Has there ever been a bike that better embodies its name than the Volcon Grunt? We think not. With that thick, arcing triple-cradle frame, hefty cast-aluminum swingarm and fat bench seat riding on lugged fat tires this compact bike’s aesthetic is the personification of guttural noise. Yet how ironic the sound it actually makes is little more than a whisper.
If you haven’t heard of Volcon, or the Grunt, don’t worry, it’s all pretty new. Volcon, based in Round Rock, Texas, a stone’s throw from the EV-innovation Mecca of Austin, calls itself the “first all-electric off-road powersports company.” In addition to the Grunt, a model already being delivered to customers who pre-ordered the utility bike, there is a cleverly named “Runt” kid-sized version on the way as well as a full-size, high-performance Stag UTV.
The Grunt features 3 ride modes, plus reverse for more versatility and ease of use.Just looking at the Grunt you know it’s a kick to ride, but it’s also intended to be useful, with a motor that produces 75 ft-lbs of torque, towing capacity of 750 pounds and load capacity of 400 pounds. Range is aided by regenerative braking on the trail, plus it can go up to 75 miles if you carry and swap an optional second battery, which can be mounted to the frame.
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As an easy-to-operate compact e-bike, the Grunt is also positioned for families to enjoy around camp, as well as those looking for a nice fishing hole hopper or whisper-quiet hunting partner. With a clutchless drive, a reverse mode and one of three ride modes being the highly governed “Stroll” setting (there’s also “Explore” and “Sport”), you can let friends and newbies give riding a try without it resulting in a viral video of them crashing through the nearest fence.
The Grunt is also positioned for families to enjoy around camp, as well as those looking for a fishing hole hopper or whisper-quiet hunting partner.The Grunt is a wee bit heavy for its size at 330 pounds, and not quite squat with a 32-inch seat height. A single hydraulic disc brake for each wheel manages speed, while suspension consists of a basic upside-down fork and coil shock in the rear, leaving the oversized tires to soak up much of the lumps and bumps along the trail. Those fatties should also float reassuringly in the sand, snow and mud.
Its 60-volt motor has a top speed of 40 mph. However, maintaining anything like 40 mph would drain the 2.0 kWh fun size battery like a cold beer on a summer day, which brings us back to the Grunt’s main intention as a utility vehicle or backyard trail explorer, activities that involve low speeds, and the throttle variation and intermittent braking useful for on-the-fly battery regeneration.
So, yes, this mini off-road utility bike can serve many purposes. And though its $7,995 price tag might feel steep at first glance, compared to the CAKE Kalk (starting at $11,000), the Volcon looks affordable. Then there’s the all-wheel drive UBCO 2×2 Work Bike which is less expensive at $5,999. But both of those bikes appear to be more bicycle than motorcycle.
With 75 ft-lbs of torque and a towing capacity of 750 pounds, the all-terrain Grunt is also intended to be useful as a work bike around the ranch or farm.Where the Volcon is less competitive price-wise is in the arena of comparable petrol-powered trail bikes, like Yamaha’s thick-footed TW200, which has a top speed in the 50s, a sub 300-pound weight and $4,799 price. Sure, there’s a carbon footprint, but with a bike getting nearly 80 mpg, who’s gonna lose sleep? Another Grunt-like, yet gas powered bike on the market is the Rokon Trail-Breaker, $8,475, a common issue for forest service and fish and game workers.
The oversize tires provide more stability over surfaces like sand, mud and snow making it more accessible for off-road-enthusiast families or those new to two wheels.All things considered, the Volcon Grunt has a special appeal in that it’s not just another utility bike, it’s ready for family-friendly off-road fun. Its cool modern-retro look will attract many others, while the clutch-less drive and unassuming dimensions make it a great starter bike.
The bike features Volcon’s Exo-Arch triple-cradle frame.In the bigger picture, the Grunt is a path light of sorts, showing the way to what the future might hold. Companies like Volcon are right on time and should be high-fived as they develop new options in this electric motorcycle marketplace that will be vital in the world’s not-so-distant future. And to date it looks like reception for publicly-traded Volcon and its products is warming, with revenue this year trending up and losses down. The company has also just announced its 100th dealership affiliation.
For more details on the Grunt, check out the Volcon website.
Jamie has been a motorcycle journalist for more than 30 years, testing the entire range of bikes for the major print magazines and specializing in adventure-travel related stories. To date she’s written and supplied photography for articles describing what it’s like to ride in all 50 states and 43 foreign countries, receiving two Lowell Thomas Society of American Travel Writer’s Awards along the way. Her most-challenging adventure yet has been riding in the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia as Team AusAmerica’s embedded journalist.
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