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.
Built to order in New Zealand, the Streetdog XR combines an 88 kg kerb weight with a removable 2.9 kWh battery, 30 litres of integrated storage and a claimed real-world range of 60–80 km. It's still a simple twist-and-go machine, but with an 85 km/h top speed and motorcycle licensing required, the XR sits firmly in motorcycle territory.
FTN Motion is back with a new e-moto, and the Streetdog XR sticks closely to the formula that’s already winning the Kiwi brand a loyal following. It's still a lightweight, urban-first e-moto with clean lines and modest power, but the new XR now adds a bit more speed and a bit more edge over the older models.
In metropolitan hubs teeming with machines, the Streetdog brings a touch of soul to the streets. Not built to scorch highways or traverse mountains, it’s crafted for people who care how they arrive on urban short hauls, where looks, practicality, and design pull more weight than top speed or maximum torque. This is where the team at FTN Motion is staking a claim.
Sometimes the motorcycle industry hands you an observation that cannot be ignored. In August it was the failure of premium electric motorcycles, courtesy of LiveWire.
