The electric motorcycle Aurus Merlon is slated to join the Special Purpose Garage (GON) and serve as an honorary escort in 2024. An official Aurus representative told a socialbites.ca correspondent during the MIMS Automobility Moscow event that the first eight units should be visible at the presidential inauguration following the 2024 elections.
“Production is already underway for Merlon as a custom build; in May, the first eight copies are expected to accompany the inauguration of the President of the Russian Federation. By 2024, the fleet will include about 40 motorcycles, with half equipped with a trailer and half without”, the Aurus spokesperson stated.
According to the interlocutor, no finalized commercial plan for expanding the Aurus Merlon project exists yet. However, a ready-made design will stay with the team after the motorcycle enters service as an honorary escort.
“A commercial version of the power plant will be available, but so far there is no disclosed appearance for a commercial variant. Theoretically, the entire design is patented, certified, and has passed all tests. Demand will be evaluated to gauge consumer interest. Perhaps a dealer or a street fighter concept could emerge, but no final concept has been determined”, the company representative noted. He added that a major competitor in this space is Curtiss, with Harley Davidson LiveWire as a less dominant reference point since the latter model has since been discontinued.
In terms of price, Merlon is positioned similarly to Curtiss models. If American counterparts are currently listed around 125 thousand dollars (approximately 14–15 million rubles), the Merlon is expected to be priced around 10–12 million rubles.
The local production rate of Aurus Merlon was stated as 80 percent by Vladislav Ovchinsky, head of Moscow’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, at the outset of the Innoprom exhibition.
What will it look like?
Previously, Aurus provided more detailed information about a version of the Merlon motorcycle produced specifically for GON needs. This project envisions a single version motorcycle with a sidecar that includes an additional traction battery. The side trailer is not designed to carry passengers.
A single bike weighs 350 kg, can reach speeds up to 200 km/h, and can travel about 200 km on a single charge. The electric motor delivers up to 190 hp.
Designed with foreign components
The motorcycle, developed within the framework of the Cortege project or Unified Modular Platform (EMP), has been in development since 2017. During its creation, foreign components were widely used, and in today’s conditions there are limited options for replacements, noted Expert magazine columnist Alexander Astapov.
“The degree of Russian content depends on how it is counted; 80 percent is proving difficult to achieve. The engine is not Russian, the controller is not Russian, the brakes are not Russian. Yet the development and production remain domestic”, Astapov explained in a conversation with socialbites.ca.
Astapov added that previously the engine and controls were of British origin, Brembo supplied the brakes, and Bosch handled the electronics. “Maybe they turned to other suppliers, but there is no clear alternative yet”, he suggested.
Independent automotive industry consultant Sergei Burgazliev believes the motorcycle will likely be assembled using ready-made components, with possible localization of frame parts and other mechanical elements in Russia.
“Producing a Russian engine for such a motorcycle, along with control electronics and battery, is difficult. It is quite feasible that elements of suspension, drive, tires, and the body kit could be localized”, Burgazliev noted in an interview with socialbites.ca.
Private buyers may be scarce
Astapov also noted that the Aurus electric motorcycle may not be suitable for recreational use due to its substantial mass and high center of gravity. Lighter, more compact models are typically favored for urban riding. At the current price level, Merlon’s sales to private customers may be limited to museum-quality units in collections.
“About 20 units might be produced, with and without the sidecar, for the Honor Escort Battalion. It is possible that the Ministry of Internal Affairs may order some to accompany public events such as parades and rides”, Astapov predicted.
Compared with foreign electric motorcycles of similar power, Merlon weighs roughly 90 kg more.
Even Harley-Davidson hasn’t embraced electric yet
Ivan Vladimirov, editor-in-chief of Moto magazine, observes that the heavy electric motorcycle concept has not yet found a strong foothold among major world brands. “A few years ago Harley-Davidson introduced the LiveWire. It was solid, but it never gained broad commercial traction under the Harley name. Now they have scaled back production and are leveraging developments under a separate brand”, Vladimirov told socialbites.ca.
Heavy motorcycles are often used for long-distance travel, but Merlon’s range is limited and Russia’s highways lack charging infrastructure, he adds. “With restricted range and few charging points, even a trip to St. Petersburg by electric motorcycle is challenging. Merlon will likely serve entertainment purposes more than practical travel”, Vladimirov concluded.