Bonnell 805 RX First Look: 56 Horsepower And A Swappable Battery

Bonnell may not be a household name yet, but the company is making a serious push into electric motorcycles with the new 805 RX. As the first production model in its e-Moto lineup, the 805 RX moves beyond the electric bicycle space with a dedicated midsize dirt-bike platform, full-size wheels, long suspension travel, a swappable battery, and a software-heavy electronics package. In other words, this is Bonnell’s attempt to build a proper electric dirt bike from the ground up, not simply stretch an e-bike into motorcycle territory.

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The 805 RX starts at $8,250. For that money, buyers get a 56-horsepower electric powertrain, a removable 3.9-kWh battery, a claimed top speed exceeding 80 mph, and a curb weight of 218 pounds. Bonnell also claims 594 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, although that figure deserves some context because it’s measured after the drivetrain’s reduction gearing rather than directly at the motor.

This Is More Than An Overgrown E-Bike

At the heart of the 805 RX is a 42 kW electric motor producing a peak 56 horsepower and spinning as high as 12,000 rpm. Bonnell quotes 594 lb-ft of maximum rear-wheel torque. Because wheel torque is multiplied through the final-drive reduction, that number should not be compared directly with the motor or crankshaft torque figures normally published for gasoline motorcycles. The more immediately useful figure is its claimed 80-plus-mph top speed.

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Power comes from a standard 3.9 kWh Core battery mounted beneath the seat. Bonnell says the pack can be removed using the bike’s key, allowing riders to swap batteries or charge the pack away from the motorcycle. An optional 4.7 kWh Race battery is also planned, while a 2,500-watt accessory fast charger can charge a compatible pack in less than an hour from a 220-volt supply. Bonnell says a battery change can be completed in around 30 seconds.

Belt final drive is standard, an unusual choice for a dirt-focused motorcycle but one that reduces drivetrain maintenance and noise with respect to road-going motorcycles. However, off-road conditions can negatively impact belts, as they are susceptible to damage from rocks, mud, and other debris. Riders wanting a more conventional setup can fit Bonnell’s optional 520-chain conversion kit. That flexibility extends to the wheel packages, too, with 19/16-inch, 19-inch rear, and 17-inch supermoto options listed among the available accessories.

A Lightweight Chassis Gets Full-Size Dirt-Bike Hardware

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Bonnell built the 805 RX around a forged-aluminum main frame, paired with a forged and hydroformed aluminum swingarm and a removable aluminum subframe. The resulting motorcycle weighs a claimed 218 pounds and has a 53-inch wheelbase. Seat height is 35 inches, giving the 805 RX compact proportions despite its adult-oriented chassis and conventional dirt-bike wheel sizing.

The bike features a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination, with an 80/100-21 front tire and 100/90-18 Kenda rear. Suspension duties are handled by Sirris, a suspension brand well known in the e-moto and e-bike markets, developed specifically for the platform. The closed-cartridge fork and matching rear shock provide 9.6 inches of travel at both ends and are adjustable for compression, rebound, and preload. Braking comes from Bonnell’s forged dual-piston calipers at both ends. The front uses a 240 mm rotor, while the rear receives a 220 mm disc, with twin 22 mm pistons used in each caliper.

Its Electronics Go Well Beyond Basic Ride Modes

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The electric powertrain gives Bonnell freedom over how the rider can configure the motorcycle. Five ride modes are included, plus reverse, with individual settings available for power, torque, maximum speed, throttle response, regenerative braking, and rider assists. Traction control, boost, wheel-lift assistance, a speed limiter, walk mode, hill hold, and an electronic clutch-style function are also part of the package.

A programmable finger lever can control functions such as variable regenerative braking or the electronic clutch function. It can even operate as an emergency throttle if the conventional twist grip is damaged. Riders will also find three display layouts, a lap timer, and live telemetry. Bonnell says the system can display battery, motor, and controller temperatures, giving riders detailed information about what the electric drivetrain is doing.

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Further settings are available through Bonnell’s smartphone app, which allows riders to configure modes, throttle curves, regenerative braking, power limits, and other parameters. The app can also display battery temperature and usage data, alter charging limits, install firmware updates, and apply PIN-protected power and speed restrictions for newer riders.

The 805 RX Headlines Bonnell’s E-Moto Lineup

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The 805 RX sits below the forthcoming Bonnell 902, which is being developed as the larger and more powerful member of the company’s e-Moto family. Bonnell has previously quoted 87 horsepower and a 90-plus-mph top speed for the 902, placing the 805 RX in the lighter midsize position rather than making it the outright performance flagship.

At $8,250, the 805 RX combines proper 21/18-inch dirt-bike proportions, 9.6 inches of suspension travel, 56 horsepower, extensive electronic adjustability, and a battery that can be removed instead of permanently tying the motorcycle to a charger. The optional larger battery and alternate wheel packages also give buyers room to adapt the platform. For Bonnell, this is effectively the model that establishes what its e-Moto business is going to look like, with the more powerful 902 set to expand the lineup afterward.

Bonnell 805 RX Photo Gallery

Bonnell 805 RX Specifications

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Source: Bonnell