Today, electric motorcycles can be purchased in an infinite number of configurations, from compact folding models to big-tire city bombers, mountain bikes, long-tail roof racks, and other models that sit in the middle of some complex motorcycle Venn diagrams. California-based Ride1Up’s latest motorcycle, the $1,895 Rift, is one such motorcycle, a heavyweight with big tires that can cover a lot of ground on most types of terrain, but also doubles as a cargo vehicle, a travel vehicle, or a laughing device. for top riders of all skill levels.
I gained an intermediate Rift style before the official launch, and thank goodness it includes wings, as most of my riding days were filled with cold rain (or snow) from Oregon that didn’t seem to know we were maxing out May in the Northwest, and not March. But dressed in waterproof clothing and some layers, I was able to roll the Rift a few times (and check its water resistance).
RiftTech Overview
As noted, Ride1Up doesn’t favor a thin-and-light strategy with the new Rift, which is a 20 mph Class 2 e-bike as delivered, with a throttle and a pedal-assist user adjustable Class 3 adjustable top speed of 28 mph. The most sensible speed on the throttle alone is 20 mph. Weighing in at 85 pounds, it’s a great match for taller runners (6ft 1 inch) like me, who would have possibly gone to the local taco truck several times longer than recommended (but they’re so good!). I won a large “ST” issue through the framework for highly visual arctic white examination.
A highly detachable 48-volt, 20-amp-hour battery powers a 750-watt geared rear hub motor that produces 95Nm of torque. A Shimano SL-M315 derailleur provides eight-speed pedal power.
Dual-piston hydraulic calipers (above) hold the 180mm brake rotors and rear end to brake the thick 4-inch-wide, 26-inch puncture-proof Kenda Krusade tires with dirt-ready spiked tread.
The thumb throttle is to the left of the LCD screen.
A small color LCD screen on the left bar displays the corresponding travel information. An LED head light and LED tail light for brakes are standard, as are wide alloy fenders (thankfully). The generic adjustable front suspension fork offers 120mm of reach and lockout. -In capacity.
Load it up and go: pack what you want and add surfboards if needed.
The frame is made of aluminum and the giant “Connect” rear luggage rack is built-in and non-removable. It is designed for 150 shipping containers and you can get a seat and pegs for one lucky passenger. Standard panniers will also be compatible with the rear luggage rack. while a front shelf and basket are available.
Driving Experience
The Rift is a wonderful driver, capable of carrying gears of up to 45 km/h with pedal assistance.
In the short time I had the Rift before the announcement, I was able to drive it through several challenging environments, adding muddy off-road trails, soggy city streets and motorcycle trails, and open fields of grass. After a few changes to the rear derailleur to make shifting easier, I found the Rift to be easy to handle, as long as the force flows into the rear hub motor. I rode it for a while unaided and the weight of the bike becomes temporarily apparent, but it’s still not imaginable to progress with pedaling force alone, as long as there are no significant climbs.
For riding on pavement, I fired up the large Kendas at 25 psi (30 is the maximum) and it sped things up on hard terrain, but for a single track in a nearby wooded park, 10 psi is the best bump-absorbing mix. , traction and control. On pavement, 10 psi is too comfortable for this heavier rider.
With the white finish, the Rift is highly visible, but I was thankful for the headgentle and tailgentle LED, which doubles as a brake light. However, I’d like to see Ride1Up increase the strength of the headgentle, as it was pretty smoothly my test on dark streets and turned up a Thousand Traveler light to add a few lumens and keep drivers on their toes.
Large tires and 750 watts of force can overcome most of the obstacles a rider will encounter.
I didn’t have the courage to do a diversity test in our long era of rainy and cold weather, however, the battery is rated at 45 to 60 miles in combined use and several hours of driving have only shaved a few nits off the point meter. If cyclists step on the pedals, it results in an estimate of moderate diversity.
The brakes are a plus, as the dual-piston calipers definitely bring more force to the system and reduce the braking distance and lever effort. On a large, heavy motorcycle that can carry two other people or more than a hundred pounds of cargo, it’s smart to watch the Ride1Up the Rift stops because you want extra strength.
Do you have groceries? Just bring up a few panniers and leave them at home.
I also did some familiar chores on the Rift, adding the installation of comfortable panniers and loading them with groceries etc. One of the wonderful things about a rugged motorcycle like the Rift is that it can upgrade a car in many cases, saving money on gas, wear and tear while also boosting your pulse as you squeeze the pedals. Even on a slight climb, loaded with goods, it’s wonderful to have those 750 watts and barely a hundred nits of torque. to push a note.
Conclusions
The Rift is available in a variety of colors and in popular and mid-frame versions.
It is an economical motorcycle, with a wide diversity of capabilities. It’s a comfortable, high-performance motorcycle to ride, with flexible tires and a physically powerful engine that allows for a great laugh factor. It also makes commuting and running less stressful, as it can necessarily bulldoze over maximum motorcycle lane clutter or allow for a comfortable landing on a sidewalk (trust me).
This power, combined with cargo capacity (even for a passenger with OEM options) and decent range, make the Rift a solid choice for keeping your car parked. It is a convenient combination of shipping motorcycle and driver. I’ve ridden the ST-Style Full step and while it has a bit of frame flex when pedaling hard, it’s minimal and the lack of a top stringer makes it available to those whose joints may not possibly be as flexible as they once were. It also makes it less flexible, difficult to move around.
As I pointed out, for less than $2,000, that’s a lot of e-bikes. Single panniers further expand its capabilities, and in addition to being a lightweight, high-performance shipping vehicle and a great means of avoiding your car’s miles, it’s also a lot of fun to drive. Just load up one more wonderful headlight and all the other things you need, and you deserve to be in a position to laugh for years with your e-bike.
Recommended.