FTN Motion Thinks Its Streetdog XR Has a Problem. Not Enough People Have Ridden One
Updated: Jun 4
Kiwi manufacturer FTN Motion is heading out on a test ride tour for its Streetdog XR, putting riders in the saddle across multiple cities. Because at some point, you've got to stop reading about a bike and go ride the thing.
The company has confirmed a series of demo events across Australia and New Zealand, giving riders the chance to experience the Streetdog XR first-hand. While many electric motorcycle brands focus on power figures and range claims, the Streetdog XR tends to spark debate around its design, riding position and stripped-back riding experience. That makes a test ride worth far more than another spec sheet.
Confirmed Dates Include:
Auckland - 6th June
Sydney - 13th June
Gold Coast - 13th June
Wellington - 20th June
Sunshine Coast - 20th June
Noosa - 21st June
Christchurch - TBC
Spots are limited, with FTN asking riders to book in advance.
Streetdog XR Vitals
Top Speed: 85 km/h (52.8 mph)
Claimed real world range: 60-80 km (37-50 miles)
Charge time: 5 hours 30 min
Peak power: 7.5 kW (10 hp)
Read more in FTN Motion Streetdog XR: More Stance, More Speed and FTN Motion Streetdog: Style Over Speed, Substance Over Stats.
BCB Take
Power, range, charge time, top speed. They're all useful numbers, but they rarely tell the whole story. Some motorcycles make sense the moment you ride them. Others don't. FTN reckons the Streetdog XR is one of those bikes.
Whether you love the styling or hate it, you're unlikely to mistake the XR for anything else on the road. That's why this tour makes sense.
No amount of online debate can replace twenty minutes in the saddle. Riders will quickly work out whether the Streetdog XR is their thing or not. Either way, they'll be making that judgement from experience rather than someone else's review, and we'd like to see more brands back riders to make that call for themselves.
Ride safe, folks
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