‘Electric’ may be a dirty word for many within the motorcycle community but the market is growing exponentially, whether it is mainstream brands shifting their model plans or ambitious start-ups - including Damon Motorcycles - getting in there early to corner a section of what will one day be the dominant marketplace.
The latter has delivered us some ‘interesting’ and diverse variations on the unplug-and-go platform - certainly with mixed success - but of all the new companies touting electric for their primary wares, Damon Motorcycles might well be the most exciting.
While it would be a tad lazy to describe it as potentially ‘the Tesla of motorcycles’, there is no denying Damon Motorcycles strikes a lot of the right notes as he gets closer to unleashing its first models its native Canadian and neighbouring United States markets, boasting pioneering technology (not just to do with the powertrain), a huge investment portfolio and some notable names coming on board in the management ranks.
Its first creation, the HyperSport sportsbikes was first revealed back in 2019 and is now inching towards going on sale, fulfilling a growing pre-order book, while it will soon unveil the HyperFighter, the super naked version on the same platform.
The headline stats of the HyperSport are impressive; Its 20kW flagship boasts equivalent 200bhp and a 200mph top speed, with a range of around 200 to 300 miles. At a reported £31,000 equivalent, it’s also in line with the similar BMW M 1000 RR and Ducati Panigale V4 R, but if you can stand a smaller battery offering 100bhp or 150bhp respectively, the price comes right down to (approx) £12,995 and £15,250 respectively.
For this you will get its ‘co-pilot’ technology, the clever 360-degree radar system Damon was originally working on before deciding to develop its own motorcycle around it - rather than sell to mainstream manufacturers - while extensive adjustability means you don’t need to crouch over the cowl in urban environments. We also think it looks very attractive and gives little away towards its EV origins.
If you happen to live within these British shores or in Europe, then we have good news - Damon Motorcycles is crossing the pond very soon.
It will begin with a marketing ‘ride’ of taking the HyperSport and HyperFighter to cities in Europe and encourage prospective owners to ride one, a format that has worked particularly well with Tesla in the past.
“Europe is a massive market opportunity for Damon, and we aim to be at the forefront of e-mobility, technology and safety in this territory,” Jay Giraud, co-founder & CEO, Damon Motors, told Businesswire.
“We expect to see greater demand in Europe for Damon motorcycles ordered vs. North American orders. With the European market rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles, we are certain that this great continent will be a dominant market for Damon and the move towards safer and cleaner two-wheelers.”
Though Damon Motorcycles faces a challenge to win over European buyers, which in motorcycling terms has been slower in enquiring about electric models than its American counterpart, with an increasing number of countries committing to EV benefits - such as Norway with its dedicated lanes and tax breaks - it is hoping to be in the right place at the right time.
“In many regions of Europe, two-wheelers are the primary mode of transport—and equally as important as electric mobility is safety,” added Dominique Kwong, co-founder & COO, Damon Motors.
“Our 360° Co-Pilot system makes riding safer, and we want to lead the way to safer, cleaner mobility in Europe, where motorcycle culture is big. We look forward to changing the mindset that motorcycling can be safer and more accessible.”
