The electric revolution has taken hold, with every segment of the transportation industry offering electrified solutions. From vans to boats, we are seeing a rapid adoption of this proven technology, now delivered with the range and performance to meet the needs of the most discerning buyers. While the most remote overland expeditions are outside of the scope of EVs (today), there are so many fun applications for its use while adventuring, including motorcycles. Enter the Volcon Grunt, a scrappy moto with balloon tires, reverse, 75 miles of range, and even 400 pounds of payload.
Riding the Grunt is a joy; the retro lines and comically huge tires bring a smile to the face and a steady flow of questions from onlookers. It feels powerful, but somehow not dangerous, and I was even able to muster a wheelie with a little fork rebound. The bike looks intentionally austere, with only a small, round display to communicate all the technology within. The ride modes are accessed via a toggle pad, and include stroll, explore, and sport. I used the stroll mode for days while cruising booth to booth at Overland Expo, and it was ideal for safety and control in the crowds. Explore mode optimizes range, while still giving good performance on the dirt. Lastly, Sport mode unleashes maximum motor performance and a much more responsive throttle mapping.
On the dirt, the Grunt feels stable and tractable, with excellent grip from the front and rear 25 x 8 inch tires on 12-inch rims. This provides optimal flotation and deformation, but can impart significant rebound during higher-speed impacts, knocking the rider off line. However, the Volcon is clearly designed for lower-speed forays, and the low seat height of 32 inches allows for easily putting a foot down. The standard range is just over 35 miles, but the frame has the provision to carry an additional battery for hot swapping in the field. When combined with the strong regen performance, the Grunt will easily support hours of exploration.
Road riding is a bit more complicated, as the Grunt is listed “for offroad use only,” but there are many states that permit licensing a motorcycle like this, allowing the addition of a horn and a few other modest modifications. The speed limit is listed as 40 mph, but we easily achieved that and more on mixed terrain. The Volcon is ideal as a support vehicle for full-size overland trucks and expedition campers, working as a trail scout to check a route, or to run into town for supplies. Curiously, the current distance between the two end road points in the Darién Gap is just inside the effective range of the Gruntーand those fat tires will float well in the Colombian mud.
$7,995 | volcon.com
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