The RFN Ares Endurance has continued to surprise me this month. Every time I think I’ve figured out exactly where this bike fits, I find another reason to use it. It’s becoming one of those bikes that you just grab the keys for because it’s so easy, quiet and convenient.

 

One job where it really came into its own was while shooting the Suzuki DR-Z4S. We needed to get into a fairly dodgy section of dirt for some photos, and the RFN turned out to be the perfect camera vehicle. Being electric meant I could quietly sneak around a gate and plod down a muddy trail without disturbing anyone or leaving much of a footprint. It felt a bit like having a mountain bike with a throttle, allowing me to get into places where a noisy petrol bike would have attracted far too much attention.

 

I’ve also continued using it for my daily commute to the gym. It’s only a five-minute trip, but it’s amazing how much quicker it feels when you’re filtering through traffic instead of sitting in it. The instant torque still impresses me every time I twist the throttle. It jumps away from the lights effortlessly and, best of all, I’m not spending a cent on fuel. For short trips around town, it’s hard to argue with the running costs.

 

The only criticism I still have is the braking performance. Around town, particularly when lane splitting or manoeuvring through traffic, I’d really like to see a larger or more powerful front brake. The motor has enough punch to dart through gaps with ease, but the brakes don’t quite inspire the same confidence when you need to pull it up quickly. Bigger brakes would be a good upgrade for this bike.

 

Even so, the more I ride the RFN, the more I appreciate what it is. It’s not trying to replace an enduro bike or a motocrosser. It’s a practical, fun and incredibly cheap way to get around, and it’s proving there’s a place in the shed for an electric bike even if you already own a garage full of petrol-powered machines.

 

2026 RFN Ares Endurance

 

RRP
$6,990 + ORC

WARRANTY
1 year

DISTRIBUTOR
RFN Bike

INTERNET
rfnbike.com.au

SO FAR

TOTAL HOURS
36

MODS THIS MONTH
None

MODS NEXT MONTH
None