Electric E-Moto Caofen F80 Debuts – In France

[advrider]

Strange but interesting machines continue to appear in the blurry area between ebikes and electric motorcycles. The latest entry is the Caofen F80, an all-electric dirt bike… with lights, turn signals and a fairly engaging design. At this point, only riders in France are able to get them dirty.

Long legs and knobs for the dirt, lights and signals for the road… in some places. Image: Caofen

Boasting a mid-drive motor with up to 8,000 Watts of output (or about 11 horsepower, likely at peak only) and 4,000 Watts continuous output, the $6,000-ish F80 has a claimed top speed of 53mph/85kph and should easily dust most scooters on the way to the off-road riding area. And once there, the single-speed transmission and knobby tires should make for some fun times in the dirt. And while there are other similar electric dirt machines out there, most also have pedals to qualify (somehow) as an ebike; the F80 makes no such pretence and features standard pegs.

The aluminum frame folds a 72-volt 2.16kWh battery in a magnesium casing that Caofen says will power the F80 for 60 miles… if you can manage an average of 19 miles an hour. Higher speeds mean shorter range, of course. A rear monoshock and adjustable forks give over 7 inches of travel, and a flat seat looks to be possibly comfortable. Caofen claims the battery can recharge in two hours, which is pretty quick for battery pack that size.

Ebikes can be efun, within their limitations. Image: Caofen

As noted, the F80 has lights and turn signals, and a video on the company website shows it being ridden on road and with enthusiasm off the pavement, but it’s probably not going to replace your CRF450 anytime soon. But as a playbike, pit bike or learner bike for a new rider, it seems to fit the bill.

Caofen is a Chinese brand, and while we emailed seeking more information about future distribution plans, it doesn’t appear the F80 will be coming stateside soon… but who knows? There are a few variations on the F80, including a “restricted” 28mph version that might slip under the radar as a Class II-compliant ebike.

What do you think of the Caofen F80?

 

 

 

 

 

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