The Volcon Grunt EVO
The Volcon Grunt EVO, one of the most unique electric motorcycles on the market, isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. With its beefy tires and rugged design, it begs to be tested on terrain that pushes the limits of both man and machine. In our latest adventure, we set out to see if the Grunt EVO could conquer the notoriously challenging Kelly Flats trail in Colorado’s northern Front Range—a trail known for its punishing obstacles and unforgiving grades.
The Challenge: Kelly Flats Trail
Kelly Flats is no walk in the park. Rated 9 out of 10 in difficulty on onX Offroad, the trail is infamous for features like “Heart Attack Hill” and “The Chutes,” where obstacles and near-vertical grades are par for the course. As the name suggests, “Heart Attack Hill” isn’t for the faint of heart, with ledges up to 8 feet and steep climbs that make vehicle damage almost a given. With that kind of reputation, we had to see if the Grunt EVO was up to the challenge.
Volcon Grunt Evo First Impressions
As we unloaded the Volcon Grunt EVO at the trailhead, the bike’s imposing presence was immediately clear. Imagine a hybrid of a Rokon and a Yamaha TW200, with design influences that wouldn’t look out of place in a Mad Max movie. Equipped with 12-inch fat tires that resemble those found on a quad, the Grunt EVO looks like it’s built for rugged terrain.
Under the battery lid, it boasts either a single or dual 60V battery setup, allowing for a peak power output of 8 kW with one battery or 12 kW with two. However, this power comes with heft—the bike tips the scales at 280 pounds with the single battery and 310 pounds with both. A 32-inch seat height, front and rear suspension, and multiple ride modes depending on your experience.
Riding the Grunt EVO On the Trail
Starting up the trail, the Grunt EVO felt awkward but capable. The fat tires provided substantial traction, but it was like riding on two basketballs, bouncing off every rock and crevice. We aired the tires down to 12 PSI to compensate for this, but without knowing what was up ahead, we decided not to go any lower than that. The initial climb made it clear that this was going to be a fair test, with it’s ledgy rock obstacles and loose Colorado soil.
Approaching “Heart Attack Hill,” the Grunt EVO powered through the first section, but the real test was yet to come. With other riders on 450cc dirt bikes struggling ahead of us, our confidence was questionable at best. But the Grunt EVO surprised us by clawing its way to the top, despite its weight and unconventional handling.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The throttle response on the Grunt EVO was reminiscent of a KO controller, with a slight lag and low power under load that made technical climbs more challenging than necessary. Additionally, stopping along the way, the brakes felt underpowered, struggling to slow down the bike’s considerable mass on steep descents. These were clear areas where the Grunt EVO could use some improvements.
The Chutes: A Reality Check
After the victory on “Heart Attack Hill,” we faced “The Chutes,” another infamous section of Kelly Flats. This narrow, rocky rock crawl is a gauntlet that tests even the most capable off-road vehicles. The Grunt EVO, already showing signs of struggle, met its match here. Despite our best efforts, the bike struggled to maintain traction. It was at this point that we knew we were asking too much out of the bike, and brought it back down to the trails that it truly belongs on: OHV 2-track roads.
Volcon Grunt EVO Battery Range
After 11 miles on the Kelly Flats Trail, the Grunt EVO eventually locked itself into “Stroll Mode,” a low-power setting that indicated the limits of the single battery setup. The battery drop off was significant, so rider beware, if you’re going on a big ride, plan it wisely. Cough. onX Offroad. Cough.
Recognizing the need for more power and range, we returned to the shop and installed the dual battery option, bumping the Grunt EVO’s output to 12 kW and doubling its amp hours from 35 to 70. This upgrade proved to be essential, allowing us to get a more reasonable 28.5 miles out of the bike on less technical terrain.
Who is the Volcon Grunt EVO For?
The Volcon Grunt EVO is a beast, but it’s a beast with limitations. On challenging trails like Kelly Flats, it can get the job done, but it doesn’t feel most at home here. Despite it’s rugged look, we would point it more toward mellow OHV roads or use it as a stealth quiet ranch or farm bike. The bike’s unique design and off-road capabilities make it fun to ride in the right conditions, but for those looking to tackle seriously technical trails, there are better-suited options out there.
The dual battery setup is not just recommended—it’s essential. The heavy weight of the bike really drinks the juice, so anyone going further than a couple handfuls of miles from their charger should consider getting that 2nd battery.
That said, if you’re into rugged two-track OHV roads and want an electric motorcycle that stands out from the crowd, the Grunt EVO might just be the perfect match. And who knows? You could even win one by leaving the best comment on our video.
