The Sur-Ron Light Bee, Talaria and E-Ride Pro are among the most popular electric off-road motorcycles in Europe today — light, quiet and surprisingly strong straight out of the factory. But the real fun only starts once you begin tuning. In this guide we show you where to begin with modifications and what to watch out for so you do it safely and sensibly.
This is a general overview. For each of the four areas you will find a link to a separate, detailed guide with specific models and figures.
1. More power — controllers and motors
The quickest way to feel a real change in how the bike rides is to swap the controller or the motor. Brands such as Torp and EBMX offer plug&play controllers (for example the Torp TC500, TC1000 or the EBMX X9000 V3) that increase power and torque without touching the rest of the drivetrain. This is usually the first step in tuning — easy to fit, and a big, clearly noticeable difference.
Keep one thing in mind: it is usually the battery, not the controller, that is the real limit on power. A controller can ask for any current it likes — the battery will either deliver it or it won't.
Detailed guides: which controller for the Sur-Ron Light Bee — TC500 vs TC1000 vs X9000 and which motor — XLB-60 Core vs Race, XUB-80, TM25, TM40 Pro.
Browse Torp controllers and motors and the full EBMX range.
2. Suspension — comfort and control
More power means more is asked of the suspension. The standard shocks and forks on a Sur-Ron or Talaria show their limits quickly once you ride faster and more aggressively. Rfloxa Hawk suspension lets you adjust compression, rebound and spring preload, so the bike stays under control both off-road and on harder surfaces.
The most common mistake here: buying a new fork when the problem was a badly chosen spring. The spring is matched to the rider's weight in full kit.
Detailed guide: how to choose a fork, shock and spring.
Have a look at Rfloxa suspension to fit the Sur-Ron, Talaria and E-Ride Pro.
3. Wheels — matched to your riding style
Wheels are one of the most underrated parts of tuning. A 16" off-road setup works in the dirt and mud, a 19/16" set is the compromise between trails and tarmac, and 17/17" supermoto wheels are the choice if you ride mainly on hard surfaces. Well-chosen wheels change the character of the bike just as much as a new controller.
Detailed guide: 16, 17 or 19 inches — off-road versus supermoto.
Browse e-moto wheels — ready to ship or made to order.
4. Accessories and protection
Drive kits, triple clamps and Warp 9 stem locks are the parts that strengthen and protect the chassis under heavier loads. It is also worth thinking about the seat cover — anti-slip Guts covers improve your control over the bike when riding hard, especially in mud and rain.
The drive is a separate matter: the standard belt has a specific torque limit and starts to skip once you raise the power.
Detailed guides: belt or chain — when to switch to Warp Drive and what wears out and what is worth keeping on the shelf.
You will find Warp 9 accessories and Guts seat covers in our catalogue.
Got an Ultra Bee?
The Ultra Bee leaves the factory more powerful and heavier than the Light Bee, so the order in which you modify it is partly different. Separate article: tuning the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee — where to start.
Where to start?
If you are just getting into tuning, the safest order is: suspension and wheels first (safety and control), and only then power (controller/motor). More power without the suspension and grip to match is a straight road to a crash, not to better results.
Not sure which setup suits your model? Get in touch — we'll advise you and help you put together a package for your riding style.
All guides
- Which controller for the Sur-Ron Light Bee? TC500 vs TC1000 vs X9000 V3
- Motors for the Sur-Ron and Talaria — XLB-60, XUB-80, TM25, TM40 Pro
- Suspension — how to choose a fork, shock and spring
- Wheels — 16, 17 or 19 inches? Off-road versus supermoto
- Belt or chain? When to switch to Warp Drive
- Tuning the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee — where to start
- Spare parts — what wears out and what is worth keeping on the shelf
