If you follow the high-performance e-bike scene, you know power figures have steadily climbed, but the Wired Raven takes things into territory that blurs the line between bicycle and motorcycle. Billed as a compact 20-inch step-through cruiser, this bike packs unexpected muscle under the hood. Here is a comprehensive look at what this machine offers, how to tame its aggressive power curve, and how it holds up out on the open road.
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Key Specifications & Architecture
- Powertrain: A 72-volt system powered by a rear hub Hentak motor featuring steel-plated gearing. It operates at 2,000W nominal and peaks beyond 5,000W, generating a massive 210 Nm of torque.
- Battery Capacity: A dual-battery design offering 35Ah total (a 72V 15Ah rear-rack pack paired with a 72V 20Ah downtube battery) constructed using Samsung 21700 50S cells certified to UL 2271 standards.
- Frame & Weight: Built from 6061 aluminum alloy, the Raven tips the scales at a hefty 142 lbs with both batteries installed (104 lbs without).
- Suspension & Braking: Full suspension comprising an RST Guide/Fat 36 fork with 120 mm of travel up front and a DNM AO-8RC air shock in the rear. Stopping power is supplied by Gemma 4-piston hydraulic calipers clamping down on oversized 203 mm rotors front and rear.
- Drivetrain: A 7-speed Shimano setup paired with an expansive 56T front chainring and an 11–34T freewheel to prevent ghost pedaling at top speeds.
How to Tame the Power via Display Settings
With over 5,000 peak watts on tap, full-throttle input from a dead stop can cause the front wheel to lift unexpectedly. To make the Raven manageable for everyday road riding without sacrificing its top-end performance, several critical adjustments should be made in the LCD display settings:
- Tune Start Strength: Set the start strength setting directly to “Smoothest”. This eliminates the sudden jerk off the line and gives the motor a smooth, predictable roll-on.
- Enable Throttle Follow: Turn Throttle Follow to “Yes”. Instead of dumping 100% wattage the moment the twist grip is applied, this restricts throttle output to match whatever Pedal Assist (PAS) tier you are currently riding in.
- Rescale the PAS Percentages: Re-distributing the power curves across the 5 assist levels delivers progressive speed:
- PAS 1: 10% (ideal for slow maneuvering and parking lots at ~15 mph)
- PAS 2: 25% (cruises easily around 25–27 mph)
- PAS 3: 45%
- PAS 4: 75%
- PAS 5: 99% / 100% (unrestricted power)
Road Testing: Climbing Hills & Top Speed
- Hill Climbing: Tackling a steep test incline in PAS 4, the Raven pushed up the slope at 30 to 33 mph without needing maximum throttle, accompanied by the distinct whine of its steel-geared motor.
- Stopping Ability: Braking from speeds over 35 mph proved responsive, with the 4-piston calipers bringing the 142 lb machine to a stable, controlled stop with zero brake fade.
- Flat Top-Speed Run: Unleashed into PAS 5 on a flat stretch of road, the bike topped out at a GPS/display-indicated 45.5 mph, delivering one of the fastest straight-line runs available on an out-of-the-box e-bike.
Ride Comfort, Ergonomics & Suggested Mods
- Cockpit & Stems: Because the Raven sits on a compact 20-inch frame without an adjustable stem, taller riders (around 6’0″) may find the reach somewhat low. Swapping to an 8″ to 10″ riser handlebar provides a more upright riding posture.
- Headset Adjustment: The bike comes equipped with a Cane Creek ViscoSet (Hellbender 70) steering damper to prevent high-speed speed wobbles caused by the heavy rear battery. Loosening the stem pinch bolts and backing off the center bolt roughly 1/8th turn counterclockwise loosens up tight stock steering while maintaining stability.
- Saddle Upgrade: The small factory saddle can feel inadequate at 40+ mph. Upgrading to an aftermarket seat like a Cloud 9 (31.8 mm seatpost) or pairing it with a suspension seatpost significantly improves rider stability and comfort.
- Lighting: The integrated 12V motorcycle-style headlight, electronic horn, and frame-integrated turn signals deliver high visibility for night riding, though the turn signals must be canceled manually.
Priced around $2,799, the Wired Raven delivers power matching its aggressive specs. When calibrated properly, it transitions from a rowdy, wheelie-prone machine into a stable, high-speed commuter capable of keeping pace with local traffic. Just remember to gear up with a DOT-rated helmet and body protection before testing its limits.
BUY THE RAVEN and Get $100 Off
