DirtFirst Racing and Hollywood Movie Bikes have once again teamed up to build a bike that the big factories have been dragging their feet on. Husqvarna has no electric bikes in their model line-up larger than a 50cc gas equivalent, and with a growing number of battery bikes from other manufacturers hitting the market, one would think the brand known for some cutting-edge bike designs might want to get in the mix.
Words & Images: DirtFirst Racing Press Release
Maybe it’s a lithium and cobalt supply issue. Maybe they are waiting for the charging infrastructure to be ironed out. Maybe it’s a result of CEO Stefan Pierer going all in on the techno-optimism of E-Fuels replacing gasoline, a pipe dream in which we can keep using existing engine designs and run them with fuel made from refining captured carbon with solar power. Whatever the reason, the company’s stagnation has allowed DirtFirst Racing to put out an electric MX bike model that Husqvarna could be building now.
Based on the DirtFirst team’s KTM Freeride Supermini race bikes, the EE18 uses all the innovations and works parts the team has developed during the last two years of participation in various racing disciplines. These bikes are aimed at 12-16 year old riders that want to gain vital experience for the coming wave of full-size electric MX bikes. With a race-winning pedigree and proven reliability, the EE18 fills a gap in the motorcycle industry’s electric MX lineup.
The heart of the EE18 is KTM’s 18kw brushless electric motor, which is energized by a 3.9kwh lithium-ion battery pack and managed by an integrated motor controller. This powertrain has proven to be very reliable and simple to maintain. The smooth power delivery and water cooling allows it to outperform even the most highly modified Surrons and Talarias. To enable the EE18 to be raced at its maximum output in hot conditions, DirtFirst has added 30% more coolant capacity, as well as mounting 3” diameter cooling fans on the radiators. The fans run off a separate 12v battery and are controlled with a handlebar switch. An LED temperature gauge is mounted in the bar pad, and reads the coolant temp as it exits the motor’s water jacket for maximum accuracy.
The EE18 uses 43mm WP Air Forks, which are lightweight and easily adjustable. Schmidt Performance handles the fork valving and low friction coating. Billet XTrig ROCS triple clamps keep the fork tubes secured, and have a 14mm offset. The RaceTech GS3 rear shock is fully adjustable, and a wide range of springs are readily available off the shelf for different weight riders.
The 19/16” Supermini-class wheel set consists of Faster USA billet hubs with stainless steel Bulldog spokes and Excel rims. The Renthal drive sprockets and DID chain are 428 series and standard 14/49 gearing works for most race tracks due to the geared transfer case.
To stop the 230lb machine, the EE18 is equipped with Brembo brake systems front and rear. These are the same brake components used on the current KTM SXF models. A Galfer 260mm floating front rotor, and 220mm rear rotor are sized perfectly for the bike’s weight.
A DirtFirst aluminum skidplate protects the motor while still allowing maximum airflow to the motor casing. A G2 Ergonomics billet aluminum throttle tube and throttle play eliminator inserts are used, as well as Renthal 827 FatBars and Renthal grips. The Apex Raptor titanium foot pegs are lightweight and offer superior grip. The Works Connection Holeshot Device is a must for MX starts, and the Red Label pleated gripper seat cover and team graphics complete the package.
Performance Features:
Range – Easily run full motos on National MX tracks with a single charge.
Battery Swapping – Swap batteries in 30 seconds with only a 10mm socket on an impact, no plugging/unplugging of any connectors or unbolting bodywork is necessary.
Fast Charging – Fully charge a spent battery in 120min or less with a 220v generator.
Suspension – WP 43mm AER Forks and RaceTech G3S rear shock are fully adjustable, with easy to access clickers.
Wheels – 19” front/16” rear Excel rims with Faster USA billet hubs and Dunlop MX33 tires are perfectly suited for Supermini racing.
Brakes – Brembo SXF calipers and master cylinders, with Galfer 260mm front floating disc and 220mm rear disc offer excellent braking power.
Drivetrain – Renthal Sprockets and DID 428NZ chain are super reliable, and 14/49 gearing is great for most MX tracks. 12-15T front and 46-50T rear sprockets are available.
Controls – Renthal handlebars and grips, G2 billet throttle tube, and Raptor Titanium foot pegs complete the ergonomics package.
2024 DirtFirst Husqvarna EE18 Rockstar Edition Components:
WP 43mm XACT AER forks
XTRIG ROCS billet aluminum triple clamps
RaceTech G3-S rear shock
Black anodized Excel 19”/16” rims
Faster USA billet hubs and Bulldog S/S spokes
Renthal sprockets, 14/49 gearing
DID 428NZ chain
Dunlop MX33 tires with HD tubes
Brembo SXF front brake system with Galfer 260mm floating disc
Brembo SXF rear brake system with Galfer 220mm disc
G2 Aluminum throttle tube
Renthal bars and half-waffle grips
Arc folding front brake lever
Works Connection Holeshot device
Apex Raptor Titanium foot pegs
DirtFirst Racing high capacity radiators
DirtFirst Racing radiator fan system
DirtFirst Racing MX aluminum skid plate
DirtFirst Racing by Red Label pleated seat cover
Acerbis MX plastic kit
Rockstar Edition graphics
2024 DirtFirst Husqvarna EE18 Rockstar Edition Specifications:
Engine – Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum electric power – 18kW(24hp)
Maximum torque – 42Nm(31lb ft)
Maximum motor speed – 7000rpm
Battery – Powerpack HV Lithium Ion
Battery voltage – 260V nominal
Battery capacity – 3.9kWh
Cooling system – Water cooled, electric water pump, auxiliary radiator fans
Frame – Perimeter, steel/aluminum composite
Fork – WP XACT 43mm AER, 10.95in of travel
Fork offset – 14mm
Rear shock – RaceTech G3-S 10.24in of travel
Front brake disc – 260mm floating
Rear brake disc – 220mm
Primary transmission ratio – 1:2.4
Final drive ratio – 14:49
Chain and Sprockets – 428 Series
Wheelbase – 55.44in
Seat height – 33.75in
Ground clearance – 12.50in
Overall weight with battery and fluids – 232lbs
Battery weight – 62lb
