If this bike looks familiar, you’re not mistaken. The Segway X260 is largely based off of the Sur Ron X platform and there is a very plausible explanation for that. Segway is the Sur Ron company’s largest shareholder and their partnership has resulted in the production of two very similar motorcycles displaying two different names.
At first glance, the X260 looks very similar to a Sur Ron X but let’s dive into a few key differences.
Controller and App
One of the most notable differences between these bikes lies within the controller. Segway created a proprietary app that customizes the X260 controller and can be accessed on a mobile device. The app connects to the bike via Bluetooth and gives the user a multitude of options.
Most notably is access to the power features of the bike labeled “Speed Modes”. The Speed Modes selection allows the user to customize the manner in which the power is delivered on the bike. Within the Speed Modes selection, the user will see two options labeled “Twisting Force” and “Limited”. Twisting force represents the way that the bike reacts to the rider’s throttle input and can be incrementally adjusted toward “Strong” and “Weak”. Limited represents the amount of power that the bike receives.
Furthermore, the Segway app has an additional option to select “Energy Recovery Level”. This selection will allow the user to tune the desired level of regenerative braking on the bike. Stronger regen not only helps to charge the battery while riding, but also adapts the feel of engine braking that a rider experiences on a modern internal combustion motorcycle.
Throttle
The once unique “ride by wire” digital throttle could only be found on the Segway but recent updates to the Sur Ron have included this new style throttle, as well. Early models of the Sur Ron utilized a cable actuated throttle that terminated into a digital connection and gave the bike a more traditional cable throttle style feel.
Suspension
The Segway X260 is sporting the DNM Volcano fork, which utilizes an USD (up-side-down) design. The fork that comes on the US version of the Sur Ron X can vary, but they have typically come with a traditional downhill mountain bike fork such as a RST Killah or a Rockshox Boxxer. Although the painted coil spring may imply otherwise, the Sur Ron and Segway both utilize the same DNM Burner shock.
Battery
Aside from some aesthetic styling on the exterior case of the 60v battery, the LCD battery display on the X260 utilizes a battery icon that shows battery percentage as the capacity diminishes.
Riding the X260
If you’re new to the Sur Ron X and Segway X260 models of bikes, they are truly a unique riding experience. The feeling is akin to a heavy downhill mountain bike that spent too much time at the buffet. To get the most out of the Segway, it demands to be ridden like said DH bike. Due to the light and reactive nature of the bike, line selection is paramount when riding in technical or rough terrain. Misplacement of the wheel will result in harsh feedback and can quickly throw the rider out of their rhythm. Some of this harshness is due to the DNM suspension that comes standard on the bike. Although the fork and shock can successfully handle most basic riding scenarios, it leaves a bit to be desired when the going gets rough.
We did some experimenting with the regenerative braking modes and found the X260 to really change its personality depending on how powerful the regen was. When turned off, the bike has a very light freewheel type feel, a characteristic that makes the Segway feel even more like a mountain bike. On the flip side, when regen is tuned to “strong”, the X260 receives more engine braking and requires less traditional braking when a speed check is warranted in corners or downhill. I found the sweet spot to be somewhere in the middle of these two options, allowing the bike to slow itself under its own power but not so much that it robs the bike of functional momentum.
As we often explain, range is highly subjective depending on who, where, and how the rider is riding an electric motorcycle. For a reference point, yours truly is approximately 160 pounds with gear and often holding the throttle at full tilt in mixed mountainous terrain. Under these conditions, I am experiencing anywhere from 17-21 miles of range when riding the bike hard. More range is absolutely possible if the X260 is ridden in a gentle manner.
With a seat height of 31.9”, the X260 is small in stature when compared to a traditional dirt bike. It’s not quite as small as a pit bike but is more on par with a Kawasaki KX or Yamaha YZ 85cc 2-stroke dirt bike. Taller handlebars are a must for a full sized adult and we always recommend the 3” rise handlebars from Pro Taper. These help to significantly open up the cockpit of the X260 and not make the rider so hunched over the bike.
Our immediate recommended modifications don’t end there. Getting stranded on the trail is something that can be easily avoided by upgrading the stock tube and tire combinations on the X260. Tire options can be subjective to the riders location but a few superior options are listed below:
The standard brakes on the Segway are Sur Ron branded 4 piston hydraulic brakes and are satisfactory for the application. However, in order to get the most out of the braking system, the brake pads should be swapped out for Shimano HO3C pads. Quality brake pads are important and the difference between stock and Shimano will surprise you.
List of Recommended Upgrades
At a price point of $4,999, the Segway X260 is an excellent electric dirt bike for an affordable price. Would we recommend it over the Sur Ron? It depends who’s asking. If you want the capability of fine-tuning power delivery for an advancing rider that is learning to ride, the quick answer is yes. Alternatively, if you’re going to set the bike to maximum power or plan to upgrade the controller, there isn’t much difference between a Sur Ron X or Segway X260. Our humble advice is to buy the bike with the best suspension for the best deal and don’t look back.
