FTN Streetdog XR80 Review: The Kiwi Electric Bike That’s Impossible Not To Like

• The XR80 transforms the original Streetdog concept with significantly improved performance, comfort and usability.
• Adventure-inspired styling, upright ergonomics and a larger motor make it feel far more capable on real roads.
• More realistic price point makes this a serious option for those keen on urban fun and looking cool.

The original Streetdog was quirky and cool. The new XR80 adds performance, comfort and genuine motorcycle credentials, creating one of the most entertaining urban commuters we’ve ridden.

Kiwi electric bike company FTN has come a long way since we tested the original Streetdog 50, with the new XR80 delivering enough performance and personality to keep even die-hard motorcyclists entertained, almost.

The large guy on the Victory sitting next to me at the traffic lights refused to look my way as we waited for the green to announce the start of the traffic light GP. Instead, he stared everywhere and anywhere else, his big V-twin rumbling beneath him, oozing heat and vibration while the FTN did, well, nothing.

As the lights changed, he’d obviously been holding the clutch in the entire time, because he launched faster than the Marquez brothers at a MotoGP start, the thought of being beaten by an electric bike clearly not sitting well with him. Fortunately for his pride, I was turning right anyway.

But when my arrow finally appeared, the Streetdog darted away as only an electric vehicle can. Instant torque, no hesitation, no drama. Yep, this little Kiwi two-wheeler is a serious amount of fun.

I had barely left the driveway at BRM HQ when I got the feeling other motorcyclists weren’t entirely sure what to make of this curious electric machine. One rider dropped a gear and opened his already-open pipes a little wider, while another gave me a look that suggested I was personally responsible for the downfall of the internal combustion engine.

Okay, it might have had something to do with the way I seem to ride any bike with a twist-and-go throttle and both brakes operated by hand – it suddenly turns me into a bit of a hooligan. Combine that with the fact that the XR80 doesn’t require ABS, and it certainly adds to the temptation – skids and slides become part of everyday life. See? I warned you.

The original Streetdog 50 wasn’t like this. It was less refined and, thanks to the 50km/h restriction applied to licence-free mopeds, considerably less entertaining.

The XR80 requires a motorcycle licence, but that extra performance makes all the difference. Instead of running out of puff at 50km/h, the XR80 pulls strongly until the LCD dash is nudging 90km/h before electronic intervention steps in. In fact, it even feels like there’s a little more in reserve if FTN chose to unlock it.

The componentry has also evolved considerably. The footpegs now fold, something I was pleased to see as grounding the original fixed items could have resulted in an unscheduled visit to A&E. The brakes appear stronger, the switchgear is much improved, and the overall finish feels more mature. It’s clear FTN has listened to customer feedback and continually refined the package.

Small Wonder

As well as a larger electric motor, the XR80 has received a dose of adventure-bike styling. Much of it is visual, but the result is a machine that feels noticeably more natural to ride.

The knobbly tyres look ready for anything, while the longer-travel suspension and taller stance give the XR80 much more road presence than the original Streetdog. That was one of my biggest criticisms of the 50. It felt small and somewhat invisible in traffic.

The XR80 fixes much of that.

The more upright one-piece handlebars replace the low clip-ons of the original model, placing the rider in a more commanding position and making the bike feel larger than it actually is. It remains compact, but the additional performance means you can quickly remove yourself from blind spots and awkward situations with a simple twist of the throttle.

Despite the longer suspension travel, the ride remains surprisingly firm, particularly given the narrow café racer-style seat. Still, the XR80 is perfectly suited to urban adventuring, happily bouncing over speed bumps, potholes and kerbs without a second thought.

With FTN (it stands for F*%$ The Norm…) founded by a couple of electrical engineers, it’s no surprise the electronics are well sorted. The ignition can be activated using either a passcode on the touchscreen display or via the supplied leather key fob, which you simply touch against a spot on the tank to activate it.

Press the power button and the display springs to life. Flick up the sidestand and you’re ready to go.

Unlike other electric motorcycles I’ve ridden, there’s no pulse through the seat, no artificial noise and no indication the bike is armed. It simply waits silently. So it would pay to make sure nobody grabs a handful of throttle while you’re sitting there.

Road Riot

If your riding consists of commuting, café runs or urban exploring, the Streetdog XR80 could be the perfect companion.

The removable battery can be taken indoors and charged at your desk, while an integrated alarm system uses the electric motor itself as part of the security package. Attempt to push the bike away and the motor actively resists movement and even pushes back against the intruder. It’s a clever feature that would likely confuse and discourage any opportunist thief.

What riding the XR80 will do, if you’re anything like me, is put a huge smile on your face. It can also turn you into a traffic terror.

The combination of its compact dimensions, instant torque, lightweight feel and handlebar-operated controls makes it feel more like a trials bike than a conventional motorcycle. The result is something genuinely unique and enormously entertaining.

Expect attention too.

Kids point from car windows. Cyclists smile. Other motorcyclists look confused, intrigued or mildly threatened. There really is nothing quite like it on the road.

Speaking with FTN’s marketing team, it became clear that local licensing regulations play a huge role in the Streetdog’s success. In some markets, a full motorcycle licence is required, while others allow riders to hop on with nothing more than a car licence.

Queensland has proven particularly receptive, with heavy urban traffic, strong lifestyle appeal and favourable licensing rules helping the Streetdog gain traction.

So while there’s still plenty of pushback from the motorcycling community when it comes to electric motorcycles, let’s hope that doesn’t stop FTN from becoming another Kiwi success story on the world stage.

Because while the Streetdog XR80 isn’t trying to replace your motorcycle, it is trying to make every trip into town more enjoyable.

On that front, it’s doing a pretty convincing job.

If you want to check out the Streetdog, you can find FTN’s site HERE.

Publisher/Editor

Paul

Paul is the owner, publisher and editor of Bike Rider Magazine, a role he has had for over two decades. He has been BRM’s primary test rider throughout that time, riding and reviewing everything from learner machines to high-performance superbikes. After cutting his teeth with Superbike Magazine in the UK, Paul moved to New Zealand in the early 2000s and has since dedicated his career to delivering honest, rider-focused motorcycle journalism.