Sondors Metacycle Review - Is It Worth the Hype?

[@tl2913]

An honest review that doesn’t sugar coat the serious flaws in the bike. I’m glad I canceled my order and got a Zero.

[@Cruise252]

Same here man, got myself a refund and a Zero S with the 14.4kwh battery for 2k more.. no regrets.

[@LiveWire_Guy]

I got a zero too. I enjoy it. In hindsight, the livewire was the way to go.

[@Cruise252]

@@LiveWire_Guy looked at that, was a tad too expensive thoh :D

[@LiveWire_Guy]

@@Cruise252 I hear you. I think when I was looking at the Zero, the livewire was still at $30k But, if the Del Mar comes in at $16000 brand new, this puts the engineering way above Zero at a much lower cost. The only way I bought into a Zero was because it was used and had depreciated in half with only a few thousand miles on it. It brought it within a few thousand of the BetaCycle. Had the market been flush with used Livewires, who knows how much they would be selling for. If I can get back what I put into the Zero and the Livewire Del Mar becomes accessible, I would jump. Harley did a really kick ass job on Gen I. And, they understated every specification, unlike the liars at Sondors and at Zero, quite honestly.

[@Jolly-Green-Steve]

@@Cruise252 where did you buy it from?

[@felix-od6jm]

Thanks for doing one of the most thorough & rider friendly reviews I have seen. I was seriously thinking of buying one, even at the new price, and would have been very disappointed with many of the things you mentioned. Also, you have now given me a yardstick to measure other electric notorcycles against. Cheers

[@electricmichigan3003]

Yeah it has a lot of shortcomings, But it really doesn't have any electric (street legal) competitors at that price point.

[@SurRonster]

This is a great video! I'm checking one out tomorrow and now I know exactly what to expect. Subscribed

[@heber019]

I can only thank you for your video, I was about to commit and pay the entry fees, for European pre-order buyers, but thanks to your very good review, I realized that this bike does not meet my needs, so you at It actually saves me waiting 8-10 months and around €7,000. while here in northern europe I can get a 2015 Ducati moster for less than €5,000. so thanks again for your review. I wish you the best!

[@MatthewOliphant]

I'm still looking forward to _finally_ getting mine. I sold my 2009 Bonneville SE to get it. I mostly ride around town and the 865cc engine was, for me, too big for most of this town's riding (most places the speed limit is 30, but there's a lot of 25 and 20-and not just in neighborhoods). Eventually, I'll get a gas bike for long trips. Can't afford a Zero and, TBH, I wouldn't want to rely on that for long trips anyway.

[@marcdenlinger5282]

It just makes me really want a Zero.

[@thefpvlife7785]

The decrease in specs from the initial specs n the increase in price deterred me. It's selling on it's cool looking frame.

[@theknifedude1881]

Well, sounds like there will be a “low mileage, like new Metacycle for Sale”. The first picture I saw of the Metacycle looked good and 200#. That sounded really good.I’m 79 years old, I ride a SurRon (110#)and like the light weight. I’m planning on going to a 72 Volt battery and new controller. I had sort of held off on the upgrade because the Metacycle was/is supposed to be delivered (over a year ago). Oh well, I probably won’t lose any/too much money. Zero, here I come!

[@LJ-jq8og]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY 💪❤

[@mikebroom1866]

Add a decent seat, fix the power cuts, add some storage for errands, and that's still a steal.

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Thanks for the honest review. If I had just picked one up, I would be pissed. Sondors had changed many of their specs on the bike after many people had actually purchased the bike. They also surprised many by no longer offering the bare aluminum finish. Now it is just painted silver. White and black are also offered, but many wanted the brushed aluminum metal finish. So after raising the price to $6,500 one must be really dumb to buy this. At least the early purchasers were duped into buying the bike; anyone who buys one now just didn't do his homework. There are other good bikes out there like the Ryvid Anthem who at least stick to their promises of range, weight, acceleration, and top speed. Their gear ratios are changeable and the battery can be removed and brought indoors for theft and charging purposes. Sorry Sondors...I've returned my deposit for one. I should have learned the first time when they overstated their electric bike back in 2015 for the same parameters.

[@MarkSvara]

the 0-60 on hub motors is normally slower than chain drive. It just doesn't generate sufficient torque off the line. A chain driven motor would provide you with wheelie popping 0-60.

[@deeveloper2567]

Great review. Very helpful. You hit all the pro's and con's. I agree this bike is for a very specific group of people. Biggest issue for me is comfort. Hard to escape that problem. Rider is reminded every single time they get on the bike.

[@mikelivingood7797]

Have you had the opportunity to ride a Kolter ES1-S? I would love to see a comparison.

[@andream959]

I have a Metacycle and completely agree with your findings. I haven’t been able to get 80 miles out of it in range under any circumstances, also correct on all other facts you uncovered.

[@ECsponger2]

Your sole review makes me happy that I never bought into the original pre-order production. Heck, I even waived off the bike all-together because of the lack of information and the lack of public knowledge. Thanks.

[@SilentDae]

You should Review the CaB motorworks E-bike

[@m.gardner6173]

Rear shocks are easy to upgrade and potentially fairly cheap. It is unfortunate that they didn’t do more research into good suspension rates for this stock

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Spring rates and dampening are usually based upon the heaviest riders out there. Riders in the more normal range have to get a spring setup with less spring rate and increase the preload.

[@stevemaxein6606]

Good, Honest, Non biased review, this is definitely not the bike Sondors promised, im sure the NSTB is gonna pull the plug on this bike, due to unsafe sport mode operation, and if they don't do it, this will be a field day for lawyers , once there is due personal injury litigation, yamaha max300 looking like a winner to me

[@indetrucks]

Based on the reviews, this is a great pit bike "at most" and I wouldn't pay more than $4k new for this thing. The Ryvid is looking better and better.

[@andrewcornelius1065]

Nice review, really appreciate it. Recent/ongoing promo by them dropping the price to $4000 makes the value proposition worth considering again in my mind...

[@mahgirbsti]

To be fair the alarm probably didn't go off right away because you had the key in your pocket. Saw somewhere that if you leave it running and walk away with the key it will shut off. Seems to be armed at a certain proximity from the bike.

[@natewin2]

Question. I have an onyx and with a quick edit in the Kelly controller you increase throttle response immensely. Do you have any app access to your controller to maybe better the off the line?

[@loabydosser7286]

Your review was exactly that - helpful and informative. A standard by which others should be judged. Thanks.

[@c2thew]

Can you confirm that if the kickstand is up the alarm won’t go off? Even if it’s locked? The minute the kickstand went down after you moved it triggered the alarm which means that you could theoretically walk off with the bike just with the kickstand up.

[@imbettertnu]

Really enjoyed your review I'm currently waiting to receive that bike here on the east coast and I road bike but wanted something to get around on that was electric for the city. Hopefully it arrives in the near future.

[@ECsponger2]

It'll probably be fine for city, just not on a beltway

[@markjmaxwell9819]

Glad it is finally available. A great city commuter for a reasonable price . I am sure it will get faster with longer range over time . The benchmark for electric motorcycle's was set a few years ago so this bike had a lot to live up to and didn't live up to the hype but would make a great postal service bike .

[@ralfulrich6254]

I don' t get how this price is reasonable. Shouldn't electric bikes be cheaper since they have less parts? If you look at the high quality parts and build quality a little Japanese bike gets you the electric china stuff is way to expensive.

[@markjmaxwell9819]

@@ralfulrich6254 When it comes to electric vehicles the $500.00 electric scooters are selling extremely well in my area . Twenty miles an hour with twenty mile range .

[@ralfulrich6254]

@@markjmaxwell9819 yeah that is a better price. 6500 like this one is too steep.

[@md2apc]

@@ralfulrich6254 This is not an electric bike. It has replaced my truck for all my around town errands and 10 mile hops on the freeway at 70 MPH Plus in Normal mode. Not going to be possible with an electric bike or scooter or Super 70 Motorbike etc etc etc. 1 ride is all it will take for you to realize this is all MOTORCYCLE. I have not burned 1 drop of fuel since getting my MC and I am having more fun than a bag full of midgets! Thousands and thousands have been bought. the negativity is insignificant compared to the hundreds that have already been delivered to ecstatic riders. No one gets a free Sondors for review. They do not play that. Just like this "Honest" guy everybody pays the same price.

[@ashpunting]

I agree it doesn't do what it said on the tin and range is what people want and if so how big would the battery have to be and would you have to pay more for something you should have got in the first place plus the other stuff you mentioned 🤔

[@strummer5150]

Quick correction. According to Sondors via their website, the current $6500 price DOES include the delivery fee. So the price has gone up 800.00, and that is still significant, however, I just wanted to keep the facts as facts. Great review. Thanks.

[@ECsponger2]

Or more like $1500

[@strummer5150]

@@ECsponger2 I was factoring in the fact that the initial 5000.00 price tag did not include the delivery fee of 700.00. This is a net 800.00 increase.

[@nowletsreview6700]

Thanks for the correction. The info in the video was based on our experience buying the bike, which was several months ago and has obviously changed since then!

[@aanchal5509]

Does this bike need a license to ride in UK? I have never had a motorbike but can ride a bicycle.

[@scottbradley7591]

Thank you for a honest review. This is something I had been thinking about getting just to ride to work and back on. Even though my trip is only 4 miles I can not see the cost vs what it gives back. At the 5k price, maybe. At the 6.5k price, no.

[@TheSpirosand]

look at the ONYX RCR. they are going for $3.5k used, are just as much fun (if old fashioned looking).

[@St.FighterZ]

A regular Ebike would suit you better. 4 miles is very short. I ride my modded grizzly to work 18 miles.

[@scottbradley7591]

@@St.FighterZ we have high end ebikes already, the issue is road to work, very narrow mountain rode with a 55 speed limit. Even traveling at 20mph it causes problems at 5am.

[@Frank-vo9xo]

Can it go through water my Honda CT trail 125 to go to and a 1/2 feet in water

[@go5582]

Hi. Your vocabulary and vocals are great. Keep up your humor. My vin number 0030. I have a question, do you like your michelin road 5 tires and why? Thanks

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

$6500 INCLUDES delivery fee. Says so right there on the order page. That covers Freight from China, Setup at distributor and Delivery to your door. Similar costs are incurred when you buy an ICE motorcycle at dealer.

[@lindaming4031]

fantastic review!

[@scottsuttan2123]

What about on trails or wet roads

[@reviewmaster517]

I just ordered a black one today for $4,000- $4,700 with shipping. I have many fast electric scooters that me and my kids ride. For the specs and the price point I am amazed! But if the price is so close to the Ryvid Anthem then I would get that instead maybe. The other thing is I live where it snows and it won't be available until the end of the year when we just might have snow. Oh well I'm still looking forward to it! By the way I also drive a 650 Burgman Executive as my long distance bike.

[@NexGen-3D]

Its lovely looking bike, maybe jamming another battery in that big hole in the frame and modifying the controller one could get this thing to actually perform better.

[@winner198]

Thanks for the review. You’re right as is the bike it too niche right now, especially at $6500 + $700. I know it’s a totally different price range but I’m anxiously waiting for the Del Mar S2.

[@Ectoloryn]

I like the Mclaren spotting!

[@kevinkelly9895]

Thank you for your Honest Review :)

[@robertbeeler9349]

How will it do on steep hills, I live in the foot hills of Washington State??

[@garyk8285]

Commuter only, if doing small runs to work each day... 15km/30km range per day, then recharge maybe every 2nd day.

[@DavidLightbourn]

Only thing I’m really scared about is how quiet it is, anyone know how to add sound to this thing? Hope this bike is for me, I get mine in about a month. I do not ride but I commute around queens and nyc, MOSTLY in traffic why I wasn’t to scared about the lower specs because I can’t use them.

[@johnwilson7809]

Keep your thumb on the horn button?

[@md2apc]

Motorcycles are NOT for the scared. Stick to bicycles

[@jman6109]

Never buy 1st generation products, always kinks to work out. Throttle cut out sounds really dangerous dropping from 80mph to 60, even with a warning. Why cant it stay in sport mode all the time, definitely a deal breaker. Pass for me but great review!

[@Resist4]

Probably because the battery would heat up too much staying in sport mode.

[@franciscoa3978]

The ONYX CTY2 has the same alarm chirp

[@Hazdazos]

Up vote for being willing to say actually negative (as well as positive) things about the product being reviewed. Way, way too many YT reviews these days are all glowing comments about a product for fear of getting blacklisted by manufacturers.

[@Resist4]

That's because they usually get the products for free and/or get other perks.

[@blackronin5578]

I wouldn’t mind having one of them or that new super 73 electric motorcycle 🔥🔥🔥

[@HokkaidoSan]

Yeah, glad I ended up not following through with the order. I do hope they keep improving this because it still has a lot of potential specially with that bike frame. I think in a few gen, it'll be a heavy hitter if they keep at it but that might come at a huge cost increase.

[@zeekvert6984]

They definitely need to come down on the price a whole lot

[@cybair9341]

What a beautiful design ! A rolling work of art. The looks alone justify the price.

[@anitathakur9340]

Not At all! In my country you can get much better at that price

[@cybair9341]

@@anitathakur9340 - In your country, you don't even have electricity to recharge the bike.

[@anitathakur9340]

@@cybair9341 source: just trust me, also "Ignorance is bliss"- probably you

[@md2apc]

@@anitathakur9340

[@04dram04]

It pretty bad ass how quiet it is. Like a vehicle in a future scifi movie

[@scottrichards3587]

80 miles was in the jet stream of a truck with a 95lb rider in a tuck.

[@alwaysplaythegame]

I told people that the range at 80mph would be next to nothing - nobody believed me. I told people the range at 50mph would be approximately 40 miles if you are light and easy on the throttle - people didn't believe me. I actually think the value proposition was amazing (it was $5k at the time), but the specs didn't match achievable real-world results. You can see this now that it's out.

[@oplkfdhgk]

2:13 i think you would have to go 50km/h or slower to achieve that much range so basically typical European city driving.

[@weslouis-charles253]

Apparently you can walk away for quite a long time with this and when you finally get to your destination. lol

[@marklubecke9977]

Honesty has always been the best policy! Gen 1, So So, nothing special. Gen 2, Here is hoping, experience teaches.

[@ashyu_]

Does it have steering lock?

[@md2apc]

You can not push it when turned off or alarm set Back wheel locks up electrically

[@dfreadhoff]

Thank you!

[@noahpaez4266]

I think this would be really quirky 3rd or 4th bike for less money. In my opinion it's cooler than a Honda Monkey and, having sat on/ridden both, I think it's more comfortable for me at just under 6' (save for the cardboard like seat on the Metacycle). The used market on these will be super interesting as this definitely cooler than a scooter while having a similar use case, but with the added perk of being electric

[@mannyechaluce3814]

cost less than a Surron :D

[@sbukosky]

I'm interested. I have a GoldWing that is massive, and I'd like a putzing around motorcycle. This reminds me of the 1960's Italian motorcycles with hard narrow saddles. I'd like to ride it to work, but that's mostly on the interstate and I need to hold 75+ mph. I'd have to take side roads which would add too much time to the commute. Too much money though, without getting a test ride.

[@ECsponger2]

It was supposed to be a "California highway" cruiser too

[@breakdownbill1]

This is the 1st Metacyle review where the quality of the bike is bashed

[@ChrisP978]

$6500 is the delivered price. The $700 delivery fee was only for those who pre-ordered at $5000.

[@theSFCchannel]

At the moment I'm looking at the FAR FAR better Horwin cr6, The Voge Er10 and the up and coming Rivid Anthem.

[@Skiridr22]

Regen?

[@GenZyannd]

the deceleration from sports mode sounds really scary

[@theSFCchannel]

The ULTRAVIOLETTE F77 looks to me much better also

[@katon4525]

Thanks for the review! It's way cheaper to buy an ebike and a extra battery tbh. You can get 50+ miles with an extra battery and if you are only pedaling then you can go pretty far distances.

[@awzsdrcfgybhjimklp]

This has not been my experience with the Metacycle. The top speed is between 71 and 73 mph consistently and I have not been dropped down to 60. The top speed is 87 to 90 miles per hour but only briefly as sports mode will kick off after about 3 miles. Do not turn sports mode off and back on because it will go further than 3 miles but cause the bike to overheat.

[@davis.fourohfour]

Keeping it simple and cheap also makes it less appealing to thieves. Question is, does it work? If so, everything else is expectations.

[@dotternetta]

Didn't watch this but 4 kWh gets you 25 miles at 55 mph. I'm going for the Ray7.7

[@ALLElectricChannel]

Wow. some big issues for me with this bike... hope the second version is better.

[@hi_saylee]

14:04 lol!!! you can continue stealing and hope that no one notices within that time period 😂

[@dontbanwarren]

The "ideal circumstances" include the rider being zero pounds likely lol

[@tswrench]

Okay-- You say you're 5' 9"? You should definitely buy one of those bikes, because it makes you look like you're 6' 3". Wanna get 80 miles of range out of it? The "perfect conditions" would be to test it on an 80 mile route where the last 30 miles are downhill. Good job on the review.

[@mrrandysgt]

60 miles is no range,, and 60mph will get u hurt on the highway,, glad I gave mine up,, great concept that needs some serious upgrades..

[@p3dtesla118]

Good reviews man good job honest one !! I knew that bike controller and the battery is garbage !! You have to upgrade to Bac8000 and high performance battery a must. Also this bike is way overpriced fot all those specs, the seat is sucks man, must be change.. I rather buy used Zero motorcycle 20 times better in every way !!

[@Pattayaman999]

Just buy a used Yamaha XMax300 scooter. 75 mpg. 0-60 in 8 sec. Great storage. No range anxiety. Fully automatic. New under $5500. Used $4000.

[@MadMoxxiFavGun]

at this price point i think i would just get a rumble air ss tbh

[@StartledPancake]

Making naked electric bikes is counterintuitive, with limited energy storage the bike should be as energy efficient as possible.

[@Higgsinophysics]

Great review! Guess you can't ride with a passenger?

[@pwbclankey]

Confirmation that I made the right decision and bailed on it. Wend back to gas with a husqvarna svartpilen 401

[@Ray88G]

For the money they could've made much more powerful bike .. They should've used trellis steel frame instead of cast aluminum frame . Steel frame also should've given them more space for a bigger batt..!

[@brianpark890]

Anyone else see the opening in the middle and think more room for another battery.

[@theodorehaskins3756]

Thanks for the review, I am disappointed, I think I will wait for the next generation of this particular Electric motorbike. Cheers🥂

[@Skiridr22]

That deceleration is dangerous especially if you have some not so smart person tailgating a lil too close

[@robinhoodloom5795]

As a Newbie to Any Motorcycle, & the Fact That A Santa Cruz or Specialized e-MTB is $9-12k. & if Your Bike isn't Plated With Tags in L.A. your bike might get Took.& it's Short Wheelbase will Fit in My Apt Complex Elevator,& it's Ability to Be Modded Out, Battery n Motor Wise, n it's beyond an Onyx,Surron,or Delfast with the Tags I need, to not get Jacked by the Popo..It will do, till you buy it From me,Arctic White, by X-Mas, or trade for a Honda 1100 DCT. To study the Frame,makes it worth it.Carbon, 2 hub motor Version?

[@KomradKrome]

this video is fucking hilarious

[@johnw65]

Sondors Metacycle Rocks! Demand for these so-called 'American made' e-motorcycles is staggering! Pretty cool design, but if they're actually made in Shenzen China, that would explain their inability to keep up with the thousands of orders!?!?

[@theSFCchannel]

Yes this bike would be ILLEGAL in the UK as the brakes MUST be either ABS or dual braking.

[@ChrisP978]

The EU/UK version will have ABS apparently. The US version was supposed to have ABS but they cut it from final production.

[@ericseidel4940]

No they can't adress descellerating because its a thermal throttling. Motor and controler are air cooled and they are not really efficient. Hub motors like this one are well known to be terrible at dissipating heat . Even on the controler the fins are not in the wind direction, witch is so stupid.

[@kwik01]

Look, there are lots of promising economical electric motorcycles on the horizon, but this is the only one getting deliveries TODAY. A brand new Zero and the rest are just way to expensive for what they deliver compared to the Metacycle or to ICE motorcycles. Everyone will have their own unique use case and the Metacycle might not work for some. Even in its current state, it works fine for mine. I canceled my order months ago, but after deliveries started, Sondors offered to reinstate my order at the original $5K price. I said sure. I've wasted $5k on dumber things. Glad to see these honest reviews from people who have TAKEN DELIVERY. I'd love a Ryvid, but not even close to production. A bird in hand, as they say. I am hoping third party products can shore up the weaknesses in the current Metacycle, but still plan to have fun with it SOON even if they dont.

[@TheSpirosand]

except deliveries are way behind. if you order today you MIGHT get your bike in the spring... but it might not be until next winter. people who ordered last year are still waiting. I'm glad i canceled and just got the ONYX. its less capable for sure, but i've been riding for a solid year now. no regrets at all.

[@kwik01]

@@TheSpirosand This is an unfortunate fact. I have been told my delivery would occur in Q4 2022. We shall see. Congrats on the ONYX. Glad you found something suitable that was available now.

[@kwik01]

And speak of the devil, got an email from Sondors a minute ago: "We are very excited to announce that we started shipping MetaCycle nationwide today!" Commence breath holding! 😆

[@Sudstah]

Apples and oranges

[@deman19901]

I had high hopes for this bike, but appears to be DOA.

[@JEP-Tech]

You could get 80 miles out of it if you drive on a flat surface going under 40mph the whole way. That's my bet.

[@Burlehmangus]

Yea that sport to normal mode deceleration is very sketchy. And the other times, it sounds like just an overheat safety feature. Either way it’s very sketchy and pointless. Even the states with the lowest highway speed limits are 65….and at that speed a lot of exits are than 2 minutes apart….so what the hell is the point…they should have just made it slightly better and made an all around top speed of 65 in both modes.

[@theSFCchannel]

As a cynical Brit , I think the manufacturer is depending on sales from Patriotic Americans for sales and the bike in its present form is ILLEGAL to be driven on roads in the UK or Europe...I think. Personally at 6500 dollars (asking price now and allowing for currency exchange the GBP, that will roughly be £ 6000GBP). SO let us look at our options £5800 gets you a Horwin Cr6 with optional windscreen. Advantages MUCH better bike build quality, less plastic and more aluminium. In my opinion better dashboard, self cancelling indicators, brighter headlights and much wider range of accessories. Company in Europe and many UK importers Overall better bike , interchangeable seats , comfort seat and can fit two people. Disadvantages about same HONEST range (around 40 miles) and only 58mph top speed. Next we have the VOGE ER10 MUCH higher battery capacity in KWH and therefore range, MUCH better styled, indicators very custom (but hard to replace) self cancelling though. Comfier seat (wind screen as standard) much quicker acceleration same top speed but due to sheer battery size and spect an HONEST range of 55 miles. Disadvantages only two UK importers , and indicators, due to space age shape of the bike hard to replace. Also engine and radiator needs oil and coolant changes. Lastly we have the NEW MACRAIS Z8X. Advantages : Honest 60 miles MOTORWAY range on base model powerful CAR RATED QC (OR IS IT QS?) motor. Aluminium frame and panels (looks like a Ducati) BATTERY swappable (can get more expensive versions of the same bike, but with higher battery capacity that allow for an HONEST 150 miles motorway range. 80 mph honest speed on all capacity very well built and sturdy. Website is honest and tells you where the parts come from China but assembled in the UK. Three years warranty on the battery. Beautiful bad-arse looking bike (also seats two) Disadvantages only 1 UK importer, only 1 review from said importer (green mopeds ATM). Single swing arm on a car rated motor? Opinions? Also base model around same price rising to around £9200 (10000USD for highest range) Rivid anthem as it's still been developed I cannot realistically compare We also have the up and coming Ultraviolette F77 for a similar price is So I'm sorry to say the Sondors product for it's price/quality has nothing at all going for it outside of The USA. Which explains why it's only being in sold there.

[@geemy9675]

torque numbers are not that impressive once you compare wheel torque vs motorcycles that have gear resuction. zero motorcycle have up to 850Nm at the wheel and at least 500Nm ven on their small 3.6kWh battery bikes that have about 25hp (FX/S 3.6) with gearbox or electric bike hub motor don't have gear reduction so they spin mich slower

[@tonymunn]

Not impressed for that cost. Excellent review.

[@anthonylove6639]

Squirrel!! Lol 😂