This Affordable New Off-Road Motorcycle Is So Cool, You’ll Forget It’s Electric

Beyond starting out with electric motorcycles (we see you, Zero), there are a couple ways an existing brand can get into the business.

One approach we have covered a fair amount: when traditional moto manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield step away from internal combustion. 

Bakcou

The other is perhaps less common: when an e-bike maker steps up to building motorcycles.

It can be debated which background leads to better bikes, but one thing we can’t argue is whether one particular brand in the latter category knows what it’s doing. 

Because the first electric motorcycle from Bakcou, the Puma X22 SD, looks like an absolute banger.

Expanding brand

Founders Bryan Child and Dave Andre wanted to create bikes that could stray far from the beaten path with minimal environmental impact — hence the original name, Backcountry e-bikes.

Based in Ogden, Utah — an underrated outdoor sports hotbed — 10-year-old Bakcou is an interesting brand. 

The brand quickly took off with fat-tire e-bikes aimed at hunters, who have long understood that the relatively low, light sounds and smells of electric bikes are much preferable to what gas bikes produce. 

While its two new electric motorcycles — there’s also a larger, currently unavailable Puma X24 — can be used for hunting, the appeal is hardly limited to folks in that set.

Bakcou

It’s just a kickass electric dirtbike, which is probably why you’ll find nary a hunting image on the X22’s product page.

Off-road animal

What makes the X22 so special? Powered by an 84v 73ah Lithium Ion battery that fully charges in two hours, the motor offers rated power of 6,000 watts, peak power of 22,000 watts and peak torque at the wheel of 850Nm. 

Moto industry insiders have compared it to a 250cc engine, which just about lines up with its top speed of 77 mph, 0-62 mph time of 5 seconds and weight of 285 pounds.

(I’d say that first figure is worse than average for a 250cc bike, but the second and third figures are better than most.) 

Bakcou

It offers generous ground clearance of 12.5 inches, but the tradeoff is a seat height of 34.5 inches, which could prove intimidating for newer or shorter riders.

One feature that gives this bike a huge edge over gas-powered alternatives is that, of course, it’s an Automatic CVT. (No shifting required, just twist the throttle and go.)

Another quality it offers that is more common in electric motos is a reverse gear.

Considering how easy it can be to get yourself stuck in tough technical terrain, being able to back out of it with power is a huge plus. 

Bakcou

A third unique advantage is that you don’t have to go to a dealership to pick it up — they will actually ship you this thing in a box. (Shipping charge calculated at checkout, of course.)

The X22 also offers an LCD screen, hydraulic disc brakes, adjustable suspension (84mm to 250mm) and a modular rack system. 

That last feature should come in handy when toting whatever meal you happen to hunt down. I’m thinking a cooler pack full of (root) beer and sandwiches.

Availability and pricing

The Bakcou X22 SD is currently available for pre-order for $8,999, with estimated shipping of July 15th.

Bakcou

Bakcou Puma X22 SD

• $8,999 at Bakcou

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