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[Richard230]

I am not so sure about that.  The Sur-Ron Booom Bee has almost arrived according to this article. Performance-wise the Bee seems to be right up there with the 2011 Zero models. Good thing Alta Motors are not still around or the Booom Bee would really be eating its dust:
https://www.webbikeworld.com/get-ready-for-the-sur-ron-booom-bee-to-challenge-zero/

[boardwalk]

The Sur-Ron Light Bee is $4200, 110 lbs, 5.2 kW, 2 kWh, max speed 50 MPH.

The Sur-Ron Boom Bee is 20 kW, 4.6-5 kWh, 68 MPH (all rumoured).

The FX 3.6 is $8500, 247 lbs, 20 kW, 3.6 kWh, 85 MPH.

The FX 7.2 is $10500, 289 lbs, 34 kW, 7.2 kWh, 85 MPH.

The CRF250L is $5200, 320 lbs, 18 kW, 80 MPH.

I think depending on the weight and price is could be a really interesting in-between option. Highway capable, lightweight. Something to have as a super fun off-roading + around towner to pair with a bigger bike without breaking the bank.

I'm not sure how much weight they'll add for beefier components/controller/motor, but the bigger battery will probably add around 40 lbs. If they can keep the weight down around 200 lbs -- that'd be pretty great. Having an optionally off-board charger could help there (the Light Bee is off-board). And price? Hmm. The price will probably be on the order of $2400 more just because of battery. So you're looking at at least $6600. Maybe around $7500? It'd be very tempting, honestly.

[valnar]

If they start approaching the Zero FXS in capability and price, they will have to compete with the big boys.  At that point, I couldn't see buying one over a Zero.

[Richard230]

As usual, before the company can make enough money to stay in business for very long, they need customers to buy their product, which requires a distribution system and retail dealers, along with a lot of regulatory regulation hoops to jump through and a lot of other expensive stuff to do. That seems to be the weak area in almost every electric motorcycle startup's business plan. 

[boardwalk]

If they start approaching the Zero FXS in capability and price, they will have to compete with the big boys.  At that point, I couldn't see buying one over a Zero.

If they have to compete, they won't be able to compete? They're already built in China, which gives them a cost advantage, and they already sell the Light Bee at a pretty decent price. As much I like Zero, the bar they set for a "real" dirt bike (not just power-wise) hasn't been set terribly high (unlike say Alta before they died).

As usual, before the company can make enough money to stay in business for very long, they need customers to buy their product, which requires a distribution system and retail dealers, along with a lot of regulatory regulation hoops to jump through and a lot of other expensive stuff to do. That seems to be the weak area in almost every electric motorcycle startup's business plan. 

They sell their stuff through online resellers. e.g. in a big box. In the US that's through Luna Cycle. I assume this new bike will be similar. From what I can tell they've been successful with their Light Bee (especially relative to other Chinese manufacturers selling in western markets). I've seen some kits that make the Light Bee street legal, but I can't find any right now.

There's this which claims it'll be street legal (which regions, who knows) and that we'll get more info EICMA:

[GaryArt1]

I am still baffled why someone would even consider buying something as large, complicated and expensive as a electric motorcycle without a long history of experience and a developed dealer network.  What do you do when something goes wrong with it (and it will)?  Ship it back to a distributor to repair?  It is isn't like you can bring it into the local motorcycle shop for repair.  I guess, if you know enough you can have the parts shipped to you and do it yourself.  This is one of the main reasons I went with Zero.  They have 2 dealers that are easily driveable distance from me and another 2 a little further.  I would have seriously considered Energica if the 1 dealership in my area was closer.  I am confused how someone can put money down on a bike from a company like this or even Lightning for that matter.

[boardwalk]

For me, something that's < 10k and honestly just a toy, it doesn't matter that much that it doesn't have dealers. Maybe that's a privileged thing to say, but hey. I'm willing to work on it and it's still a bike; you can find someone to work on everything but the electrical. I would like to have the components available via online order, of course.

Anyways, more info on the bike: https://electrek.co/2019/09/22/first-look-sur-ron-storm-bee-electric-motorcycle/

tl;dr: 22.5 kW (30 HP) air cooled motor, 4.6 kWh 96V removable battery, 260 lbs in off-road spec, 280 lbs in on-road spec, ABS, some sort of smartphone connectivity, adjustable front and rear suspension. Range at 31 MPH estimated at 60 mi. No info on price yet.

[togo]

In my book, you can't just beat price, you need to beat Zero's battery warranty.

I can't take a Chinese e-motorcycle maker seriously at the same price without that.