Death to Petrol: A Radical Electric Vision from London
In a workshop in London, the team at Untitled Motorcycles set out to challenge one of motorcycling’s most sacred assumptions: that performance and personality require petrol. The result is Death to Petrol—a stark, futuristic electric motorcycle that looks less like a converted bike and more like a manifesto on two wheels.
Conceived by founder Adam Kay, the project isn’t merely about swapping an engine for a motor. It’s about rethinking the architecture of a motorcycle from the ground up. Without the bulk and constraints of an internal combustion engine, the bike’s proportions are dramatically altered. A sculptural perimeter frame made from oversized tubular steel wraps tightly around the battery and motor, leaving the mechanical heart of the machine fully exposed.
There’s no faux fuel tank, no decorative fairings—just a compact saddle perched above a central battery pack and a minimalist lighting setup mounted to a stout front end. Twin vertical LED strips blaze from the front like a warning signal from the future. The stance is pure supermoto: upright, aggressive, and ready to flick through tight urban corners.
Power comes from an electric drive unit sourced from Sur-Ron, integrated into a custom battery and controller system. The drivetrain sends torque directly to the rear wheel via chain, delivering immediate throttle response—the kind electric bikes are known for. While its top speed hovers around city-friendly numbers rather than highway territory, the emphasis here is punchy acceleration and lightweight agility.
And lightweight it is. By stripping the bike down to its essential components and eliminating unnecessary bodywork, the builders have created a machine that feels closer to a BMX-inspired street weapon than a conventional motorcycle. Suspension and braking components are high-spec, reinforcing that this isn’t just a design study—it’s built to be ridden hard.
Visually, Death to Petrol walks a fine line between industrial art piece and urban assault vehicle. The matte finishes, exposed welds, and compact geometry give it a raw, almost defiant character. It doesn’t attempt to imitate petrol bikes; instead, it highlights the freedom electric powertrains offer designers willing to abandon tradition.
More than anything, Death to Petrol is a statement. It asks riders to imagine a future where the emotional pull of a motorcycle doesn’t depend on noise or fumes, but on torque, balance, and bold design. Love it or hate it, this machine proves that the electric revolution in motorcycling won’t be quiet—it’ll just make its point differently.
Range: 97km / 60mi
Speed: 89kmh / 55mph
Charge time: 4 hours
Battery: Removable