China’s CSC Debuts RX1E Electric ‘ADV’ With An Urban Focus

[advrider]

New electric motorcycles keep popping up, the latest being from CSC Motorcycles. The built-in-China, marketed-in-USA company announced a new all-electric model, the RX1E, and it will debut in adventure bike livery, including a triplet of panniers and top box as stock—a trend we could get behind.

But before you start planning charging stops on the way to Patagonia, understand the $8,500 RX1E is a short-range, urban-focused machine with likely minimal off-road chops. Think of it as a motorcycle riders can have  adventures on… while running errands.

CSC Motorcycles RX1E Electric ADV bike in red. Image: CSC

Tech includes a 96-volt, 64 Amp-hour battery good for over 100 miles— “expect 112 miles of range, according to New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standards.” An EPA rating is TBD. The motor makes about 11 horsepower with a 17 hp peak output under duress. Torque is stout at 62 pound-feet and CSC says the RX1E  is good for 80 mph in a pinch. On paper, the bike is pretty loaded: Bosch ABS brakes (single discs front and rear), cruise control, 7-inch LCD display with an analog speedo, LEDs in every hole, adjustable suspension front and rear, center stand, three ride modes, storage in the fake tank, a liquid-cooled motor, crash bars and USB powerlets. Tubeless tires ride on 17-inch cast wheels.

With a seat height under 31 inches, it could also be a good choice for riders not wanting to be on tiptoes at stoplights (or hillsides), a good plan since it weighs in at 436 pounds sans bags and 470 with. Also, it appears that Level II charging capability is not in the deal, so it’s going to take a while to get juiced from the outlet your laptop is plugged into. As in, overnight, maybe longer.

CSC Motorcycles RX1E Electric ADV bike. Image: CSC

Clearly, the RX1E is not quite RTW ready, but for getting across a busy metropolis with full panniers and a pillion aboard, it seems a better bet than an ebike, scooter or overstressed gasser. And it looks the part, at least.

The CSC RX1E is indeed coming to America in spring of 2023, including shipping right to your door for $350 to $500 depending on where you are. Some assembly will likely be required. You can lock one in for a $500 deposit.

CSC has been around for a while and stresses on their site they are not some fly-by-night operation, and that that they stock a complete parts department and are committed to riders. Is $8,500 (before shipping) a good deal for a freeway-legal urban ADV bike that goes 100 miles (maybe) on a charge and never needs gas, oil or a tuneup? While it isn’t ready for grand touring, it does look like a viable alternative to scooters and mass transit, albeit with a larger front-end investment. What’s your take?

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