Rokon v Volcon :These perfect post-Zombie Apocalypse vehicles leave very little to choose between them, yet there are differences.
The names are similar, maybe too much so. Texas-based Volcon has unveiled an electric motorcycle bearing remarkably similar aspects of ageless New Hampshire-based Rokon’s progeny: the road-capable Ranger, Trail-Breaker, and Scout. The Rokons are still very much like the debut model of 1958, the legendary two-wheel-drive go-anywhere motorcycle with hollow drum wheels that can float if the water gets too deep. In a pinch those same wheels can be filled with spare fuel—or water if you’re heading into the desert (please label the two carefully!). Due to this long and seemingly indestructible history the Rokon has long enjoyed status as the perfect zombie avoidance vehicle … until now, that is.
The yet-to-be-released first offering from Volcan is Grunt (yes, Grunt … as in “The zombie, unable to communicate in another manner, grunted rudely while chewing the man’s leg.”) is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a factory spec top speed of 100 kmh and three-speed transfer case. This should outrun all but the fastest human zombies although may face challenges from zombie leopards – such are the challenges of the apocalypse. The downside is that extensive post-Apocalyptic riding will require a large array of solar power panels previously purchased..
The Grunt has the wide tires and stubby, fierce countenance of the Rokon but with a modern twists including a traditional suspension. Volcon says Grunt will deliver 75 foot-pounds torque for towing or carrying heavy loads and have a range of up to 160 kilometres, though max range will come at speeds much lower than 100 kmh— as with all vehicles, speed always factors into range estimates.
Grunt can be recharged within two hours on a household outlet or if time is of the essence (i.e. rapidly approaching zombies), the battery pack can be swapped out. An interesting fact: Grunt’s powertrain is said to be completely waterproof and if absolutely necessary can be ridden under water (only the bubbles will give you away). Not bad for MSRP $5,595 US. That does bring up an interesting side by side comparison. Is it quicker to float across a lake on the Rokon’s buoyant tires or ride across the bottom of a lake with the Grunt’s underwater capable engine.
Grunt will apparently be available in 2021 and eventually accompanied by two electric side-by-sides outputting (wait for it) 600 horsepower.
Rokon v Volcon: Specs
It’s fun to compare Rokon’s specs to that of the Volcon. Its 208cc air-cooled single produces seven horsepower and 9.1 foot-pounds torque yet variations of the platform can tow a load of 907 kilograms, the company says—though perhaps not up the 60 per cent grade an unloaded Rokon could otherwise tackle.
Rokon’s top speed is 56 kmh and there is aPTO for additional implements out in the woods. With fuel consumption of only 1.24 litres/hour, a dominating ground clearance of 330mm, the simplicity of a carburetor and an air-cooled single, Rokon has a model on its website targeted specifically to “Preppers.” If you plan to ride out the Zombie Apocalypse, there are few better choices.
Available accessories for the Rokon include trenching tools, scabbard for machete, tow hitches, log skidders, multiple ammo can mounts, rescue trailers and even a sidecar (for possible additional heavy armament?). Rokon models range from $6,875 US for the Scout to $8,395 US for the workhorse Mototractor model.
So the Zombie Apocalypse is near. What do you ride? The Grunt—a quick, low carbon-producing, silent getaway that no zombie can hear (even while scuba diving). Or the Rokon: a slow getaway to a distant and virtually inaccessible cabin high on a mountain slope.
Tough choices.
by John Molony Canadian Biker Issue #351
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