I was impressed by the ride quality of each company (car) many times.
Gowao’s electric bikes come in two specifications: the Ori, which features block pattern tires and a large-capacity battery, is priced at 1.21 million yen.
It’s not unusual for so-called import companies to increase the number of brands they handle, so I wasn’t particularly surprised when I heard that Motorist LLC, which has handled a wide range of brands, mainly motorcycles, would be introducing GoWow in 2024.
The Alpha, which appeared a little later than the Auris, has a slightly more modest battery capacity and power, which allows it to be priced at 880,000 yen, more than 300,000 yen cheaper than the Auris.
Thinking about it again, I have been impressed by the ride quality of each company (car) and each model, having experienced the Fantic, Lambretta, SYM, and other models that the company has introduced to Japan. And the GoWOW Alfa and Auri, which I recently wrote about in a test drive report, were just as exciting as ever, or perhaps even more so than ever before.
Gowao electric bikes use aluminum throughout, including the twin-spar frame, swingarm, steering stem, handlebars, and footpegs, all of which are made to be lightweight and highly rigid.
Wanting to convey this feeling to the importer, I spoke with Motorist’s representative, Hideyasu Noguchi, about various aspects of Gowao’s electric motorcycles. In the following text, I would like to share the main points of our conversation in a question-and-answer format.
The motor is installed below the battery and in front of the swingarm pivot.
The unique beauty of GoWow
Hideyasu Noguchi, who founded Motorist LLC after working for Buell and KTM Japan, is a big motorcycle and off-road enthusiast. He actively participates in events around the country with the brands his company handles.
Let’s start with the basics. How did Motorist come to adopt GoWOW?
“The opportunity came from the other party, but the main reason we decided to introduce it was because it would allow us to experience a new world different from existing bikes. Whenever we start a new relationship with an overseas manufacturer, we always visit the other party, have a thorough discussion with the president and staff, and test ride as many vehicles as possible locally before we are satisfied. This is the same with Gowao.”
What exactly does this new world that is different from existing bikes refer to?
“The GoWOW is already different from existing motorcycles in the sense that it’s an electric trail vehicle that can be ridden on public roads, but what first attracted me to it was its innovative looks. It’s rare to see a motorcycle from recent years that has such a strong impact. Of course, the ride feels impactful as well. Up until now, electric motorcycles have basically felt like they’ve replaced the reciprocating engine with a motor… but the GoWOW has created a world that can only be achieved with electricity, a world that is unique to electric vehicles.”
There are four power modes: A: Public Road, B: Forest Road, C: Desert, and D: Muddy Road.
That’s what Noguchi says, but as someone who was impressed after actually experiencing the GoWOW, wouldn’t it have been better if the Auri had been designed to resemble an existing trail/off-road vehicle, and the Alfa had been designed to follow the grammar of an existing on-road vehicle?
“Of course, I think it’s fine to have a model like that, but GoWOW is a brand that was founded only recently, and considering the impact it’s having on the global motorcycle market, I think it was a great decision to adopt the same innovative looks and structure for both bikes. When I first saw the Auri, GoWOW’s first product, I didn’t have high expectations for its off-road performance, but I was surprised to find that, thanks to the incredibly light and slim body and precisely controlled motor, it has the ability to outperform a reciprocating-engine vehicle in some situations. Also, from my perspective as someone who loves off-road riding, the fact that there’s no need to operate the clutch or change gears gives me more space to relax while riding, the clean footpegs allow me to move my feet freely, and the power unit is fully covered, so there’s no need to worry about water getting in and it’s easy to clean after riding on rough roads – these are all great features that only a GoWOW can offer.”
There are three response types: Sheep, Hound, and Cheetah. The power mode and response settings can be controlled using the left switch box or a smartphone.
When I saw the sister bikes, the Auri and Alfa, I had a question about the size of the brakes and suspension parts, including the mounting bolts. They seem similar to those for mountain bikes, but I wonder if there are any problems with strength or capacity.
“The reason the brakes and suspension parts are small is because the vehicle weight is light. After all, the weight of the Auris at 73 kg and the Alfa at 70 kg is less than that of a modern 50cc scooter. However, I myself had some concerns about the suspension, so after the bike was introduced in Japan, I asked an acquaintance who holds an international license to test ride it, and he said that there were no problems at all with the current configuration.”
The suspension parts are compact in size, and the front and rear shocks are fully adjustable.
Test rides held at events across the country
Currently, GoWOW only has two electric bikes in its lineup, the Ori and the Alpha, which share the same basic design, but I wonder what kind of electric bikes they have in mind for the future.
“It’s hard to say at this point. However, Japanese customers have expressed requests for a longer range, a lower seat, and a more off-road oriented model. We’ve conveyed these requests to our staff at headquarters, so I think we can expect a variety of developments in the future.”
Gowao’s electric motorcycles are so slim and light that they are in a different dimension from existing vehicles equipped with reciprocating engines.
In order to spread the appeal of the brands they handle, including Go-Wow, to riders all over Japan, Motorist actively participates in various events around the country and holds test rides. What kind of reaction has it received from riders who have experienced Go-Wow for the first time at such events?
“From entry-level users to veterans, almost everyone 
is surprised, saying, ‘I never knew such a world existed!’ (laughs) When people think of electric bikes, they tend to think of them as something to consider environmental issues, but once they ride a Gowao, which offers a ride that is different to that of a reciprocating engine, that impression changes completely. Of course, it’s rare for people to make an immediate purchase on the spot, but Gowao electric bikes have an appeal that draws many people, so we hope to continue spreading their unique appeal in various situations in the future.”
It’s a Class 2 moped, but the body is Class 1 and the torque is in the 500cc league! | The new possibilities of electric motorcycles revealed by the GOWOW Alpha.Could this be a replacement for a reciprocating engine vehicle? I have had this impression several times when test riding electric motorcycles in the past. However, GOWOW is the first to impress me with its characteristics that can never be achieved with a reciprocating engine vehicle. REPORT ● NAKAMURA Tomohiko PHOTO ● YAMADA Shunsuke Cooperation ● Motorists LLC https://motorists.jp/
I found a fun bike. It’s electric, a moped. I was amazed at the off-road capabilities of the trail bike, GOWOW ORI.Without fear of being misunderstood, I’ll say that before the test ride, I was just feeling like I was getting a taste of it. However, after riding the Gowao Auri to my heart’s content on unpaved roads, I was overwhelmed by the unique appeal of electric trail bikes. REPORT: Nakamura Tomohiko PHOTO: Yamada Shunsuke Cooperation: Motorists LLC https://motorists.jp/
