Cake electric motorcycles are becoming one of the most exciting ways to get around, and for good reason. While electric cars and scooters have enjoyed a lot of attention, high-performance electric motorcycles have often been overlooked. Motorcycles are particularly well suited to electrification: they’re lightweight, can deliver excellent range, and electric motors produce high torque that makes everyday rides genuinely thrilling.
Test Ride
I first encountered Cake motorcycles at the Outdoor Retailer show and regretted missing several subsequent demo opportunities in Los Angeles. Luckily, while I was in New York City for a couple of weeks, Cake hosted a test ride at Pier 76 and I jumped at the chance to try their off-road model, the Kalk OR.
Cake recently announced a street-legal version called the Kalk&, but at this demo only the off-road Kalk OR was available. Mechanically they are nearly identical—same motor and suspension—but the street-legal model adds a speedometer, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and is rated for roughly 10 mph higher top speed, reaching just over 56 mph.
Willie Ford greeted me at the ride site and went over the basics. Riding a Cake is refreshingly straightforward: twist the throttle and go. The throttle is very responsive, so abrupt inputs can easily lift the front wheel, but overall the Kalk OR is simple to operate. Controls are limited to a twist throttle and front and rear hand brakes, and there are three riding modes that govern top speed. Once you’re comfortable, most riders will likely use Mode 3, the fastest setting.
Riding the Kalk OR along the West Side Highway bike path was a highlight of my trip. After the rain cleared, the path was largely empty, giving me room to open the bike up. The acceleration felt immediate—covering several blocks in what seemed like seconds—and it was easy to imagine taking this bike out across desert trails or on a spirited loop around the ranch. After a short, exhilarating run I reluctantly returned to Pier 76. That brief five-minute ride lifted my mood instantly, and now I’m seriously tempted to buy one—if I can come up with the roughly $13,000 price tag.