Bonnell's nifty 805 RX puts forward-thinking dirt bike-making competitors such as Stark and Zero on notice.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreNot unlike Mark Twain's, reports of electric motorcycling's death have been greatly exaggerated. While a number of electric-focused and traditional brands have struggled to turn a profit (or even stay in business), a ray of hope has appeared in the dirt bike space. Bonnell's first electric motorcycle already looks like a legit threat to brands such as Stark and Zero. - Credit: BonnellThat's where Stark seems to be crushing it, with brands like Zero eagerly hopping aboard the train with their own excellent, more affordable offerings. AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the XB and XE are the smallest bikes Zero makes, e-mountain bike brand Bonnell has come from the other direction, building up to its 805 RX, which instantly looks like a viable player in the space. Charged up This bike is pretty fast and furious, so let's follow its lead and rip through the most notable features. That starts with its fast-swapping EV batteries, which let you replace a drain power source with a fully charged one in 30 seconds. The fast battery swapping capability looks pretty similar to Zero's, which is quite swift and smooth. - Credit: BonnellRe-charging can take less than an hour, so if you have a dependable home base power source, you can literally do hot laps till the sun sets, and then keep rolling. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 3.9kW (standard) battery can produce 56 horsepower and a top speed of 80 mph, while a race-spec 4.7kW is also available for an additional charge. More exciting, as is always the case with EVs, is the torque: 594 lb-ft at the rear wheel means you are, to quote the French musical duo Air, "surfing on the rocket." The torque on offer here is competitive with other off-road e-motos, and will get that front wheel up in a flash. - Credit: Bonnell"As battery technology continues to evolve, the platform is designed to support future, backwards-compatible Bonnell batteries," Bonnell says.If they are actually able to follow through on that promise, that's huge in terms of keeping today's bike in action for many tomorrows.Meanwhile, the rider-friendliness manifests in both the bike's physical dimensions and its tech.If the imagery from Bonnell is any indication, you can ride this moto like an absolute maniac. - Credit: BonnellThe weight is 218 pounds, less than that of many gas-powered 250cc bikes, and the 35-inch seat is, if not super-approachable, at least pretty standard for this type of ride.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt factors into the ground clearance that brings to life the Sirris F43 fork and R46 rear shock, developed specifically for the 805 RX, delivering a jubilant 9.6 inches of suspension travel.As with most electric motos, the tech package is well ahead of comparable gas-powered options.In addition to ride modes and reverse, the 805 RX offers walk mode and hill hold, making loading and unloading easy. - Credit: BonnellHere the highlights include five customizable ride modes, plus reverse, offering the ability to fine-tune power, speed, traction control and regen to their ability and terrain.Of course there's also built-in display, enabling the 805 RX to be the first e-moto to display motor, controller and battery temperatures directly to the rider.The electronic finger lever shown here feels almost magical in its possibilities. - Credit: BonnellDid I mention the "electronic finger lever"? This multi-purpose mini throttle serves anything that needs variable input, including e-Clutch, variable regen and a backup emergency throttle, plus the ability to toggle special functions on and off.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you think this sounds very video game-y, you're not alone. It's one of many reasons this bike stands a chance of taking off with the kids today, while helping the rest of us rediscover the fountain of youth.Availability and pricing The Bonnell 805 RX is available now for $8,250, with delivery expected in November.Bonnell 805 RX $8,250 at Bonnell About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.