Shakedown
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87 hp – with this figure alone, the American manufacturer Bonnell (Austin/Texas) trumps the market leader Stark Varg by 10%. We know from a performance measurement that the Stark Varg definitely delivers its 80 hp with a fully charged battery. Whether you actually need this power is another matter, but sabre-rattling is simply part of this business. With regard to the Bonnell, you still have to trust the manufacturer“s information on paper for the time being, because the first models are not expected to be launched until the fourth quarter of 2026. Visually, however, the Bonnell 902 already makes a very good impression and, viewed from a distance, should be described as almost ready for series production. Even if there was still talk of a prototype at the AIMEX (American International Motorcycle Expo).
Here it comes! Because the 10 percent more power would not necessarily be the decisive aspect, but the weight of only 95.7 kilograms. That would be a weight advantage of an incredible 22.3 kilograms over the Star Varg MX, which could be reduced by another seven kilograms to an impressive 88.7 with a Sprint battery. Only one drop of bitterness remains: How can the part be driven? Performance or not, if it doesn“t reach the ground, these top values are definitely of no use.
What is clear, however, is that CEO and founder Matthew Wauters (EBMX) is definitely in attack mode and has set his sights on the largest manufacturer in this segment. Because the special features of the flagship Bonnell 902 are not yet all listed.
TECHNICAL Highlights 902
- 87 hp
- Top speed: 145 km/h
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- Battery options: Core 5.6 kWh, Race 6.7 kWh and Sprint 4.7 kWh (-7kg)
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- Aluminium frame
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- Hydro moulded swingarm
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- Integrated gearbox
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- 43mm SIRRIS suspension fork with identical stiffness values of a 48mm fork
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- 43mm SIRRIS Enduro suspension fork with 285 mm travel (Optional: 48 mm race fork with 310 mm travel)
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- 46 Sirris Enduro shock absorber with 285 mm travel (Optional: 50 Race shock absorber with 320 mm travel)
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- Reverse gear
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- Joy-On controller via interface with 5 mm travel adjustable mappings on the handlebar
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- Throttle grip unit with double cable for redundancy: Here, both signals of the cables are continuously synchronized against each other to rule out a possible malfunction
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- Battery change under 30 seconds: Quick-change mechanism without plug system only by removing the seat and pulling out the battery, which is secured by four screws, the latter always remain on the battery
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- Rubberized frame protectors
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- Mobile app
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- Different cockpit views: Ride, Prescision, Performance, Race
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- Additional lever on the left dashboard, which can be assigned to various functions: clutch mode, recuperation, boost mode for extra power, speed limit, wheelie mode, traction control and throttle grip backup function
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- Tool bag can be stowed under the seat
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- Temperature indicator for battery, controller and motor, etc.
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- Toolbox with torque wrench and space for personal additional material
Whether Enduro or MX version: The vehicles are identical except for the triple clamp kit, fork and shock absorber setup and linkage. An absolutely ingenious solution is the adjustable steering head angle, which is 63.5 degrees in the delivery stand. By means of appropriate bearing cup kits (top and bottom with bearings), this can be adapted in 1-degree increments for fast sections of track or narrow, slow passages. A total of five different angles are possible.
The handlebar position is 6-way adjustable, while the Bonnell has a dual-function emergency stop switch. One in the classic version with a pull rope and solenoid switch, so that the bike is switched off when the rider and vehicle are separated, or via a classic emergency stop switch, which is deactivated at the touch of a button. In this case, the BMS is switched off and no more electricity can flow from the battery, according to the manufacturer. If you want to park the bike, it has a wireless key like a car, which is secured at the front end of the seat by magnet and locking mechanism.
Last but not least, the manufacturer speaks of a noticeable price difference to the comparable Stark Varg, which makes the Bonnell seem even more interesting. But in the end, it is always the facts in practice that decide, which will only be possible for verification in the fourth quarter of 2026. When the Bonnell 902 will be available in Europe, however, is another matter entirely.
Bonnell is actually better known from the e-MTB scene and there are already service partners in Germany for this. Bonnell“s first real appearance in the Enduro/MX off-road sector took place as part of the rather unpopular FIM E-Xplorer World Cup. If you don“t want it quite so drastic, you can also look at the weaker 57.1 hp variant called Bonnell 805. It is identical to the 902, but there is also a version for the youth or small people with a wheel-rim combination of 19″/16″.
Things are slowly getting really exciting in the e-mobility world for the Enduro/MX sector. As is well known, competition stimulates business, which is good for every sector. Now it“s just a matter of waiting to see whether the Bonnell lives up to its claims on paper, whether the purchase price is actually lower than that of the Stark and, of course, when the market launch can be expected in Europe.
Quelle / Source / Pictures / Bilder: Bonnell
