One Y-Volt in the shop: the Surge V, in white. This is the one that expects you to have ridden before.
The Surge V
It’s a full-size dirt bike that happens to be electric. No clutch, no gearbox, and a lot of go once you leave Eco. The brochure says 70 mph and 93 miles. The sheet we go by says 68 mph and about 75 miles, and an independent test put a GPS on one and saw 67. Believe the sheet.
The seat is at 900 mm. Much under six foot and you’ll be on your toes at a stop, which is normal on a bike this tall, and better found out before you drive over. It weighs 92.9 kg with the battery in, and the battery stays in, so plan on a van or a trailer. A charge on the supplied charger is about three hours.
Eco is where you learn which way is up, and it’s the map behind the longer range claim. Sport is the full hit. People who’ve ridden it say it’s smooth, and then it isn’t. Grab a handful the way you would on a pit bike and it will have you off the back. There is enough clearance that a rut is a suggestion. It still wants a chain and a set of brakes looking after. It does not want oil, a clutch rebuild or a carburettor.
The dash wakes when the tag comes close. Lighting is full LED, including that loop of a tail lamp, and there are no indicators. Rain and a wet trail are in the plan. A river is not. That’s what the weather rating is for.
The new Surge V is white. The ex-demo is the same machine, also white, with a few miles on it.
Where you can ride one
A track, a field, woodland, a private motocross loop, sand, gravel. The sort of ground that would have a road tyre in tears. The owner has to be happy about it.
Important: this bike is for off-road use on private land only. It is not legal on the road.
We’re at Unit 14, Emley Business Park, Leys Lane, Huddersfield. Weekdays are 10am to 4pm. Weekends are by appointment only. Delivery is £50.
The short version
| Surge V | |
|---|---|
| In a sentence | A full-size dirt bike, for people who’ve already ridden |
| Flat out | 68 mph on the sheet |
| Weight | 92.9 kg, battery stays in |
| Seat | 900 mm |
Questions worth asking
Is this a first bike?
No. Eco will behave. Sport has no interest in your feelings. Fine if you’ve already ridden something with a throttle. A rotten idea if you haven’t.
Is it 70 mph and 93 miles?
That’s the brochure. The sheet says 68 mph and about 75 miles, and a GPS check has seen 67. We use the sheet.
Can I ride one on the road?
No. Private land, with the landowner’s say-so. It is not legal on the road.
Where is Direct MX, and what does delivery cost?
Unit 14, Emley Business Park, Leys Lane, Huddersfield. Weekdays are 10am to 4pm. Weekends are by appointment only. Delivery is £50.