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Ryvid Anthem: The Electric Motorcycle That's Shockingly Tempting

Ah, the wonderful world of electric motorcycles, where innovation meets skepticism, and the rubber meets the road. For years, we've been subjected to the dominating presence of electric bikes that cost more than a small island vacation. But lo and behold, there's a new kid on the block, the Ryvid Anthem, here to shake things up and make you question everything you thought you knew about electric two-wheelers.

The Ryvid Anthem burst onto the scene with the subtlety of a fireworks display in a library. With a price tag that's less than half of those flagship electric models, it's as if they slapped a "Welcome All Riders" sign on the door. Commuters, rejoice! It's time to take a sarcastically delightful journey through what makes the Ryvid Anthem so special.

Let's start with its party trick – the ability to electronically raise and lower the seat by a solid 4 inches (or 10 cm for our metric-loving friends). Yes - you can adjust your seat height while cruising along, making it perfect for those moments when you want to feel just a smidge taller or shorter. And if you're thinking, "Why on earth would I need this?" Well, we don't have a sensible answer for you, but it's cool, right?

The Anthem's frame boasts some innovative folded metal construction, making it lighter than a feather compared to its electric brethren, tipping the scales at a svelte 313 lbs (142 kg). It's like the electric motorcycle version of an Olympic gymnast doing backflips with ease.

Now, onto the part that really gets your motor running – the specs. The Anthem claims to hit a top speed of "75+ mph" (that's 121 km/h for our metric pals), and from what we've heard, that "+'' isn't just for show. As for range, it promises about 75 miles (121 km) in urban conditions, but beware – your weight and the terrain can play spoiler to those dreams. Hit a constant 55 mph (88 km/h), and you're looking at 46 miles (74 km). If you dare to go faster at 70 mph, well, you'll be stopping for a recharge after 35 miles (56 km). So, it's a commuter, not a cross-country tourer – got it?

Charging this bad boy is a breeze. You can juice it up using either a 110V AC or 220V AC source, and it comes with a nifty 3 kW onboard charger. While some folks plug into their standard garage outlet, you can also get all fancy with level 2 public chargers by using a J-plug adapter. It's a bit like accessorizing your bike for a night out on the town.

Now, let's talk about the battery. It's a 4.3 kWh powerhouse that you can remove for charging, which means you only need an extension cord and a wall outlet to refuel. No tools required, and you won't need to bench press the battery either, thanks to wheels under it and a handy fold-out handle. You can practically roll it into a coffee shop and charge it while sipping a latte – it's the future, folks!

But before you start planning your battery joyrides, a word of caution – the battery itself doesn't provide any power to its tiny wheels. Sorry, no electric wheelies or burnouts here. It's a bit like riding a skateboard with square wheels – fun in theory but not so practical.

One quirk that some Anthem owners have pointed out is the glovebox, or should I say, the "tiny box." It's roughly the size of a snack pack of chips, measuring about 5 inches by 5 inches by 1.5 inches (or 13 cm x 13 cm x 4 cm). Yes, it can hold your keys, wallet, or maybe a snack, but don't even think about squeezing in a supersized smartphone. And don't forget, it doesn't lock, so keep a close eye on your precious snacks.

Now, what makes the Ryvid Anthem even more intriguing is that it's proudly American-made, with a few international parts thrown into the mix, because let's face it, who doesn't love a good global fusion? Plus, at $8,995, it's still a steal compared to the big-name electric models out there. Sure, you can get a gasoline-powered bike for less, but where's the fun in that?

So - the Ryvid Anthem. An electric motorcycle that's making waves, raising seats, and challenging the status quo. Do I need one? Probably not. Am I tempted? Dangerously so. Ah, the allure of electric tech mixed with a dash of fun and a sprinkle of affordability – it's a wild ride, my friends!