Kawasaki Teases Electric Model Expected To Be The Elektrode Balance Bike

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• Denchung on May 18, 2022

  Not really. It usually just means it doesn't have pedals. We're trying to figure out if Harley-owned Stacyc is behind this. Stacyc also licenses bikes for KTM, but I figured Stacyc moving forward under the Livewire umbrella would put an end to those licensing arrangements.

• Imtoomuch on May 19, 2022

  Interesting. I always thought foot powered was part of the balancing act as well.

  I'd be surprised if a Japanese company was going to sell rebranded Harley bikes. They're such a proud culture that relies on honor and they usually (always?) think they can do it better and they usually make it happen which is why they are so good at what they do. With that being said, it would be good for Harley's finances to be the OEM of another kid's bike. Actually, I don't think I was even aware that KTM already sold Stacyc bikes.

• Denchung on May 19, 2022

  KTM, which naturally means Husqvarna and GasGas as well.

  Stacyc is the most notable brand for electric balance bikes, but considering Kawasaki's resources and how big a deal it made about getting into electrics, it seems odd to outsource its first attempt. That said, there is a sort of precedent, with Kymco making Kawasaki's J300 scooter.

• Imtoomuch on May 19, 2022

  Good point! When I think KTM I typically do think of that brand in all colors - orange, white, red and whatever else they decide to add, but in this case I had tunnel brain here and was only thinking of orange. Even more sales for Harley.

  Another very good point with the Japanese working with Chinese brands. That's probably not going to change anytime soon with the market so globalized and profits ever tougher to generate.

• Meaty Midrange on May 19, 2022

  Like on the Flintstones.

By Dennis Chung