Helping my friend out with his new "vintage-style" electric motorcycle company...

[Wayne 962]

Hey everyone. A friend of mine, former BMX champ Kenny Sanders, has spent the past few years designing an electric motorcycle that fits the "vintage" style. I'm helping him out with advice, and I thought you guys would appreciate hearing about it here. The bikes have been under development for quite a while, and are now available for pre-orders.

Comments, questions, complaints and other random stuff totally encouraged. Would love to hear from the community here as I think it's a good match of interests for some of you?

Thanks!

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Here's his blurb I asked him to write up for us:

As a devoted classic car enthusiast, I wanted to share a personal story close to my heart. For nearly four years, I've been on a journey to create something truly special – a vintage modern electric cafe racer. This passion project has been entirely independent of investors, driven purely by my love for vintage design and the thrill of combining it with modern electric tech.

As a start-up, I'm taking things slow and planning to release only a limited number of these unique machines. Throughout the years, they've been through extensive testing, and I'm proud to say they require remarkably little maintenance, which was a crucial aspect of my vision.

At the core of this marvel is a meticulously crafted multi-part steel frame that provides unwavering support to the 72-volt 60Ah battery, responsible for the Old Soren's electrifying performance. Embracing modern electric technology, it flawlessly complements the front and rear hydraulic ABS disc brakes, ensuring unrivaled control and safety on every adventure.
It can reach 65mph and up to a 90-mile range.
I've poured my heart into every detail!

But it's not just about mechanics and design; this project carries a much deeper meaning for me. Old Soren stands as a heartfelt tribute to my great-great-grandfather, a courageous soul who embarked on a daring journey from Denmark to America during the late 1800s. His adventurous spirit and determination continue to inspire me after learning about his story, and I wanted to infuse that sense of history and nostalgia into this creation.

And now, the time has come to share this labor of love with fellow enthusiasts and riders who appreciate the timeless allure of vintage beauty, combined with the wonders of modern technology. I can't wait to see how the Old Soren cafe racer resonates with others who share my passion for classic cars and the joy of riding /driving on the open road.
If any of you are interested, you can learn more at www.oldsorenmotorcycleco.com

[Wayne 962]

I personally think it's a cool design. My only comment was to replace the headlamp with one that looked a bit more period correct, which Kenny is doing (coming soon). Then it would be perfect!

-Wayne

[kennybsanders]

Placeholder while i come up with a cool response!

[kennybsanders]

Thanks for the post Wayne, I really appreciate it. Here's the new vintage headlamp. The issue is most vintage-looking headlamps aren't DOT approved, but this one is. I may sell a light grill with them or maybe an option accessory.

[ckcarr]

If you want you could cross post into the Pelican BMW R1100S motorcycle board also and see what (if anything) the participants might say. I say "if anything" because that board has been in decline for several years now... But, the R1100S is now considered a vintage motorcycle. And there are motorcyclists over there that participate.

The look of this one is somewhat similar to my Harley FXDX and a neighbor who surprised me by pulling a Vincent out of his garage. So I like it.
Those look like tube tires and wheels, which add weight. Everyone's going tubeless with spokes these days.

[Alan A]

Looks cool, but I’d be surprised if it sells more than a half dozen copies.
Because electric.

[kennybsanders]

That's a great idea ckarr. I'll post something on that BMW R1100S motorcycle board.

Alan A. Yes, it's going to be interesting. I'm a big fan of motors of course and always will be. It's been fun to mess around with electric and have peace of mind knowing there is very little maintenance with electric vehicles. The torque is also fun. I was definitely not a fan of electric until I rode one. Anything with wheels and speed makes me smile.

[kennybsanders]

Originally Posted by kennybsanders

Thanks for the post Wayne, I really appreciate it. Here's the new vintage headlamp. The issue is most vintage-looking headlamps aren't DOT approved, but this one is. I may sell a light grill with them or maybe an option accessory.

[Zeke]

No offense meant towards Kenny, but that blurb shouts copyrighting with all the embellishments.

A grassroots BMX rider turned entrepreneur might sound more like this:

"I like classic cars and motorcycles and I wanted to build an old school café racer with modern electric technology on board. I'm doing this on my own with no outside money and doing it my way.

It's a new concept putting together many components that are not familiar all on the same machine, so I'm taking it step by step. Testing has been positive with low maintenance.

The frame is a beefy welded tube assembly built to withstand the torque and weight of batteries and motor. At 72 volts with a 60aH battery, the bike will hit 65 MPH and has a 90 mile range per charge. Old style in looks, but ABS disc brakes stop this bike surely and safely. I wanted to be sure about the smallest details as well as the overall performance.

I've designed this bike with my Denmark born great-grandfather and his legacy in the U.S. in mind. Now it's ready for limited sales on a pre order basis. Go to wwww.xxxx for more info. Thanks for your interest. "

[MBAtarga]

Wow Zeke! You should be in marketing!

[kennybsanders]

Thanks for the feedback, Zeke. Much appreciated and absolutely no offense taken.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by kennybsanders

That's a great idea ckarr. I'll post something on that BMW R1100S motorcycle board.

Alan A. Yes, it's going to be interesting. I'm a big fan of motors of course and always will be. It's been fun to mess around with electric and have peace of mind knowing there is very little maintenance with electric vehicles. The torque is also fun. I was definitely not a fan of electric until I rode one. Anything with wheels and speed makes me smile.

What I am curious about is where the cutoff between this and an electric bike - no license - is, because if it can be ridden without a license and you can mass produce it so it drops under 5k then I can see it selling well.

[kennybsanders]

Originally Posted by Alan A

What I am curious about is where the cutoff between this and an electric bike - no license - is, because if it can be ridden without a license and you can mass produce it so it drops under 5k then I can see it selling well.

So this will be considered an LSM motorcycle "Limited Speed Motorcycle."
Mode one would be Moped mode capping out at 20mph. This is if you don't want to register it. Mode two, and Mode 3 are capable of hitting 65mph which is the registered motorcycle mode. If the customer chooses to not register the motorcycle, modes two, and three would be considered "Off-road"

[varmint]

i'd be interested in this as a very stripped down platform that i could customize. good brakes and good suspension, but then let me decide if i want a cafe racer, board tracker, off road toy, etc.

[wdfifteen]

Very cool looking. I'll bet an electric motorcycle is an interesting ride. The multiple modes is interesting. Do you lock out modes 2 and 3 at the factory or does the owner have control over mode selection?

[manbridge 74]

What
Does
It
Weigh?

List price?

Warranty?

[john70t]

As a potential customer I'd be interested in knowing about the parts and replacements (brakes/chain/shocks/batteries). Specifically if they are are common and easy to find in the future (i.e. the shocks are from a 2005 Honda part #x). Also as a branch service interchangeability with different other components for customization. Either bespoke built or a list of advice possibilities.

A small company might fold after a year but the need to maintain it will continue. Getting that out of the way would probably alleviate that nagging concern in the back of many minds. "Even if x happens, I can do y".

There are a ton of electric bikes and quite a few electric motos already out there with good specs. Most are very modern and ugly looking. The simple retro angle is what would set yours apart from the rest.

[Norm K]

Upon seeing the dead-space filler under the "tank" I was immediately reminded of the "engine" I had on my bike as a kid in the 60s.

[Norm K]

Originally Posted by john70t

As a potential customer I'd be interested in knowing about the parts and replacements (brakes/chain/shocks/batteries). Specifically if they are are common and easy to find in the future (i.e. the shocks are from a 2005 Honda part #x). Also as a branch service interchangeability with different other components for customization. Either bespoke built or a list of advice possibilities.

My guess is most of the components you have questions about are off-the-shelf Alibaba type products Straight Outta China. The front brake, for example, looks a bit suspect for street use.

_