2022 Fonz NKDx Review

The electric revolution is upon us, so they keep telling us, and Fonz is one of many electric motorcycle brands now scattered around the world. But Fonz is an Australian company and it has a comparatively long history in the electric game. And the 2022 Fonz NKDx is an example of the clever and practical products that this little company can produce.

With 12-inch tyres and a 770mm seat height, the compact NKDx is comparable to the Honda Monkey. Well, except for one key difference of course. The NKDx is powered by an electric belt-driven brushless motor that puts out 11kW and has a claimed battery range of 200km.

The other key difference is the price tag. The Honda Monkey starts at $7530 ride away, while the NKDx starts from $14,990 plus on road costs.

It seems electric is still not entirely affordable, but we’re heading in the right direction. And, if you’re prepared to give up some power and battery range, then there are other NKD variants that start from $7990 plus on-roads.

But don’t let the rather hefty price tag totally dissuade you, because there is still plenty to like about the NKDx, which presents as a practical urban commuter that blends aspects of a motorcycle, a bicycle, and a scooter.

Before I continue, however, let me give you a quick rundown on the company. Sydney-based Fonz began life in 2010 as Fonzarelli, with founder Michelle Nazzari utilising experience and knowledge from her work in the automotive industry.

Fonzarelli launched its first models in 2014 and the company soon developed a reputation for making electric scooters and motorcycles. Now known simply as Fonz, the brand is well-placed to play an important role in the electrification of the motorcycle industry.

So, does this Australian-born company hit the mark with the NKDx? Yes – for the most part at least.

The first thing to mention is the style. It is a small and compact machine, which might look a little odd to some people. But get past that, and you have a kind of post-apocalyptic machine that wouldn’t look out place in Mad Max.

Do I like how it looks? Well, it’s not my cup of tea personally, but it would blend in well in an urban jungle and, strangely, it would look cool in a coastal town with a surfboard strapped to it. The surfboard rack is an actual optional extra, by the way.

The ride position is not so appealing, although it could be just a case of big man, little bike syndrome. At 6ft 1in and quite solidly built, I am probably not the best person to be commenting on the NKDx’s ergonomics. But there are some issues.

Notably, the footpeg set-up needs to be re-designed. There are two sets of footpegs, with one set presumably for a pillion passenger. But the front footpegs are small, uncomfortable and placed too far forward. The rear footpegs are chunkier and in a slightly better positon, but they are placed too high and too far back.

My only guess is that you use the rear footpegs when riding solo, and then the front 'pegs when you have a passenger. Either way though, I’m not sure you’ll be very comfortable.

That aside, the bike isn’t all that bad ergonomically. The handlebar is well placed and the levers are adjustable. The seat is also not too bad, but there isn't a heap of room for a pillion.

In motion, the bike handles pretty well. It’s quite agile, even despite the small wheels. I didn’t tackle any crazy corners, but around the urban environment the bike was nimble and easy to use. It apparently has a reverse function, but it really isn’t needed. According to Fonz, the bike weighs just 119kg, which is impressive.

I was concerned the small wheels would rob the bike of some handling ability and also make rough roads a nightmare. But the suspension is quite good and its plushness makes up for any awkward deflections as a result of the 12-inchers.

Up until this point, the NKDx is an okay motorcycle and a functional urban commuter, but open the throttle and you’ll see a totally different side to the machine.

The NKDx is quick. Like, very quick. It totally caught me by surprise and at one point I almost whiskey-throttled the bike into the back of a Mercedes. The initial throttle response is quite jerky, but get through that and it will feel like a rocketship.

Now, I’m no lightweight, but the NKDx carried me like it was nothing. After that initial jerkiness, the power is smooth and linear, just as an electric motor should be. The bike zips around town with plenty of torque in the tank.  

Apparently, the bike is capped at 100km/h, which shouldn’t matter, because most owners won’t be straying too far from city areas. But, in a straight line, you’ll reach that 100km/h mark pretty quickly.

I should note at this point, that this is all in Mode 3. To be honest, Mode 3 is probably too much for the commuters, students, delivery riders, and beginners that will most likely buy this bike. I imagine for many less experienced riders, it would be quite scary. Fortunately there are two other modes.

Mode 2 is much more user friendly. It still has plenty of usable torque, but the initial throttle response isn’t so violent. While many motorcyclists will automatically opt for Mode 3 (me included) because it is more fun, I do think Mode 2 is a much more sensible and practical choice.

And Mode 1? Well, that drops the excitement levels completely with super-soft power. Is it useless? No, not at all. In heavy traffic, or perhaps when you’re running low on battery range, Mode 1 is there to save the day. But I’ll still probably use Mode 3. Just saying.

Speaking of battery range, 200km is quite a lot for a small electric motorcycle. I didn’t get to test the accuracy of that claim in reality, but I rode for a couple of hours straight without dropping too much battery life. So, who knows? Maybe 200km is possible. I’d be super impressed if it is.

Charging is handled by a standard bike-to-wall charger, but Fonz does offer optional fast charging and a Type 2 portable charger. The claim is 10 hours for a full standard charge and 4.5 hours for a fast charge – not lightning quick, but still around the mark compared to other electric motorcycles.

What else do you need to know? The brakes work well enough, but there is no ABS. There is an LCD display, but apart from speed and battery range, it is basically useless. And the bike is also equipped with a digital keyless ignition.

The other important thing to note that there is a heap of accessories available for the bike. Fonz says that the NKD series is designed as a blank canvas, which owners can then customise with different options. As I alluded to earlier, there are a number of different NKD variants available, with each offering a different powertrain. The X model sits at the top of the range.

Other options available to customers include different seats, different wheels, a tank bag, side panniers, a wheel lock, a surfboard rack, bar-end mirrors, USB-C connectivity, a helmet lock, and an array of paint schemes.

Of course, the big question is, who will buy this bike? Well, I don’t think it will appeal to rusted-on motorcyclists. Sure, it’s fun and practical, but it is perhaps closer in spirit to a scooter than a full-size motorcycle, and I can already imagine the dismissive grumbles from the faithful…

Where this bike will garner some attention is with commuters, university students, delivery riders, and those looking for something to run errands or check the surf with.

The $14,990 price tag is definitely not for everyone (and it’s worth noting that price will climb when you add on-roads and options), but those a little bit short on cash can always look at the NKDa ($7990), which has an 80km top speed and a 50km battery range.

But there is something about the NKD platform that really grabs you. It is an example of how getting more people on two-wheels can make life that little bit breezier and easy-going. Think about it: less pollution, less traffic congestion and happier mindsets. Say what you will about electric, but that equation sounds pretty good to me.

Who knows where the motorcycle industry is going? I sure don’t. But if electric is the future, then it’s reassuring to know companies like Fonz are having a red hot crack at giving us something to get excited about. The NKDx isn’t perfect, but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun.