features a suspension and frame that’s similar to a CRF250 or 450. The most significant difference, obviously, is the electric powertrain it utilizes. Instead of supporting an ICE power plant, the twin-spar aluminum frame holds an electric motor.
The motor was produced by Mugen, who Honda has been known to work with. You might also know the company by the Shinden electric race bikes they provide that are seen during the Isle of Man races.
The one thing that is missing from this bike is the common braaap, braaap sound. We figured that wouldn’t exist with the electric drivetrain, so it didn’t shock us too much when we didn’t hear it.
Future of Electric Dirt Bikes
While the electric dirt bike market isn’t overflowing with enthusiasts, there is a market for these bikes. Honda needs to get into the field while there isn’t a lot of competition to truly make their mark.
Over the next few years, we anticipate many other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers and some of the European ones as well will release their best try at an electric dirt bike. We will see Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki release their ideas very soon.
In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that The Big Four announced their plans to work together on producing an electric motorcycle battery. They also plan to collaborate on a standard charging system. With them working together, the consumer ends up winning.
Who will win our attention?
Who will be the first to win the consumer’s loyalty? Likely it will be whoever produces the best equipment first. A few years ago, Kawasaki filed a patent for a swappable battery pack for an electric Ninja. Even Harley is planning a light electric dirt bike according to those in the know.
These are all promising endeavors, but we’re convinced that the future of electric motorcycles will start in electric dirt bikes, not electric road bikes. Why? These bikes have to stand up to the rigors of off-roading: jumps, mud, water, and all manner of impacts with anything from rocks to sticks to other bikes.
Designing an electric powertrain that can withstand all those challenges and still compete with the best gas-powered dirt bikes is a huge challenge, and if an OEM can manage it, road bikes should be a comparative walk in the park.
It’s all up to the market, though. Will motocrossers and trail riders give up their BRAAPS for zaps?
Would you ride an electric dirt bike?
What are your thoughts on the future of electric dirt bikes? Would you ride the Honda CR Electric concept or will you hold out for another option? Let us know your thoughts.
Already electrified?
If you already have an electric dirt bike, like a Sur Ron, Segway, or Talaria, why not make it street legal? Take your fun to the road with the help of Dirt Legal.
About the Author
Brian Jones is an ASE Certified Master Tech that lives outside of Dallas, TX with his wife and children. He has a passion for old muscle cars, big pickup trucks and anything motorsport related. In his spare time, he does a lot of traveling and writing for dealerships across the country through CarBlogWriters.com.