Super73 Showcases C1X Fast-Charge Technology and New Models

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Super73’s C1X is scheduled to go into production by 2024. While current preproduction units have a single-seat configuration, the company says the end vehicle will accommodate more than one rider. (Super73/)

“We’ve been incredibly deep in the transition from a household name as a lifestyle brand to an innovative technology company,” Super73 CEO LeGrand Crewse says as he kicks off the brand’s 2023 launch party. “We’re ready to stand at the forefront of this coming electrification of transportation.”

Over the next 30 minutes, Crewse and the Super73 team would go on to unveil (or at least highlight) three important additions to the lineup: the K1D electric balance bike, the Super73 Adventure Series, and the C1X electric motorcycle.

The C1X is the star of the show, though Super73 admits the bike won’t be available until 2024, and that there are details left to finalize. “Although we’re much further along than we were last year, there are a few things left and still an opportunity to give feedback,” Crewse says. “We’ll be circulating surveys that will impact the final version of this bike.”

A few other things Super73 can’t yet confirm: warranty, storage, and exact specs. What Super73 can confirm, and the reason we’re here at its Irvine, California, headquarters, is the quick charging capabilities of the C1X—a result of the innovative technology Crewse alluded to, which has become a main focus for the Southern California–based team.

A Super73 engineering mule hints at what the end product will look like, but is just that: a test mule. Notice the various model concepts on the wall. Super73 says the C1X platform will spawn multiple models. (Bradley Adams/)

Super73 C1X

Popularly known for its BMX-inspired line of eBikes that has grown into a full range of two-wheeled machines, Super73 announced the C1X concept in early 2022. The company’s first true, road-legal motorcycle, the C1X is designed to offer all the performance of a full-size bike in a package that’s sized somewhere between a Honda Grom and KTM 390 Duke. Wheel sizes are listed as 15 inches, while the wheelbase is a claimed 51 inches, and the seat height around 31 inches.

That’s somewhat in flux, of course. “We’ve been really focused on the customer experience,” Crewse says. “How do we make that riding experience the best that there is? To do that, I think that’s what we need to focus on. Less on the actual specs. But there are some specs that are very important, and capabilities that are important to share.” To Crewse, that includes things like top speed, range, and price. And here’s where Super73 does have some updates.

In its current state, the C1X is claimed to have a top speed of around 80 mph and a range of 100-plus miles in average riding conditions. More than one battery size will be available, and the C1X platform will spawn multiple models. As for the price, Super73 says it’s not ready to release an exact number, but that the C1X will be “competitively priced” with an equivalent internal combustion engine. “If you can afford an average non-electric motorcycle, you can afford a C1X,” Crewse says. “This will not be a $20,000 or $30,000 product.”

Admittedly, it’s yet to be seen what Super73 considers an “equivalent internal combustion engine.”

One of Super73’s main focuses is charging speed. (Bradley Adams/)

What you can expect is a very fast-charging motorcycle. As part of its launch event, Super73  parked a C1X test mule next to a LiveWire One at a 50kW DC charger and conducted an in-person, 10-to-80-percent charging test. The result? The C1X went from 10 percent charge to 80 percent charge in 14 minutes and 37 seconds, while the LiveWire was able to get to just 40 percent charge in the same time. Being there in person, we can attest to the fact that both bikes started with exactly 10 percent charge and that the charging stations clicked on at the same time.

Crewse admits that the last 20 percent won’t be as quick, but says that, “We’re working on the charge profile in the upper range—how fast that ramps. But the important thing is, if you can charge so quickly, it usually makes sense to go to that 80 or 90 percent, keep riding, and then stop when you need to charge again.” This is Super73′s answer to range anxiety.

It’ll be interesting to see what else Super73 comes up with before the C1X goes into production. Other new products (listed below) feature regenerative braking and ride modes, and Super73 suggests that those features will be standard on the C1X as well.

For those who like what they (already) see, Super73 is accepting $73 deposits for the C1X.

The new K1D youth series eBike is an entry into the Super73 family. (Super73/)

Super73 K1D Electric Balance Bike

While almost everyone would consider the C1X Super73′s first motorcycle, the team admits that the kid-friendly K1D electric balance bike is very much the company’s first motorcycle to hit the market. No pedals here.

More importantly, from a safety standpoint, the K1D uses a lithium iron phosphate battery that is resistant to thermal events and is claimed to be one of the safest batteries in the category. The battery charges in 45 minutes and provides up to 60 minutes of ride time. An added benefit is that lithium iron phosphate batteries have two times the battery life than that of existing competitor batteries, Super73 claims.

Other standout features include the aforementioned regenerative braking system, a fine-tuned throttle, and ride modes; two standard modes are easily accessible by the rider, while a third “track” mode is locked and takes extra steps to access. A long seat and multiple handlebar options mean kids can grow up with the bike too. “We want to make sure this is not a throwaway item,” Super73 says.

The K1D is available in four color options, with an MSRP of $1,295. Units will begin shipping in early June.

All-new Adventure Series consists of the Z Adventure, S Adventure, and R Adventure. Highlights include an extended seat and relocated battery on S and R models. Super73 says many of the changes are a result of customer feedback. (Super73/)

Super73 Adventure Series

Super73 is not getting away from its eBke roots and used its 2023 launch party to announce the new Adventure Series, which consists of the Z Adventure (starting at $2,695), S Adventure (starting at $3,595), and R Adventure (starting at $3,995).

Each Adventure Series model comes standard with more aggressive GRZLY tires, an extended seat, a headlight and rear light, fenders, and an eight-speed cassette as a standard feature. On S and R models, the battery has been relocated to the downtube, which Super73 says has long been one of the biggest requests from customers.

Standard front suspension is available across the entire line, with the R Adventure model benefiting from fully adjustable front and rear suspension.

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