For decades, motorcycle manufacturers have taken inspiration from the custom scene to cater to evolving consumer preferences. As far back as the early 1970s, Norton introduced the Commando Hi-Rider chopper, and Harley-Davidson showcased the XLCR café racer. In recent years, Honda unveiled its Fury chopper, Ducati presented the Scrambler, and Triumph introduced the Bobber. While not all of these bikes achieved widespread success, the strategy behind tapping into custom trends remains solid.

In the current landscape, with the emergence of electric motorcycle companies worldwide, we are witnessing some of them adopt a similar approach. In this September custom roundup, we will explore three upcoming electric motorcycles that draw inspiration from custom trends.

Switch Motorcycles eScrambler

The aptly named Switch eScrambler pays homage to the timeless scrambler style trend. Traditionally, a scrambler is a road-ready motorcycle designed to handle light off-road tasks. The Switch eScrambler checks all the right boxes with its high handlebar, tall stance, chunky Firestone rubber tires, and a clean, minimalist appearance.

Conceived by Switch Motorcycles founder Matthew Waddick, the eScrambler was a collaborative effort with ex-Yamaha designer and former speedway champion Michel Riis Eriksen. This partnership promises more than just an eye-catching exterior.

Underneath the stylish exterior lies a 50 kW interior permanent magnet motor delivering a claimed 70 horsepower. The bike offers three ride modes, with the sportiest mode capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. If you push it to the limit, it can reach a top speed of 100 mph. Power is supplied by a 13 kW lithium battery pack that can be charged to 90% capacity in just four hours at Level 1 charging. A full charge provides an impressive range of 93 miles, making it a practical choice for most urban commuters.

The suspension setup includes an inverted fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride. Other intelligent features of this all-electric motorcycle include a reverse mode, a low-maintenance carbon fiber belt drive, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a sleek digital gauge. The production model of the eScrambler will also include essential components for registration, such as mirrors and a license plate holder.

In summary, the Switch Motorcycles eScrambler combines classic scrambler aesthetics with a cutting-edge electric powertrain, offering a compelling choice for riders who appreciate both style and performance.

Super73 C1X
California-based company Super73, renowned for its stylish electric bicycles, is now venturing into the electric motorcycle realm. The Super73 C1X concept represents their inaugural electric motorcycle, shedding pedals in favor of a sleek, pedal-free design.

Drawing inspiration from the geometry of their largest e-bike model, the C1X aims to provide a smooth transition for their existing customer base from electric bicycles to electric motorcycles. In terms of size, it is akin to Honda's Grom, if not slightly larger, boasting 15-inch wheels, a comfortable 31-inch seat height, and a lightweight build. The C1X's design takes cues from the street tracker trend, featuring a front end resembling a number plate, wide ODI motocross handlebars, and a compact rear.

Details on specifications are somewhat scarce at this stage. Super73 mentions a removable battery with a range of over 100 miles, with hints of additional battery options for extended range. All lighting components employ low-draw LED technology, while the digital gauge offers connectivity features. Motor specifications are still under wraps, but Super73 assures a top speed of 80 mph.

The standout feature of the Super73 C1X, however, is its rapid charging capability. The company claims it will employ cutting-edge technology, enabling the C1X to charge the battery to 80% capacity in a mere 15 minutes.

Savic Motorcycles C-Series
Over the span of the last seven years, Savic Motorcycles, the Australian electric motorcycle startup, has diligently worked on its inaugural model. The visionary behind this endeavor, Dennis Savic, embarked on this project shortly after a stint at Ford, where he began as a young engineering graduate. Since then, his ambition to establish Australia's premier electric motorcycle manufacturing company has garnered widespread public and governmental support.

Named the C-Series, Savic Motorcycles' inaugural model comes in two high-performance variants, drawing design inspiration from the iconic café racer movement. Exemplifying classic motorcycle aesthetics with its sleek bodywork, distinctive straight-line design, and an assertive riding stance, it offers a modern interpretation of this timeless style.

Savic's primary objective with the C-Series was to craft a high-performance motorcycle, a goal clearly reflected in its specifications. Equipped with the company's proprietary SM1 drivetrain and battery pack, the top-tier C-Series Alpha produces an impressive 60 kW of power, achieves a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, and offers a range of approximately 125 miles on a single charge.

Complementing the powertrain of the Savic C-Series are premium components, including Wilbers suspension, Brembo brake hardware, a bespoke ABS system by Bosch, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires. Priced at $17,900, this model also includes features like regenerative braking, seamless smartphone connectivity, a real-time security system, four ride modes, LED lighting, a reverse mode, and a seven-inch touchscreen dashboard. Charging the bike typically takes between four to eight hours at either Level 2 or Level 1 charging stations. For budget-conscious buyers, the C-Series Delta is available at $12,900, differing mainly in its battery performance and power output compared to the Alpha variant.

The Savic C-Series features a purpose-designed frame that envelops the battery and engine components. Employing a stressed member design with a cast backbone, lightweight subframe, and a single-sided swingarm, this motorcycle minimizes maintenance requirements commonly associated with electric counterparts. Savic achieves this through the use of a durable carbon belt final drive and the incorporation of corrosion-resistant materials in many components.

Savic has set its sights on delivering their first motorcycles in early 2024, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of electric motorcycles in Australia.

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