California-based ebike maker SUPER73 just dropped a bunch of new bikes on the market for 2022, but one entry in particular stood out: a prototype road-legal electric motorcycle called the SUPER73-C1X Concept.
According to a SUPER73 press release, the C1X is indeed headed for production, with late 2023 as the target. The C1X has some impressive stats and interesting ideas going for it, including an urban riding range of 100 miles and “a top speed of more than 75mph, allowing it to bridge the gap between urban exploration and highway connectivity.” The C1X rolls on 15-inch solid disc wheels that give it a low-ish 31-inch seat height, and it has a quick-turning 51-inch wheelbase. Battery and motor details were not specified, but SUPER73 did say fast charging that gets the battery to 80 percent in an hour will be standard. Just to be clear, it does not have pedals like other SUPER73 models. Here’s a bunch of photos, more news below.
From the photos, we can deduce that the C1X is a rider-only machine with chain drive (instead of a belt a la Zero’s bikes), with a beefy front petal disc brake and a burly swingarm mated to a monoshock rear suspension. Slim LED signals jut out front and rear, and a stacked LED dual-beam headlight array and halo illuminate the way forward. A small pod shows speed and battery level. Production machines will have mirrors as well, unless we get rear-view and 360-degree surround-vision coverage using RideVisor’s AR 9000 helmets by the time the C1X hits the streets. Could happen!
Styling is, well, unusual, looking a bit like something that escaped from Tron: Legacy and ended up in Mario Kart. Batteries in EVs are the big space hog while drivetrains are typically small, so the C1X tucks the drive motor into the space between the swingarm pivot and the rear wheel, leaving maximum space for the battery – and maybe a storage cubby? SUPER73 says the configuration “removed the chain slack issues experienced with conventional motorcycles.” In general, moving to electric drivetrains in cars, trucks and motorcycles (and anything, really) frees up designers to move things around in ways that would be difficult or impossible with gas engines.
The C1X occupies a curious niche in the motorcycle world. It’s faster than the current crop of 125cc minimotos, which are generally not highway legal. but at 75mph topped out, it’s slower than many maxi-scooters it’s a closer relative to. Riders should be aware they will need an endorsement (and registration and insurance) to legally ride the C1X; this is no 50cc scooter equivalent. SUPER73 has apparently taken those issues into consideration with the C1X, saying it will be “an ideal platform for riders wishing to pass the DMV riding test.” However, bringing any motor vehicle up to street-legal DOT spec can be a grueling bureaucratic slog, so good luck to SUPER73. At least they don’t have to worry about meeting noise and emissions regs.
The fact that SUPER73 has chosen to debut such a machine as the C1X is not altogether surprising, as their “ebikes” are clearly heavily biased toward the electric scooter side of the electric mobility spectrum, with some pedals added in case you run the battery out. There’s a reason no one is riding one to get a good workout; these are dedicated urban electric fun machines with throttles. However, it is a bit of a surprise SUPER73 pushed the performance level up well past the 125cc minimoto class. In photos sent by SUPER73, the C1X is larger than most of the new minimotos like the Grom and Z125, with a 31-inch seat height, so expect somewhat roomy ergos despite the scooter-sized wheels. Say what you will about the styling, it looks like a fun ride. SUPER73 says the C1X has been under development for over a year. The company first launched in 2016 and is based in Irvine, California. Photo: Super73
Inside the motorcycle industry, much has been made about ebikes and minimotos being a first introduction to the fun of motorcycling for people who may not have thought of themselves as motorcycle riders. SUPER73 says they think the C1X will “provide a “step-up” vehicle from the current SUPER73 offerings, elevating adventures by achieving motorcycle performance with dramatically reduced size and weight.” Much like the old Honda Monkeys, minbikes and small enduro bikes from the 1960s and 1970 that launched the “golden age” of gas-powered motorcycling, ebikes and ideas like the C1X could put more new riders on full-size bikes, both gas and electric. For some, a 75-mph electric bike that can hop on and off highways may be the zero-gas commuter solution they’ve been looking for.
Things like price, total weight, motor power, torque, battery size and so forth were not specified by SUPER73, but if you must have a C1X when it debuts, you can hold a spot in line for (of course) $73. What’s your take on the C1X? Leave a comment below.
More New SUPER73 Models (That aren’t prototypes) Photo: Super73
SUPER73 also announced some refreshes and new models along with the C1X prototype. The new budget SUPER73-Z Miami (above) model is a refresh/rethink of one of their original bikes, the Z1. The updated Z Miami is a single-speed rigid fat tire cruiser with a 28mph top speed and between 20 and 50 miles of range from its 615 watt-hour removable under-seat battery, depending on how much you’re willing to pedal. And yes, it does have a throttle for freewheeling. Photo: Super73
Riders looking for a bit more comfort and range can level up to the SUPER73-R Brooklyn, which the company says will be focused on “street performance.” That means a 28mph top speed, full suspension with a monoshock rear end, forks and a motor with a 2,300W peak output. And those pedals. A bigger 960W-hour battery bumps range up to 40 miles or more depending on how much you want to crank the 325-pound “ebike” pedals.
Both the Miami and Brooklyn are single-speed machines but buyers can option a 10-speed rear derailleur if they’re intent on working up a sweat. Bike bells, fenders, turn signals and more are optional. Returning 2021 models such as the more offroad-oriented RX get some bold new colors, and more aggressive tires for fun in the dirt.
Last of all, Super 73 is getting into the kids bike market with a new Youth Series of electric bikes that include pedal-less balance-bike style machines with rear hub motors and removable batteries. Photo: Super73
SUPER73 says the kids bikes will go on sale later this year and will include models suitable for riders age 4 to 8 years old. The wee bikes feature BMX styling, twist throttles, fat tires and even disc brakes. No prices were announced.