In the small world of light electric motorcycles (a category initiated by the legendary Sur-Ron Light Bee), a new rumor had been circulating for several months. Americans were talking about nothing else: the Arctic Leopard. Faced with the hype, we applied the JW Shop method: don't listen to hearsay, open your wallet, buy the bike, and test it ourselves in the worst conditions to give you a 100% unfiltered opinion.
So, is the Arctic Leopard XE Pro S the new benchmark? Is it better than an E-Ride Pro or a highly modified Light Bee? Here's our full verdict after a big enduro session.
A Spec Sheet That Impresses Everyone
On paper, the Arctic Leopard XE Pro S (the high-end model) shakes up the hierarchy. Its price positions it against the E-Ride Pro 3.0, but it offers incredible specifications:
- Power: 20 kW peak (more than an E-Ride 3.0, just under an SR).
- Weight: 75 kg on the scale. This is the ideal lightweight to maintain the maneuverability of a typical Light Bee bike.
- Battery: This is the major strong point. A huge 72V 55Ah battery equipped with "pouch cells." The promise of record range in an ultra-compact format.
Chassis and Ergonomics: Designed for (Tall) Enduro Riders
As soon as you mount the beast, you notice its height. The long seat, very typical of internal combustion motorcycles, sits quite high, offering monstrous ground clearance that will delight enduro riders in extreme obstacles. The original wheels are 19/18 inches, fitted with versatile tires that perform surprisingly well on both dirt and dry surfaces.
On the chassis side, the aluminum frame is robust, and the cast swingarm features a 15 mm axle (compared to 10 mm on older Light Bees). It's rigid and doesn't twist, even on hard landings.
Transmission and Controller: The End of Broken Belts?
A major change compared to the competition: the Arctic Leopard has no belt or primary chain. The QS-type motor is connected to an internal oil-bathed gear cascade, which then transmits power directly to the secondary chain. Goodbye to primary transmission failures in the middle of the woods!
Everything is managed by a FarDriver controller. While the app still needs some maturity to be as intuitive as Torp's, the bike shines with the smoothness of its throttle grip at low speeds, making technical sections very precise, before unleashing devastating power at higher RPMs.
The Acid Test: Range and Suspension
It was on the track that we had the most reservations. Equipped with an original KKE fork, we feared it would bottom out quickly in motocross. While the fork will require some preparation or a spring change for heavier riders who want to do big jumps, it performs divinely well in technical enduro.
But the real shocker is the range. During our ride of over 55 km with 2000m of positive elevation, we compared consumption with an E-Ride Pro. Where the E-Ride was struggling (12%), the Arctic Leopard still showed 30% battery! The 55Ah cells do an exceptional job.
Our Verdict: We're Hooked (and Becoming a Dealer!)
We started this test with skepticism, and we finished it conquered. The Arctic Leopard XE Pro S succeeds in offering the extreme maneuverability of a small 75 kg bike, combined with 20kW of power, a reliable transmission (without primary), and extraordinary range. It is the logical and ultimate evolution of the light electric motorcycle.
Our conviction is so strong that we have made a major decision: JW Shop is officially becoming an Arctic Leopard dealer!
The bikes are arriving very soon. If you want to get your hands on this new benchmark before anyone else, don't wait: