Its title isn’t splashed all over the place on the merchandise, however Harley-Davidson now makes two sorts of two-wheeled EVs. In addition to its LiveWire electrical motorbike sub-brand, Harley additionally has an e-bike firm, Serial 1. Since its 2020 launch, Serial 1 has steadily elevated its electrical bicycle lineup with a number of city cruisers and some limited-edition builds. And now, for the first time, it’s heading off the pavement and into the gravel with an electrical mountain bike.
Harley-Davidson’s first electrical mountain bike is a hardtail path rider
When most individuals consider mountain bikes—electrical or in any other case—they probably image one thing with massive tires and fancy, long-travel suspension. But whereas the new Serial 1 BASH/MTN has the former, it lacks the latter. Not solely does it not have a rear shock, but it surely additionally has inflexible forks.
However, it’s value noting that the earliest mountain bikes additionally lacked any type of suspension. Furthermore, one variety nonetheless eschews rear shocks: the hardtail. In addition, the BASH/MTN shares its aluminum body with one other Serial 1 e-bike, the MOSH/CTY cruiser. This technically makes the new e-bike a gravel or cyclocross machine, like the Giant Revolt E-Pro. But these bikes can genuinely go off the paved monitor, as can the BASH/MTN. And whereas its origins are road-based, the new e-bike has some true mountain bike components.
For one, the Serial 1 BASH/MTN has knobby Michelin E-Wild off-road tires, relatively than street or gravel tires. Secondly, it has four-piston TRP hydraulic disc brakes. And thirdly, it does have some suspension—in its seat. The BASH/MTN has an SR Suntour NCX suspension seat put up with two inches of journey. It’s not a dropper seat put up, but it surely ought to iron out the worst bumps must you ship it off a bounce. And whereas most mountain bikes don’t have single-speed transmissions and carbon drive belts, many do have 1x drivetrains with single derailleurs.
But as a result of it has a drive belt and just one gear, the Serial 1 BASH/MTN is less complicated to keep up. That’s one other advantage of its hardtail, stable fork design. And it doesn’t want a number of gears as a result of, properly, it’s an electrical mountain bike.
How quick and much can the Serial BASH/MTN electrical mountain bike go?
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Like the associated MOSH/CTY, the Serial 1 BASH/MTN has a mid-mount Bosch S Mag electrical motor with 66 lb-ft of torque. It’s a Class 1 e-bike, so it solely offers pedal help as much as 20 mph. But you may regulate the quantity of help with the handlebar-mounted Brose controller. You have 4 modes to select from: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Boost.
The motor offers the energy, however the juice comes from the BASH/MTN’s built-in detachable 529-Wh battery. Serial 1 claims you may squeeze 30-95 miles out of a cost, relying on the mode and terrain. That’s not unhealthy for a 48.8-lb electrical mountain bike. If you drain it absolutely, although, recharging from 0-75% takes 2.6 hours, whereas going from 75-100% takes 2.1 hours.
Speaking of charging, the BASH/MTN has a built-in USB-C outlet to cost your smartphone. And you’ll wish to carry it alongside to attach with the Serial 1 app. It allows you to report your trip route and time in addition to monitor your vary, pace, and motor energy output. Plus, it sends you service reminders and offers turn-by-turn instructions by way of Google Maps. The app additionally allows you to digitally lock your e-bike and monitor its actions ought to it get stolen.
Finally, the BASH/MTN has an built-in LED headlight and taillights. And like the remainder of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it has an illuminated brand on the headtube.
Harley’s first off-road e-bike is simply round for a restricted time
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Although the BASH/MTN is predicated on the MOSH/CTY, its gravel-focused upgrades make it barely dearer. While the electrical cruiser begins at $3799, the mountain bike begins at $3999. And not like the MOSH/CTY, it’s solely obtainable in a single colour.
However, the BASH/MTN gained’t be obtainable for lengthy. Although it’s not a one-off like the Stingray-style customized MOSH/CTY Serial 1 constructed final yr, it’s a limited-edition product. The firm is simply making 1050 examples, with solely 525 headed to the U.S., RideAside experiences.
Serial 1 hasn’t revealed if it plans to make different mountain e-bikes as soon as it finishes making the BASH/MTN. So, at the least for now, that is your solely likelihood of getting a Harley-Davidson mountain bike. But who is aware of? Maybe if there’s sufficient demand, Harley will cycle into the dust once more in the future.
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