Talaria XXX vs Surron Ultra Bee vs a Custom RZ: My Real-World Take from Electrify Expo NYC
August 24, 2023
Electrify Expo in New York is one of those places where you can go from “that looks cool online” to “oh, now I get it” in about five minutes.
I bounced between three very different takes on the electric two-wheel life: the Talaria XXX, the Surron Ultra Bee (with a smart upgrade path), and a seriously customized RZ build meant for big-speed commuting.
This isn’t a spec-sheet showdown. It’s what stood out to me in the real world—how each bike feels, what kind of rider it makes sense for, and the little details that matter when you actually live with this stuff.
Talaria XXX: low, approachable, and street-leaning
The Talaria XXX instantly felt like the “easy on-ramp” of the group.
The first thing I noticed is the seating/stance: it sits lower and the center of gravity feels low. That translates to confidence at a stop, in tight maneuvering, and for shorter riders who want both feet planted without doing the tip-toe dance.
It also feels like it’s designed with street use in mind. The lighting setup (low beam/high beam and a working brake light) makes it feel more like a practical EV you can actually use day-to-day instead of a pure off-road toy.
On the move, the bike gives that instant-electric punch you want—quick torque, smooth pull, and a nimble “thread the needle” vibe in crowded areas. I also liked that there’s room to shift around and find a comfortable position rather than feeling locked into one spot.
A quick ownership note: belt tension matters
One of the most useful takeaways I walked away with: check the belt tension on the XXX. If you’re buying one (or you already own one), it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure everything is properly tightened and set up before you start stacking miles.
Surron Ultra Bee: the workhorse that feels more motorcycle
The Ultra Bee gave me the strongest “this is a real motorcycle” impression of the three.
Even before we talk upgrades, it’s bigger and more robust-feeling than a Light Bee-style bike. The chassis presence, suspension mindset, and brake confidence all push it into a different category. It’s still compact compared to full-size gas bikes, but it’s definitely not trying to pretend it’s just an e-bike.
Upgrades that actually match real riding problems
What I liked about the Ultra Bee setup I got to check out is that the upgrades weren’t just for flex—they addressed real use:
1) Better front fender coverage
A larger front fender helps keep spray and road grime from blasting up into you and the bike. It sounds small until you ride in wet streets.
2) Controller tuning for how you ride
The controller swap opens up adjustability—things like throttle curve, throttle input feel, and regenerative braking behavior.
And regen is a big one. The ability to tailor coasting regen vs throttle regen vs brake regen can completely change the personality of a bike in city riding. Personally, I love having options because my preference changes depending on whether I’m cruising, commuting, or riding more aggressively.
3) Brakes that inspire confidence
The Ultra Bee’s braking setup stood out as a major quality-of-life upgrade. If you ride hard, ride in traffic, or ride with extra power, brakes stop being an “upgrade later” and become the whole game.
Daily rider energy
What really sold me on the Ultra Bee vibe is that it’s the kind of bike you can use as a true utility machine—cruise around, hit trails, hit gravel, run errands, even roll out to do service calls if that’s your world. It has that “one bike that does a lot” personality.
Custom RZ build: highway mindset, EV simplicity
Then there’s the RZ. This one wasn’t subtle.
The whole purpose of the build felt clear: more weight, more stability, more highway confidence. If you’ve ever tried riding something light at higher speeds, you know exactly why that matters—wind becomes the boss fight.
The RZ approach is basically: take the instant torque and low-maintenance advantage of electric, but put it into a platform that feels more planted when speeds climb.
Controls and learning curve
If you come from sport bikes, the control layout can mess with your muscle memory at first—especially because you’re not dealing with a clutch and shifting in the way a gas bike trains you to.
But once you recalibrate, it’s the familiar EV story: twist and go, instant response, and a smooth surge that makes gas bikes feel oddly busy by comparison.
The commuter safety stuff I actually care about
Two things I always pay attention to on street-focused builds:
1) Being seen
Extra lighting makes a difference, especially at night.
2) Being heard
Silence is cool until traffic doesn’t know you exist. A loud horn (or an air horn setup) is one of the most underrated safety upgrades on any quiet two-wheeler.
Paperwork matters more than people admit
If you’re buying something intended for real commuting—especially if you want registration and insurance—documentation can become the difference between “daily ride” and “expensive garage ornament.” That’s not a fun lesson to learn after you’ve already paid.
Which one would I pick?
It really comes down to how you ride.
If you want something approachable that feels street-leaning and easy to live with, the Talaria XXX has a lot of appeal—especially for riders who prioritize confidence at stops and low-speed maneuvering.
If you want a platform that feels like a true workhorse and can take upgrades in a sensible way, the Surron Ultra Bee is the one that gave me the most “all-rounder” confidence.
If your life includes higher-speed commuting and you want stability and presence, the custom RZ direction makes sense—especially if you’re already comfortable with the idea of a built (not stock) electric machine.
What We Like
Talaria XXX feels low, manageable, and street-friendly
Practical lighting on the XXX (low/high beam and brake light)
Ultra Bee has that more robust, motorcycle-like feel
Upgrade paths on the Ultra Bee that actually improve ride behavior (regen tuning, throttle feel)
The RZ build mindset: stability, visibility, and traffic-awareness upgrades that match real commuting
EV ownership simplicity: less routine maintenance compared to gas bikes
Things To Consider
Talaria XXX: belt tension/setup is worth checking early
Ultra Bee: once you start upgrading power, brakes and tuning become non-negotiable
RZ-style builds can have a learning curve if you’re used to traditional motorcycle controls
If you plan to register/insure your ride, make sure paperwork is sorted before you commit
Final Thoughts
This is the part of the EV two-wheel world I love: three machines, three completely different personalities, and each one makes sense depending on your lifestyle.
The Talaria XXX feels like an easy, confidence-building street ripper.
The Ultra Bee feels like the practical “do-it-all” platform that grows with you.
And the custom RZ route is what happens when commuting requirements (speed, stability, presence in traffic) become the priority—and you want electric torque without the constant gas-bike upkeep.
If you’re new to this space, my advice is simple: be honest about where you’ll ride most, and choose the bike that makes those miles feel effortless.
Links
Ebiker Maryland: https://www.instagram.com/ebiker_maryland/
VoltBK: https://www.instagram.com/voltbk/
DJ Soundz: https://www.instagram.com/bkdjsoundz/
Talaria XXX: https://lunacycle.com/XXX/
Surron Ultra Bee: https://chargedcycleworks.com/products/surron-ultra-bee-what-we-know-so-far
RZ: https://www.flyebike.com/product-page/rz-1
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Fox Racing Bike Gloves: https://amzn.to/40P5SyQ
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RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/