The Bonnell 805 and Bonnell 902 are quickly becoming two of the most talked-about electric dirt bikes in the industry. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Wauters, founder and CEO of Bonnell, to break down the vision behind these new platforms and what separates them from the current electric motocross market.
We discuss why Bonnell is launching two distinct models instead of one, and how the 805 and 902 target different riders within the growing electric dirt bike space. The 805 is designed around a mid-size chassis concept with a target weight around 211 pounds and a peak output of 56 horsepower (42 kW). The 902, on the other hand, enters full-size territory and is currently being positioned at 87 horsepower, with internal testing reportedly pushing even higher.
A major theme in this conversation is tunability. Rather than focusing only on peak horsepower numbers, Matt explains how electric dirt bikes allow riders to scale power output depending on terrain and skill level. While the 902 is capable of extreme peak output, most riders will likely operate in more usable ranges between 40 and 55 horsepower. The discussion covers peak versus continuous power, battery heat management, and why electric motorcycles need to be evaluated differently than traditional gas-powered dirt bikes.
Battery strategy is another key topic. Both the Bonnell 805 and 902 use swappable battery systems rather than fixed packs. The 805 features a 3.9 kWh core battery with an optional 4.7 kWh upgrade, while the 902 offers multiple configurations including a core battery, a higher-capacity race battery, and a lighter sprint battery option. Swappable batteries provide advantages for racing, long trail rides, and managing heat buildup during discharge and charging cycles.
We also dive into chassis development, wheel compatibility, and component choices. The 902 is designed around Yamaha-based wheel compatibility, allowing riders to use common aftermarket wheel setups. Both bikes emphasize durability, proper axle sizing, swingarm stiffness, and ground-up engineering to avoid the structural limitations often found in modified electric platforms.
On the technology side, the conversation explores Bonnell’s five fully programmable ride modes, the patented Joy-Con control lever for variable regen and boost functions, electronic clutch behavior, traction control settings, and safety features like dual hall throttles and optional lanyard kill switches.
Finally, we cover manufacturing strategy, tariff considerations, assembly in Taiwan, and projected release timing. The 805 is expected to enter production first, with deliveries targeted for the second half of the year.
If you’re interested in the future of electric dirt bikes, electric motocross racing, swappable battery systems, and how platforms like the Bonnell 805 and 902 compare to bikes like the Stark Varg and modified Ultra Bee builds, this episode provides a detailed look at what’s coming next.
