Zapping the Track: Yamaha Goes Electric

Image Credit: XEMX.

Well, the day I never thought would come has arrived. It seems the future is finally catching up with us, and electric dirt bikes are here. They're no longer just some eco-friendly pipe dream. They're serious contenders, ready to tear up the trail and leave gas-guzzling buddies in the dust. Electric dust.

I've always had a soft spot for the rumble of a good engine, but even I have to admit, there's something undeniably cool about an electric dirt bike. No more messy oil changes, no more choking on fumes, and best of all, no more getting yelled at by the neighbors when you're ripping it up in the backyard. But can they really compete with the raw power and performance of a traditional dirt bike?

Enter the Xtreme Electric MX (XEMX) XE4, a bolt-on kit that transforms your trusty Yamaha YZ250F or YZ450F into an electric beast. It's a Frankensteinian experiment gone right. They've taken the already impressive Yamaha platform, ripped out its petrol-powered heart, and replaced it with a cutting-edge electric motor. It's every bit like swapping your old clunker's engine for a Tesla powertrain.

Image Credit: XEMX.

Before you start picturing some cobbled-together contraption held together with duct tape and prayers, let me assure you that this is a professional-grade conversion. The XE4 kit comes with everything you need to electrify your Yamaha, including a 12-volt pump to keep things cool using the stock radiator. XEMX claims it's a one-day job, but knowing my mechanical skills, I'd probably set aside a long weekend and a few cases of beer.

But the real kicker is the battery swap system. This isn't some fiddly, time-consuming affair. Instead, we have a quick-release system that lets you swap out a depleted battery for a fresh one in a matter of seconds. If you've ever changed a magazine on a rifle, you'll know the drill. The good thing is, there's less chance of accidentally shooting yourself in the foot.

Speaking of batteries, these 72-volt packs deliver 600 amps of current and 4.3 kWh of capacity. While XEMX doesn't give an exact range estimate, they reckon you can get a good four hours of riding out of a single charge. Of course, that's assuming you're not constantly pinning the throttle.

And trust me, you'll be tempted to pin it. With 58 hp on tap, the XE4 isn't exactly a slouch. That's barely any less than the 59 hp you get from a 2023 Yamaha YZ450F. But here's the thing about electric motors: they deliver that magical instant torque. Neck-snapping, tire-shredding, face-distorting torque. It's the kind of acceleration that makes you question the laws of physics (and maybe the structural integrity of your spine).

Image Credit: XEMX.

The XE4 also comes with some clever features, like three customizable ride modes, regenerative braking (so you can recharge your battery while slowing down), and even a reverse gear. And if the silent whirring of the electric motor isn't quite doing it for you, there's an optional speaker that'll pump out some fake engine noise. You know, just in case you miss the sweet sound of two-stroke ring-a-ding-ding.

The Complete Motor A Kit will set you back $6,995, and each Quick Swap Battery costs $3,295. If you'd rather skip the DIY route, you can pre-order a complete XE4 Custom Bike for around $12,950. They come in blue and gray, in case you were wondering.

But here's the thing: this isn't just some expensive toy for rich folks with a penchant for eco-friendly thrills. The XE4 has already proven itself on the track. In April, Shawn Clark took first place in the 30+ class and 7th overall at the Daytona Dirt Riders Alligator Hair Scramble riding an XE4. And in May, the XE4 secured first place at the GNCC Wild Boar 2024 E-Open Class. So yeah, this thing can actually go.

Image Credit: XEMX.

The real question is, will the motocross world embrace electric dirt bikes like the XE4? I know, I know, it's hard to imagine a motocross track without the roar of engines and the smell of two-stroke fumes. But let's be honest, four-strokes were once the new kids on the block, and they eventually replaced the two-strokes. It's only a matter of time before electric bikes become the norm.

Of course, there are still some hurdles to overcome. Battery technology needs to improve to provide longer run times and faster charging. But the writing is already on the wall. Electric dirt bikes are here to stay, and they're only going to get better.

So, if you're looking for a thrilling, eco-friendly, and surprisingly quiet way to tear up the track, the XE4 might just be the ticket. Just be prepared to answer a lot of questions from your buddies. And maybe invest in a good neck brace.