The electric motorcycle market is lacking in one critical segment: tourers. Chinese manufacturer Velimotor wants to fill that void with its new VMX10S. The model features a 72-volt, 58-Amp-hour battery that reaches up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) per charge, a considerable range for a 128-kilogram (282.2-pound) electric motorcycle.
Still, Velimotor offers additional power packs separately. Each supplementary battery costs $1,080 and easily stows into the optional $300 aluminum cases. Needless to say, the panniers also improve the VMX10S’s carrying capacity with and without the replaceable power cells.
When installed, the battery feeds the model’s 12-kilowatt (16.1 horsepower) brushless DC motor. That duo pushes the VMX to a 120-kilometer-per-hour (74.6-miles-per-hour) top speed and a 0-to-100 km/h (60 mph) time of 9.8 seconds. The Velimotor doesn’t sacrifice practicality for pace, though, with regenerative braking recovering charge and a reverse gear helping riders out of tight spots.
Aside from the electric drivetrain, the VMX10S is a remarkably standard bike. The tubular steel frame resembles classic dual sport units while the USD fork and rear shock offer adjustability. Wire-spoked wheels remain in the off-road vein, but the 18-inch rear and 19-inch front wheels suitably adapt to pavement-pounding road trips. The model’s linked braking system and 880-mm (34.6-inch) seat height only support the VMX’s mixed influences.
Velimotor equips the electric motorcycle with LED lighting and a digital display. In concert with the electrical system, the Chinese OEM adheres to IP54 (body) and IP67 (electrical system) waterproofing standards. Starting at $2,780 USD, the Velimotor VMX10S is an ultra-affordable option within the budding electric touring segment.
The category still needs to overcome the restriction of electric mobility, but the Chinese brand’s latest offering unlocks novel solutions.
Going the Distance:
Sources: Motorrad, E-Powersport