In recent years, the electric motorcycle industry has witnessed a surge in start-up companies, and one of them, based in Brooklyn, stands out for its unique approach. Tarform, not content with merely entering a new market, is poised to bring innovation and change to the electric motorcycle landscape through groundbreaking manufacturing methods. This article delves into the Tarform Luna Scrambler/Racer, a testament to their vision.
Two Faces of Luna
The Tarform Luna emerges in two striking variations – the Scrambler and the Racer. While their visual aesthetics may differ, both models share a common platform and boast impressive specifications. Powered by an air-cooled electric motor generating 75 horsepower and a peak torque of 120 foot-pounds, the Luna accelerates from zero to sixty in a mere 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 120 mph. It is equipped with an 11.2 kWh Lithium-Ion battery, offering a 100-mile city range, and can be fully charged in just two hours using a level two charger.
Beyond its impressive performance, the Luna incorporates cutting-edge components. Öhlins provides the suspension, while the brakes feature 320 mm discs with six-piston aluminum calipers from ISR. Notably, Tarform has developed its own Tarform Operating System, responsible for over-the-air updates, machine learning, and advanced sensor technology, including blind-spot detection and a front-facing camera enhancing safety.
A 3.4-inch display offers real-time status updates and connectivity to the cloud service, ensuring that the Luna’s software continually monitors and enhances the riding experience.
Aesthetics Meets Sustainability
The Luna Scrambler embraces a classic design with an exposed headlight, spoked wheels, and off-road tires. In contrast, the Luna Racer exudes the sleek allure of a café racer, featuring a half-fairing, stiffer suspension, and Avon’s Spirit ST tires for superior handling.
For Tarform’s founder, Taras Kravtchouk, style and sustainability are intertwined. Kravtchouk champions sustainable practices at every level of production. Instead of carbon fiber, the Luna employs flax fiber, a plant-based alternative that requires significantly less energy. Even the paint is eco-conscious, utilizing algae pigment. Notably, the Luna’s leather seat is not genuine leather but a biodegradable alternative made from plant waste.
Kravtchouk emphasizes the importance of beauty in design, noting that people are more likely to cherish and preserve what they find beautiful. Tarform’s commitment to timeless design aligns seamlessly with their sustainability goals.
The Future of Motorcycling
With its minimalist design, sustainable materials, and impressive performance, the Tarform Luna Scrambler/Racer stands as a symbol of innovation and progress in the electric motorcycle industry. Priced at $24,000, it beckons those who value both style and sustainability to explore a future where motorcycles are as environmentally conscious as they are thrilling to ride.
