The contemporary motorcycle community is firmly rooted within platforms from the past half-century, casting their appreciation toward manufacturers who have earnt their keep from the blacktop to the trail, and everything in between. When compared to juggernauts like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, the name “Garelli” might not hold as much weight; but, thanks to Budapest-based builder, Mokka, the centurial brand is in the spotlight once again.
For its most recent project, the team at Mokka has decided to call upon the Italian motorcycle maker’s KL50 — a small, rambunctious bike that was one of the first to adopt a two-stroke layout. But you won’t find a traditional petrol-based motor here; instead, it’s been replaced by a sleek, but capable 5 kW brushless electric motor, offering riders a quick two-hour charge time, and over 25 miles of range, thanks to a set of Sony lithium-ion batteries. That being said, the exclusion of the original motor is surprisingly understated, giving the bike a minimalist aura devoid of its once-cumbersome characteristics. A handcrafted fuel tank acts as a clever cover for the KL50’s new electronic systems, joining a custom skid plate, motor guard, and black kappa leather seat to complement the cycle’s retro facade.
