The field of electric motorcycles is growing quickly, with new offerings popping up on our radar nearly weekly. However, while we’re seeing a number of new electric motorcycle companies, there aren’t many options in the US.
Tarform Motorcycles wants to change that with the unveiling of their new electric motorcycle.
Tarform Motorcycles
With the much anticipated debut of Tarform’s new electric motorcycle tonight in the Brooklyn Naval Yard, the company joins a very select club of US-based electric motorcycle companies.
And Tarform unveiling didn’t disappoint.
After dripping low-light and cropped teaser images over the past few months, Tarform’s new electric motorcycle appears to live up to the hype.
The bike was designed by the company’s CEO and co-founder, Taras Kravtchouk. Taras has an impressive résumé as a designer and tech entrepreneur with long-standing experience in industrial design. He has worked on a number of striking ICE motorcycle designs in the past. However, after noting the clear consumer interest in electric vehicles and the rise of modern vintage motorcycles, Taras set out to build a new kind of electric motorcycle for the 21st century.
As explained by Taras:
“We looked to revive the classic form, and unite it with modern day technology to create a new riding experience. An electric vehicle that embodies the spirit of craftsmanship, advanced manufacturing and clean technology.”
Tarform adopted seldom-used manufacturing techniques in pursuit of a new breed of electric motorcycle. The bike features a number of 3D printed parts included side panels produced using laser sintering. The louvered halo headlight and stitched leather seat also give the bike a retro nod.
According to Tarform:
“By using additive manufacturing, Tarform’s goal is to minimize waste and fabricate parts with new biomaterials, taking a step closer towards a sustainable vehicle.”
The hydraulic brake levers meld into the design of the handlebar, making the bike look like it was machined out of a single block instead of an amalgamation of parts. The instrument panel is housed in a bronze-colored ring containing the digital display that indicates speed, battery charge and riding mode.
Triple-piston disc brake calipers and an inverted fork round out the front of the bike, while a mid-mounted chain-driving motor sits just forward of the foot pegs. A single coilover shock provides suspension for the beveled swingarm.
There is no chain guard to break the flowing lines of the bike though, so watch your pant legs.
Speaking of the chain drive, that rear sprocket is massive. Tarform hasn’t released any torque specs, but expect them to be pretty impressive.
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- Launching Tarform Motorcycles
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- Launching Tarform Motorcycles
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- Launching Tarform Motorcycles
Tarform’s new electric motorcycles will be built around a modular platform that makes personalization and customization easier. Riders will be able to upgrade various parts over time, such as swapping a larger battery pack for increased range.
For now, the Tarform will ship with a battery pack rated for 90 mi (145 km) in the city and 50 mi (80 km) on the highway, or 75 mi (121 km) combined.
Charging time is expected to be just under 4 hours for a complete charge, or around 2 hours and 50 minutes for an 80% charge.
Tarform’s new electric motorcycle also incorporates a number of “smart features”, a growing practice in many new electric motorcycles and scooters. Tarform’s digitally integrated smart system will optimize the riding experience by monitoring the health of the bike. If any maintenance issues are detected, the rider will be alerted via their smartphone and if needed, can reserve an appointment directly from the app.
Tarform is now accepting pre-orders on their website, with production expected to begin in late 2019. However, there will be a limited run of Collector Edition motorcycles available for order that will be delivered in early 2019. The price of the Collector’s Edition bikes has not yet been announced, but the standard models will retail for $18,000 (subject to change).
Electrek’s Take
It’s great to see another American company getting into the mix. Who know’s – maybe Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imported electric motorcycles actually did something? Or then again, maybe not, considering you can still get a surprisingly good electric motorcycle in the US for around $2,000.
In 2019, Harley-Davidson is supposed to be dropping not only its Livewire electric motorcycle, but also has plans for more two-wheeled electric vehicles over the next few years.
However, Tarform very well may beat them to market, and are likely to do so at an even better price.
We’re living in a time where a few creative designers and engineers with an innovative startup can take on industry behemoths. This is a very exciting period for electric motorcycles!
What do you think about Tarform’s new electric motorcycle? Let us know in the comments below.
photo credit: Ryan Handt Photography
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