Meet the FTN Motion Street Dog 80: The Electric Bike That Ditched the Spaceship Look
Let's talk electric motorcycles. Often, when you think EV, you picture something straight out of a sci-fi flick – all sharp angles and futuristic vibes. But what if you want the benefits of electric power wrapped in a package that oozes classic cool? Enter the FTN Motion Street Dog 80.
Hailing from New Zealand, FTN Motion is making waves in the EV scene, and the Street Dog is their brilliant answer for riders who appreciate retro aesthetics. This isn't just another electric bike; as we discovered, it feels like a retro bike first, and an electric bike second.
Looks That Turn Heads (For the Right Reasons)
Forget the typical EV look. The Street Dog 80 channels pure 50s and 60s motorcycle style. When we first saw pictures, it looked different, intriguing. Seeing it in the metal? Absolutely brilliant.
The look has been called 'Impossible Retro' because it feels like it belongs to a time before electric bikes existed. That's the magic – blending vintage charm with modern tech so seamlessly. We think it might honestly be the best-looking EV motorcycle out there right now. It just works.
Quality You Can Feel
FTN Motion hasn't just nailed the looks; the attention to detail is seriously impressive. From the quality of the finishes to the bespoke parts, this bike screams quality. They've used stainless steel where it wasn't strictly necessary, just for that extra touch. The paint, especially that vibrant yellow we tested, absolutely pops.
Adding to the appeal is the customisation. FTN Motion offers a wide range of colours and stripe options, allowing you to spec a bike that's truly yours. It's essentially custom-built for each rider.
Power and Range: Perfect for the Commute
Okay, so it's electric – is it lightning fast? Well, no. And that's perfectly fine. The Street Dog 80 isn't trying to be a superbike. With a peak output of 7.5 kW, it's designed as a commuter, and it excels at that. We never felt like it lacked power for city riding.
The official top speed is 80 km/h (though one of us might have nudged 90 km/h downhill with a tailwind!). For its intended purpose – getting you around town efficiently and stylishly – it's spot on.
One of the cleverest design features is the battery placement. It's not hidden in that big, colourful block that looks like a fuel tank – that's actually storage! The removable battery sits neatly under the seat at a really convenient height.
The battery range is quoted at 60-80 km, and refreshingly, we found this to be pretty accurate, consistently getting around 70-80 km. That's more than enough for daily commuting. You can add a second battery that will fit in the generous storage compartment, essentially doubling the range.
The battery weighs about 15 kg, which is manageable, and it's easy to lift out of the frame. You can take it inside and charge it from a standard wall socket in about 5.5 hours.
And that space where you thought the battery might be? A massive 30 litres of lockable storage! For a bike this compact, that's genuinely mind-blowing. It's super practical, easily swallowing up your gear. There’s even a USB port inside to charge your phone.
Riding Experience: Nimble, Fun, and Surprisingly Roomy
Weighing only 88 kg (including the battery), the Street Dog is incredibly lightweight. This translates to fantastic handling, especially when filtering through traffic. Seriously, it was a dream – like being on a bicycle. Its narrow profile and low height let you slip through gaps you wouldn't dream of tackling on a bigger bike. Easiest filtering ever? Quite possibly.
Despite its compact size, the ergonomics are surprisingly comfortable. Even our taller rider Lukas who’s 6’5”, found it reasonably roomy. You look at it and think you'll feel cramped, but once you're on, it just feels right for city riding. The seat might be a tad firm for very long rides on rough roads, but for typical commutes, it’s fine.
The touchscreen display looks great, the switchgear feels good, and that gorgeous steering stem is a lovely touch.
The Verdict: Retro Charm Meets Electric Practicality
The FTN Motion Street Dog 80 is a great little electric. It’s fun, incredibly practical for commuting thanks to its storage and nimble handling, and it looks absolutely brilliant. It’s the electric bike for people who don't necessarily want an "electric bike look."
It gets attention wherever it goes and puts a smile on your face – it genuinely captures some of that early, discover-the-joy-of-riding feeling. If you're looking for a stylish, unique, and highly effective electric commuter, the Street Dog 80 is definitely one to check out. It proves that electric mobility doesn't have to mean sacrificing classic style.