Based on the original Kalk, this one gets a new design theme thanks to their collaboration with the South African Wildlife College.
It doesn’t just run skin deep either, tailored specifically for their rangers need to combat illegal poaching, it gets a couple neat upgrades befitting of the AP (Anti-Poaching) moniker. They are also putting their money where their mouth is by offering a limited run of 50 bikes that will be sold in pairs, one will go to you, the other to the Wildlife College to help them in their conservation efforts.
Features Unique To The AP
Although it is essentially running on the Kalk platform it does get some tweaks to make it a more effective “bush bike.”
The bike still weighs next to nothing, so it is able to get the most out of its relatively small power output. It also retains its astonishing charge time, able to get 80% of charge in around two hours and 100% in about three, all from a regular outlet.
What it gets is larger, more purposeful 3.5” dirt bike tires (knobblies), improved waterproofing by adding more sealing to all drivetrain and suspension components. It gets a different map that gives the bike maximum torque (and a lower maximum speed), and a detachable headlight for night rides. The bike is protected by Trifilon biocomposite plastics to round off a very purposeful, very sustainable look.
Unusual Partnership With A Common Vision
One thing Cake has in common with the South African Wildlife College is a passion for sustainability.
Everything on the Kalk AP prioritizes sustainability (well, maybe not the Li-Ion battery), and each bike that makes its way down to South Africa will also come with another brilliant piece of kit. With every bike sold to Mr. Consumer, not only will they send a bike but also a solar panel and mini power station kit from Ground Zero to help these bikes operate independently from the (less than eco-friendly) grid and promote further sustainability. Not only will it help them combat poaching in the region, it will also help Cake battle test their bikes.
Summary
It is inspiring to see a project like this being launched, in a time where everyone seems to be getting more and more financially conscious it is not common to see this (and at least seemingly not a publicity stunt).
We know how capable the standard 11kw bike is, and this makes for a different, frankly more appealing package. We don’t know the pricing yet mind you, we truly hope it is affordable enough so we get to see more than the current 50 bikes they have committed to producing. As it stands there seems to be at least one company failing for every other company succeeding in the electric motorcycle world, if Cake are serious about initiatives like this we truly hope they will be one of the brands that survive.