- At the same price as the original, the ETM RTR Sport is the new, upgraded version.
- Despite weighing only 130 pounds, the ETM RTR has 8kW of punchy power.
- For those who can keep the throttle wide open, you’ll see 55mph on the clock, on a small, pit-bike sized e-moto!
- The biggest change between the ETM RTR (original) and the ETM RTR Sport is the beefed-up motor and a bigger chain and sprocket
- Built for adults, this smaller sized bike is ergonomically beautiful to ride.
Electro and Co has just released their new, updated ETM RTR, the ETM RTR Sport. For those of you who have been following us at GritShift, or Electro and Co, you’ll already know the ETM RTR is a competition-ready, high spec pit bike that was virtually indestructible right out of the box. Trust us, we’ve tried! (check this out:)
So, what could Electro and Co do to make this even better – and keep the price the same? Well, it turns out that you can make great even more great-er!
For a company zooming into everyone’s radar for all the right reasons over the last few years, it turns out that if you allow bike riders to build bikes, they turn out awesome – and exactly what bike riders need!
We get it, that’s exactly how we started at GritShift. Rusty, R&D boss, needed parts for his own race bikes. When he couldn’t find the right ones at the quality he needed, he started designing his own. OK, so it does help when you have a heap of design experience and CAD knowledge, and like-minded mates, but you get the picture! Our team is made up of dirt bike riders who happen to have knowledge in other areas too! I spend hours on my dirt bikes, and write these articles when I’m at home!
Anyway, back to the ETM RTR – if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out this article:
Let’s see what’s different on the ETM RTR Sport, if this is the bike for you, and what to do if you’re reading this thinking, ‘man, I already have the ETM RTR original, what do I do now!’
ETM RTR Sport specs
If you would like the full rundown on the specs, Click here. Otherwise, here is a quick recap:
What does this mean in real life?
8 kW is a huge output for a bike that weighs only 130 pounds and with a wheelbase of only 44.5 inches! You’re lower to the ground, so speed will seem even faster! If you keep the throttle wide open, you’ll get more than 55mph. At that speed, you’d better hang on. But with the usual quality Electro and Co components, you won’t get any speed wobbles or anything usually associated with smaller, more toy-like bikes. This is the real deal.
The suspension is adjustable 48mm forks that are quite firm to start with, and an adjustable rear shock. It will hold up just fine on the MX track, including if you want to backflip. Ask us how we know!
The swingarm is super rigid, with CNC MX-style axle blocks. In real life, this means no side load flex, so the chain and sprockets run true, no warping, and it reduces any chain dislodgement. On that note, the chain is now a high quality 420 grade moto chain.
The pegs – the part that most riders upgrade first – are Electro and Co-designed ultra-grippy pegs with reinforced peg mounts, and they are adjustable. Sucks for us, as we sell aftermarket parts, and well, you don’t need to upgrade these!
Original ETM RTR vs ETM RTR Sport
- Upgraded motor – larger with better heat dissipation
- Improved swing arm – stronger with a recessed bolt
- Stronger pegs – grippier, more robust mounting
- Brake fluid changed to mineral oil
- Change upgraded to a full 420-grade moto chain and sprocket system
- Controller software tweaks for improved range
- Various frame and aesthetic improvements
The main difference between the ETM RTR Sport and the original is the upgraded motor. It is a Revolver motor, a physically larger design with more heat tolerance.
Another upgrade is the upgraded swingarm. It’s much stronger with no flex, attached at the swing arm pivot point to the frame via a newly designed bolt that doesn’t stick out. No more endangering ankle bones! The chain and sprocket have been upgraded to a 420 moto chain for increased strength.
The footpegs have had a major overhaul, they’re stronger, grippier and overall better for riding. The frame, in general, is stronger. Brakes have changed to mineral oil, which I can see the reasons why they might want to change, in terms of performance if water enters the system, but time will tell for this one. I’m not convinced mineral oil is the way to go over DOT. Watch this space!
The controller has had a software update, allowing more draw from the battery for a longer range. There have been other changes that include better graphics, but that doesn’t affect the performance. It does look cool, however!
The pit bike size
If Electro and Co are new to you, you may be wondering what I’m talking about regarding the size. This bike is a ‘pit bike’. It is made for adults, but has a shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels, giving it a fun, playful feel.
This probably isn’t the e-moto I’d race at the TKO or other enduro events. I probably wouldn’t try commuting on it, but if you want to have fun around an MX track, in the woods, trails, backyard moto tracks, this is the bike for you.
To give you some idea, the ETM RTR Sport wheelbase is 44.5 inches, compared to the Arctic Leopard Pro at 51 Inches. The Surron LBX, which is one of the most compared e-motos, is 49.4 inches.
The seat height is slightly lower than a ‘standard’ e-moto at 30 inches, compared to the Surron’s 32.6 inches, but the way the ETM RTR Sport geometry has been designed makes it a really comfortable ride. The rider triangle – that is, the position of the footpegs, handlebars, and seat – is made for an adult rider. It doesn’t feel cramped, even for the oldest members of our team.
I’ve got the ETM RTR original. What should I do?
Quick answer: upgrade! Just joking, the original ETM RTR is still a fantastic bike. By upgrading, you’ll get the upgraded motor, upgraded sprocket and chain, stronger swingarm, and more, but it depends on how you ride.
Unless you’re riding hard and sending it around an SX track, the extra strength probably isn’t needed. If it’s FOMO, you could look at upgrading the motor to the new Revolver motor and even get the chain and sprocket set as a package.
This is a much cheaper option than buying a brand new e-moto! Think about why you want to upgrade, and if there is a better, more economical way to get the same result.
Let’s look at mods in more detail. This will apply to both the ETM RTR original and Sport: That way, you’ll know you’re not spending money unnecessarily.
Who needs the ETM RTR Sport?
Anyone who loves riding! This is the playful electric dirt bike that puts a smile on anyone’s face. Pro-level riders will love it and beginner riders will love it. It comes with 3 power modes, so select the power that best suits you, and if you are a beginner, be careful with the throttle; the acceleration is quick!
If you have some trusted mates, have a chat with them for the best way to learn. If you’re a Mom or Dad looking at getting one for your kid, check out this article:
Depending on your child, a teen could ride this on private property or a local dirt bike track. You know your child best, so choose the bike that best suits their ability.
Can you mod the ETM RTR Sport?
Of course, you can mod it! Electro and Co build their bikes knowing that many riders will choose to mod! The ETM RTR has been designed in a way to make it somewhat modular, upgrading the parts that you need to customise the e-moto to your liking.
I know you read before that this bike doesn’t need any upgrading, but modding is always nice to do! The same upgrades that you might consider for the ETM RTR – the original version – apply to the ETM RTR Sport as well.
Many aftermarket and stock parts for the ETM RTR original can also be used on the ETM RTR Sport, apart from things like the motor, chain, and sprocket – the parts that have been upgraded. When you’re looking at the GritShift website, just check compatibility in the fitment section for the item you’re interested in.
What we think of the ETM RTR Sport
You’ve probably gathered by now that we love the ETM RTR original. When it was first released, it was miles ahead of the competition in the pit-bike range. Quality moto parts, on a small frame. And, having worked with Electro and Co for some time, we know how the guys and girls work and the effort they put into their builds.
We’re pretty confident that this e-moto will be even more awesome than the original, which is hard to do! As soon as we have our hands on the new ETM RTR Sport, we’ll give you an update. Subscribe to our free email community, or check out our Instagram for first rides.
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