First Impressions
Acknowledged Specs
Actual-World Vary (RWR)
60 miles, as much as 80 in “ideally suited” circumstances
Energy
8kw (11hp)nominal, 14.5 kw (20hp) peak
4kw hours (4000 Watt Hours)
Prime Pace
“Drive” Mode: 60mph (100 kph)
“Sport” Mode: 80mph (130 kph)
Battery Kind
Lithium-ion, 4kw (4000 Watts)
Motor
PMAC (Everlasting Magnet, Alternating Present)
Torque
80 ft-lbs nominal, 130 ft-lbs peak
Body
Solid Aluminum
Entrance Brake
Two Piston/Floating Rotor Hydraulic
Rear Brake
Single Piston/Fastened Rotor Hydraulic
Wheelbase
52”
Curb Weight
~300lbs
Seat Peak
31.5”
Charger
Commonplace; 110v AC included, elective stage 2 charger mentioned to be in improvement
Climbing Skill
15-degree incline
Single seat
(Nowhere to place passenger pegs)
A Little About SONDORS
SONDORS is well-known for its e-bicycles, which it’s been creating and promoting since 2015. At the moment, these e-bicycles are within the markets of 72 international locations worldwide, with the corporate’s focus being three key ideas: Affordability, design, and nil emissions.
That is SONDORS’s first foray into bike improvement, so whereas the bike is a brand new addition to their lineup, they’re nonetheless dedicated to the creation of well-made, cheap e-mobility on two wheels.
(See ‘About SONDORS,’ the place the model focuses on “radical design and whole dedication to making a extra sustainable future.”)
Getting My Fingers on a SONDORS MetaCycle
I bought my final gas-powered bike – a modified Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle – and received on the wait listing for the SONDORS MetaCycle in November of 2021; after that, it was only a matter of ready.
I waited…and waited…and waited, together with a whole bunch of others, for the MetaCycle to reach. I’m not exaggerating after I say that there was a lot confusion on the lack of communication about delays and altering expectations. Many individuals dropped out, and plenty of, like me, selected to keep it up.
After I reached out in July of 2022, I used to be informed I used to be within the second wave and wouldn’t get my bike anytime quickly, so I used to be very shocked after I received a delivery notification in late August, and the bike arrived on my birthday in early September.
A fast word earlier than we start: I’m 5’4” with a ~29” inseam, and have ridden the bike somewhat over 100 miles.
SONDORS MetaCycle: Key Options
The Look
I received the mannequin that reveals off a “bare silver” trim (the bike’s additionally out there in “supermassive” black and “arctic” white); it was presupposed to be uncooked steel, however it isn’t; “bare silver” is definitely silver paint over the uncooked steel of the bike. I may very well be disenchanted that it isn’t true to what was promised, however it’s an exquisite, attractive look, so I’m proud of what it’s.
This bike is a head-turner. Individuals ask me questions on it at stoplights, in parking tons, after I’m leaving my driveway – even the DMV (Division of Motor Automobiles) workers wished to know extra about it. Everybody smiles once they see it, and I really feel good on it. 🙂
One unanticipated and enjoyable aspect impact of it being electrical is the silence of the motor; it makes it very straightforward to converse with folks. Yelling with a view to talk has been eradicated from my moto life!
The multi-color digital show is straightforward however efficient, exhibiting whether or not you’re in Park (P) Drive (D) Sport (S), what your remaining battery cost is (10 bars, with the bottom being pink) – it additionally covers pace, flip sign, and present journey mileage.
There isn’t a menu, so the one technique to see whole mileage is to concentrate because the show runs via the entire start-up verify.
Mileage reveals the entire for a couple of seconds earlier than defaulting to present.
The Pace
I used to be solely capable of take her to 50mph on my first experience on account of site visitors, however – utilizing the very scientific technique of “one one-thousand, two one-thousand” – I went 0-50mph in Sport mode in underneath 3 seconds.
Because of this, on the whole, you may count on the MetaCycle to go 0-60mph in wherever as much as 6 seconds – loads quick for getting on the freeway, and the bike’s low weight makes it each bit as flickable as my Yamaha 250cc thumper.
Now to the vital bit: Can it hit 80mph, as promised?
Completely! I received my SONDORS MetaCycle to 89mph on my first pace take a look at.
The Vary
The acknowledged vary for the SONDORS MetaCycle is 60 miles “actual world” and 80 “underneath ideally suited circumstances.” In actuality, I’ve not been capable of go greater than 30 miles on a single cost. That’s with about 70% freeway and 30% metropolis driving.
Protected freeway pace in my locale is 70-75mph, so I think about at sub-65 mph speeds, one may get nearer to the acknowledged vary.
Using Modes
There are 3 modes on the bike – Drive, Reverse, and Sport.
The bike will solely keep Sport for two minutes earlier than robotically reverting to Drive. On one hand, it is a nice technique to preserve the battery. Then again, it means you can not keep better than ~60mph speeds for any size of time.
I wouldn’t advise attempting to make use of this as an “open highway” cruiser. It actually is supposed for brief freeway stints and concrete driving.
“Reverse” is engaged by a toggle on the suitable handlebar, and requires some dexterity, as it’s important to hold it the toggle engaged whereas turning the throttle with the identical hand.
The Design
Previous to getting the bike, I learn a number of hypothesis that the large empty area within the middle of the body would make it arduous to hug the bike whereas cornering. In actuality, I discover that I’m nonetheless capable of hug the bike and really feel fully safe on it – nothing feels prefer it’s lacking within the dealing with, besides maybe the burden of the tank.
(Actually, the absence of a giant tank makes the bike really feel extra like a dust bike, which lends to its straightforward dealing with.)
The “Really feel” of the Experience
For the primary 15 miles or so, I struggled with the shortage of resistance in acceleration and braking – one thing I’ve grown to count on with 30 years of driving expertise.
I’ve tailored since, however periodically nonetheless attempt to discover the shifter and rear brake with my ft.
Throttle response is speedy, with an extremely clean acceleration curve. The brakes are robust with out being sticky, and it handles very effectively in delicate twisties.
I’m excited to see what it may well do with a bit extra excessive turns, however to date, I’m very happy!
The dearth of regenerative braking took a little bit of getting used to and looks as if a miss that would have simply been averted. In keeping with the person teams I observe, that individual subject is a promise that SONDORS didn’t hold.
Sitting on the bike feels pure and simple. The pegs are effectively positioned, and the driving place is upright. She’s a tad slender and somewhat tall for my 29” inseam (I’m on my toes when stopped), – however general the MetaCycle is so light-weight that it’s not an issue; the truth is, as somebody who has at all times needed to buy shorter bike seats, shocks, and so forth. on my bikes, that is nice!
That brings me to the seat – one of many few disappointments I’ve skilled. The seat is difficult and isn’t simply detachable, as there are a number of screws holding it on. The arduous seat, mixed with a really stiff shock, makes the bike really feel each bump within the highway. It’s not an enormous subject given the quick distance I commute, however it is rather noticeable nonetheless. Using additional than 40 miles may trigger a severe monkey butt.
See additionally
I’m truly extra irritated that there is no such thing as a compartment for fundamentals like registration, insurance coverage card, and some instruments. The one storage on the bike is the small compartment on the highest of the body.
Sidenote: It’s very cool you can wirelessly cost your cellphone (there’s additionally a USB charger port), however it’s see-through and never safe, so leaving vital gadgets in it’s a no-go.
Battery Issues
Eradicating the Battery
In case you’re considering eradicating the battery can be easy, don’t hassle.
The battery was presupposed to be simply detachable, making it handy (albeit heavy) for multi-family unit dwellers to carry inside to cost. That characteristic didn’t make it to ultimate manufacturing, and as a substitute, there are about 10 screws that should be taken out to take away the battery. Though this isn’t a problem when you can cost the place you park, I think about it will be very disappointing when you had counted on that functionality.
Charging Pace
Surprisingly quick.
SONDORS claims a 3-hour charging time from a near-dead battery state. It makes use of a traditional 110-household outlet. I’m hopeful for a quick charger sooner or later that can be utilized at public charging stations. That may make it a extra sensible mid-distance commuter.
The “White Glove” Service
The “white glove” service was hardly that.
The supply firm had 48 bikes to ship in my county the week I used to be slotted to obtain my MetaCycle.
Via a number of calls with the motive force, I used to be assured they might be there by 3 pm – however they didn’t arrive till nearer to 7 pm, so my non-riding daughter needed to signal for the bike since I wasn’t dwelling.
Happily, the corporate was prepared to roll the bike via my gate to get it off the road – and whereas I appreciated that, I’m unsure something in regards to the setup and supply would qualify as “white glove.”
- They didn’t focus on the bike with my daughter.
- The paperwork consisted of the signed supply receipt and the SONDORS invoice of sale.
- All the plastic movies had been nonetheless on the lights, mirrors, and so forth.
- The “particular present” for the primary 2000 homeowners was a really skinny and poorly-fitting bike cowl.
All informed, positively not what I might have anticipated for a $700 supply price.
Did I point out that I reside lower than 400 miles from the SONDORS SoCal warehouse?
Mannequin Points and Servicing
As quickly as I received my MetaCycle, I instantly had 2 issues come up: The duvet to the built-in storage wouldn’t latch correctly, and the alarm would sound at random (which I’m positive my neighbors liked).
After fairly a little bit of forwards and backwards with SONDORS by way of e-mail and cellphone to diagnose the issue, the corporate despatched out a technician in December to interchange the case and the alarm.
All bike sellers ought to provide at-home service.
The Registration Course of
I registered the bike in San Mateo County, California. Whereas the method took me over 2 hours, it was comparatively easy. The paperwork required was the invoice of sale, proof of insurance coverage, and a registration type that included the VIN quantity, which is on the left aspect of the down tube, in addition to the motor quantity, which is on the rear hub/motor of the bike.
The DMV did a visible inspection, and the inspector was initially confused that there have been no emissions. Registration and licensing value much more than I anticipated for a $5000 bike, totaling round $750.
So, all in (bike, supply, registration), I spent $6,450. That feels a bit excessive for a short-distance commuter, however in comparison with one other well-known California electrical bike firm, the value of admission is effectively value it for my functions.
Observe that for brand spanking new orders, the bottom worth has jumped to $6,500.
I’m unsure if that features tax and supply.
Was It Value It?
The quick reply? Sure!
The bike is most of what I’d hoped it will be, with solely a few disappointments.
I’m totally having fun with driving it and sit up for extra time when the climate warms up. It’s an exquisite design, fully silent, straightforward to experience, and manner inexpensive than a Zero Bike for an under-60-mile commuter bike.
