A new electric dirt bike brand called Bonnell just launched its first model, the 805 RX. The bike debuted on September 1, 2026, with a price tag of $8,250.
The 805 RX produces 56 horsepower and 594 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque from a proprietary powertrain designed entirely in-house. At 218 pounds fully fueled, the power-to-weight ratio puts it squarely between a Surron and a Stark VARG.
Built by a Surron Tinkerer
Founder Matt Wauters started Bonnell after years of modifying his own Surron and finding it still fell short of what he wanted. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Idaho, he built custom controllers and motors, then turned that work into a components business.
The company is based in Austin, Texas, and the 805 RX is assembled in Taiwan. Development involved pro motocross rider Josh Hill, and the platform can reach speeds over 80 mph. A larger Bonnell 902 with 87 horsepower is already in the pipeline.
Proprietary parts include a forged and welded aluminum frame, a hydroformed swingarm, and custom Bonnell forged brake calipers with dual 22mm pistons front and rear. Sirris handles suspension with an F43 fork and R46 shock delivering 9.6 inches of travel at both ends.
The 53-inch wheelbase is the shortest length allowed in AMA-sanctioned racing. Adjustable footpeg and handlebar positions let riders dial in the cockpit for their size.
Swappable Battery, No Subscriptions
A 30-second hot-swappable battery means riders can carry a spare and keep the day going. Bonnell claims three hours of normal trail riding per charge, while a pro can drain the pack in 20 minutes on sandy terrain. The battery platform will also support future backwards-compatible packs as technology improves.
All future software and firmware updates will be free, with no subscription model. The bike also gets a “finger lever” that works like a customizable hot-start control from the carburetor era.
Bonnell has been racing prototypes in the US Hard Enduro series, where Brett Baldwin took second at the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout. The production bike ships with a VIN and can be registered as an off-road motorcycle.
The 805 RX is available through the Bonnell website or 40 dealers across the US. The electric off-road market keeps adding players, and while Can-Am’s Origin discount targeted budget trail riders, Bonnell is betting a mid-size platform with adult ergonomics fills a different gap.
Source: Motorcycle.com, Cycle News
