
It’s been 12 years since Former McLaren designer Richard Thorpe launched the original GoCycle. Now, his company Karbon Kinetics Limited has launched its fourth-generation e-bike, using the latest in materials technology and weight-saving engineering to create what Thorpe calls his “two-wheeled electric dream.”
The biggest change comes in the frame, which now utilizes a carbon fiber skeleton to connect the hydroformed aluminum front frame with the injection moulded magnesium drive section. In race-car parlance, it’s the monocoque chassis.
Clearly th at kind of state-of-the-art construction will cost, and the GoCycle does. Prices start at $3,999 and go all the way up to $5,999 which is more than the $3,399 to $4,999 Harley Davidson Serial 1
Nor does the Harley perform the GoCycle’s other party trick — the ability to fold into a compact package that will stow neatly in a car trunk or reasonably sized cubicle. It takes just 10 seconds to accomplish and can then be either carried in a travel bag (sold separately) or wheeled along like a stroller.
The G4 comes with a new electric motor housed in the single-sided front fork. GoCycle says that it provides more power and torque, although exact figures weren’t given. Base models have a range of up to 40 miles, while higher-spec G4i and G4i+ models can go up to 50. By contrast, top-grade Serial 1
A full charge requires 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on the trim. The capacity of the removable lithium-ion battery was not disclosed, but previous-generation GoCycles used two versions of a 13.7 Ah, 22-volt that stores a trim-dependent 300 Wh or 375 Wh.
More racing cues come with the tires, which are said to be inspired by MotoGP motorcycles
Fourth-generation GoCycles also add a USB charging port on the handlebars as well as BLE (low energy Bluetooth) connectivity. The company plans to launch a host of additional accessories as well, including mud guards, lights and pannier rack (although G4s will also be backwards-compatible with existing panniers).
GoCycle will offer a limited launch edition G4i+, which comes in exclusive colors and a lightweight carbon fiber wheel. The company is taking to pre-orders now.