Is this the Future of MX ?

FMB2.0
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Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

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FMB2.0
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9/6/2026 8:07pm Edited Date/Time 9/6/2026 8:13pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:

No.

The real question is what happens when Honda dials in their Solid State battery and the Existing ICE manufacturers jump on the EV bandwagon?

Honda operates a dedicated 300,000-square-foot all-solid-state battery demonstration production line in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, which started pilot operations in January 2025.

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Timo
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9/6/2026 8:26pm
FMB2.0 wrote:

Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

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The Shop

FMB2.0
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9/6/2026 8:37pm Edited Date/Time 9/6/2026 8:43pm
FMB2.0 wrote:

Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

Timo wrote:

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.

Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture is lighter and more efficient.

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AussieParaMX
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9/6/2026 8:42pm
FMB2.0 wrote:

Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

Timo wrote:

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

FMB2.0 wrote:
Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture...

Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.

Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture is lighter and more efficient.

Why?  what the advantages/disadvantages of both versions?

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Timo
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9/6/2026 9:08pm Edited Date/Time 9/6/2026 9:08pm
FMB2.0 wrote:

Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

Timo wrote:

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

FMB2.0 wrote:
Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture...

Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.

Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture is lighter and more efficient.

Are you sure about that? I figured they were just using DC voltage with pulse width modulation for speed control? Converting low voltage DC to AC you would have to up the voltage considerably to make any power in the motor.

FMB2.0
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9/6/2026 9:54pm Edited Date/Time 9/6/2026 10:10pm
Timo wrote:

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

FMB2.0 wrote:
Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture...

Almost every other EV manufacturer converts to AC.

Because the battery already runs on DC, there is no internal conversion loss to occur and the whole architecture is lighter and more efficient.

Timo wrote:
Are you sure about that? I figured they were just using DC voltage with pulse width modulation for speed control? Converting low voltage DC to AC...

Are you sure about that? I figured they were just using DC voltage with pulse width modulation for speed control? Converting low voltage DC to AC you would have to up the voltage considerably to make any power in the motor.

Tesla uses AC motors to drive their wheels. 
Even though the car's battery stores direct current (DC), an inverter changes that DC power to AC power before it goes to the motor. It's rather silly NikolaTesla invented AC power and Teslas are actually powered by DC batteries.
Design Philosophy: Reviewers and industry experts note that Bonnell's use of DC/BLDC motors allows their entry level-and-hybrid range to remain air-cooled, lighter, and more affordable compared to AC motor setups used by premium competitors like the Stark Varg.
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AussieParaMX
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9/6/2026 10:12pm

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: fuck off with Ai slop posts.  

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FMB2.0
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9/6/2026 10:44pm

Technical Challenges & Solutions: The discussion covers the nuances of motor technology (DC vs. AC), the use of AI in development, and why swappable batteries are considered a game changer. From 56;15:in the video

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luke11
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9/7/2026 2:12am

I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching the video on the jcb engine, it’s practically the same apart from a few bits and bobs. It’s so frustrating watching all the governments lean towards EV when mining the materials for batteries is just as damaging as emissions. 

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OT
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9/7/2026 3:23am

Negative

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9/7/2026 5:58am

I think the "interest" in EV motocross is largely inflated by the internet itself. 

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kawasa84
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9/7/2026 6:07am

I think the "interest" in EV motocross is largely inflated by the internet itself. 

Actually my next bike may be EV simply because I have several late model ice mx bikes, but I want to ride on my small plot of land without disturbing my be neighbors. I can't do that with my "regular" mx bikes, but I know I can if I had an EV. It would be so handy because lately I been so busy, I haven't had time to get to the tracks near me. But being able to put in a half or an hour of riding on my property would be awesome. Right now I just dream about it. 

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Tiki
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FMB2.0 wrote:

Ping speaks with the guy from Bonnell. Interesting they are using DC electrical Architecture.

Timo wrote:

Why wouldn't they use DC voltage?

Think of AC and DC motors like two different kinds of dirt bikes. An AC motor likes to run at one steady speed when plugged into the wall, while a DC motor is easier to control with the throttle. DC motors are usually smaller, provide strong power from a stop, run directly from a battery, and make it easy to change speed or direction. Brushless DC motors are especially efficient and powerful, and they have no brushes to wear out. That is why they are used in drones and modern RC planes.

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Tiki
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luke11 wrote:
I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching...

I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching the video on the jcb engine, it’s practically the same apart from a few bits and bobs. It’s so frustrating watching all the governments lean towards EV when mining the materials for batteries is just as damaging as emissions. 

I personally think a hybrid is in the future. Electric power is most certainly the way. Clean and smooth. Batteries and weight are a problem. How that hybrid will be configured, I haven’t figured out yet. But it will be something that can meet the current demands of refueling and travel a distance of at least 65 miles. I do know the drive will be from an electric motor, though. Sine wave smooth.

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FMB2.0
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9/7/2026 9:14am
luke11 wrote:
I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching...

I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching the video on the jcb engine, it’s practically the same apart from a few bits and bobs. It’s so frustrating watching all the governments lean towards EV when mining the materials for batteries is just as damaging as emissions. 

The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at airports as then you could have bulk distribution 

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davis224
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9/7/2026 11:02am

I think the "interest" in EV motocross is largely inflated by the internet itself. 

Currently about 5 starks and 2 Suzukis at the track I'm at right now. They're getting popular, especially with off road guys.

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profmur
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9/7/2026 11:17am

As battery energy density improves, so will range.  Solid state is the next step in battery tech with 30% to 50% less weight.  All the big auto manufacturers have invested or partnered with solid state battery companies, it will trickle over to the motorcycle world in the next few years. 

Hybrid systems can work for cars where mileage range needs to be measured in the 100s, and the car platform can carry the additional weight of dual ev and ice system, that doesn't work for an off-road motorcycle with a focus on light weightedness.

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9/7/2026 11:45am
FMB2.0 wrote:
The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at...

The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at airports as then you could have bulk distribution 

I owned The Toyota Mirai for 9 months to make my commute easier, .. We used to have 2 hydrogen filling stations but now its only 1 in the city where I live so i sold it again as my commuting needs changed.. but it is a great car and genious for commuting in the bus/taxi lane, and if the ifrastructure was there is would be a great option.. 

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arebnac
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9/7/2026 12:30pm

Idk mate.... For example: goKarts and stock car racing are not all Hybrid because F1 is hybrid, u'know?
So even if MXGP and AMA goes eMotos that doesnt mean the FUTURE OF MX is going to be all electric, just the 2 biggest series.

I'd suggest the future of these 2 championships are going to be decided by other stuff, like EU passing rules that impact production and selling of bikes in Europe, Shareholder interest, bigger brand's inffluence (politics), opportunity for tax breaks and some classic money washing (like FormulaE. Do someone REALLY believe those big brands are there because of "RoI"? Pfff its all money washing, same for the cities holding the events)...

Eventually we are going to have eMotos in MX, but I think its all fine. They are competing in SuperEnduro already, and its pretty normal.

pops
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9/7/2026 12:40pm

Hopefully not!! Austin rode one of the Starks the other day and says it’s the biggest piece of shit he’s ever been on!!!

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luke11
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9/7/2026 11:15pm
luke11 wrote:
I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching...

I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching the video on the jcb engine, it’s practically the same apart from a few bits and bobs. It’s so frustrating watching all the governments lean towards EV when mining the materials for batteries is just as damaging as emissions. 

FMB2.0 wrote:
The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at...

The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at airports as then you could have bulk distribution 

We’ve managed it for fuel though? There was no electrical charging stations 15 years ago..

8500rpm
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9/7/2026 11:47pm
pops wrote:

Hopefully not!! Austin rode one of the Starks the other day and says it’s the biggest piece of shit he’s ever been on!!!

Austin is one lucky guy, since there are so many bad dirt bikes with bad suspension and other 'challenges' so if the Stark Varg is worse than all of these... he must have been a factory rider Wink that have access to the best-of-the-best... since most even pro reviewers think it's just excellent! ...not, not a SX or MX winning machine on pro level, but far far from 'piece of shit' Smile

btw, I miss Austin, was always cheering for him!

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FMB2.0
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9/8/2026 6:54pm
luke11 wrote:
I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching...

I’ve seen a few videos recently on hydrogen engines, JCB now offers a hydrogen engine and BMW offers a hydrogen engines X5 in some markets. Watching the video on the jcb engine, it’s practically the same apart from a few bits and bobs. It’s so frustrating watching all the governments lean towards EV when mining the materials for batteries is just as damaging as emissions. 

FMB2.0 wrote:
The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at...

The infrastructure for moving hydrogen doesn't exist and would be too costly to build out for the general public. It could work for railroads and at airports as then you could have bulk distribution 

luke11 wrote:

We’ve managed it for fuel though? There was no electrical charging stations 15 years ago..

Trucking a sufficient volume of hydrogen to resupply fuel stations for truck stops is entirely feasible. The current volume for passenger vehicles makes hydrogen for passenger cars unfeasible.
 
Resupplying Truck Stops
  • High-Volume Demand: Heavy-duty Class 8 trucks require significantly more fuel than passenger cars, pushing station design to high-throughput standards of up to 36,000 lbs/day
  • On-Site Generation: Many commercial truck stops could bypass traditional over-the-road delivery constraints by integrating on-site electrolysis and modular generation directly into their footprint.
  • Corridor Logistics: Pioneering heavy-duty sites could use liquid and compressed hydrogen supply chains to refill dozens of heavy trucks daily.
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9/8/2026 7:25pm

the market has repeatedly told manufacturers in vehicles and dirtbikes that they aren’t ready for electric more than just a niche. 

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pops
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9/8/2026 8:10pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2026 8:14pm
pops wrote:

Hopefully not!! Austin rode one of the Starks the other day and says it’s the biggest piece of shit he’s ever been on!!!

8500rpm wrote:
Austin is one lucky guy, since there are so many bad dirt bikes with bad suspension and other 'challenges' so if the Stark Varg is worse...

Austin is one lucky guy, since there are so many bad dirt bikes with bad suspension and other 'challenges' so if the Stark Varg is worse than all of these... he must have been a factory rider Wink that have access to the best-of-the-best... since most even pro reviewers think it's just excellent! ...not, not a SX or MX winning machine on pro level, but far far from 'piece of shit' Smile

btw, I miss Austin, was always cheering for him!

I’ll see if I can remember his exact quotes! He said that having first through fifth  in a half turn was scary if it was the least bit rough. He said whiskey throttle on that bike would be deadly! Also, he said it just had some quirks that didn’t feel right as far as the dirt bikes he has ridden the last few years. Also, since he has less strength in his left arm and  holds on more with his right, it can get a little sketchy with that much throttle that quickly. He was seriously thinking about getting a personal one………Not now. Thank you for being a fan.!!! it was fun while it lasted!👍

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chasetwo79
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9/8/2026 9:11pm

the market has repeatedly told manufacturers in vehicles and dirtbikes that they aren’t ready for electric more than just a niche. 

And in motocross it's pretty clear that it's not something people really want. Starks have been easy to get for almost 2 years now and at best you might see 1-2 at a track on an open practice day and this is in California. 

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