ONYX Legendary Heroes
ONYX Heroes is all about celebrating those jaw-dropping ONYX DIY rockstar projects that push boundaries and turn heads. These builds aren’t just about the bikes-they’re a labor of love, where every detail gets the spotlight it deserves. Fueled by passion, creativity, and a touch of rebellion, these projects redefine what’s possible, inspiring the entire community to dream big and build even bigger. From custom tweaks to full-blown transformations, this is where the boldest ideas come to life, and the ONYX spirit shines brightest.
ONYX Hero Ivan Ceja
Conversations with Ivan this past year have been a fun wild ride, especially with the electrifying news of ONYX Motors making its epic comeback. It was everything we’d been crossing our fingers for, and having Tim Seward return to the helm was like the cherry on top of the dream sundae. But let’s be real-Ivan didn’t just sit back and enjoy the show. No, he dove headfirst into the action and became a powerhouse in making ONYX Motors’ return a reality.
And oh boy, did he crank it up to 11. Ivan went full ONYX legend mode, tearing down bikes like a mad scientist, creating killer media content, organizing events like a pro, and turning community interactions into an art form. His energy? Off the charts. His dedication? Next level. Before ONYX Motors even officially made its comeback, Ivan was already helping carry the community on his shoulders, keeping the vibes alive and thriving.
His enthusiasm is downright contagious-it’s like he’s powered by the same battery tech we all love. Ivan doesn’t just set the bar; he launches it into the stratosphere. We’re beyond grateful to have him in our corner, and honestly, the ONYX community wouldn’t be the same without him. Cheers to you, Ivan-you’re ONYX ASF!
ONYX Hero Mark Thon
Yo! Thon is straight-up redefining what it means to be an ONYX community legend. He’s not just along for the ride-he’s helping lead the charge. From backing game-changing projects to diving headfirst into testing and taking wild leaps on cutting-edge tech, Thon has become the gold standard for what it means to rep the ONYX community.
Remember the aftermarket refresh project that leveled up our battery game this year? Yeah, that wouldn’t have been the same without Thon’s magic touch. And now, he’s out here making history with the first-ever ONYX GTVB Mode build. That’s all Thon. He’s the mastermind behind so many killer details that have seamlessly shaped the ONYX ecosystem.
Thon isn’t just a tech wizard-he’s the backbone of the ONYX community fam. Always looking out for the crew, driving the latest advancements, and showing us just how far we can push our bikes. Big props to Thon for keeping the ONYX energy alive, unstoppable, and downright electrifying!
ONYX Hero “The Ryan”
You can’t just call him Ryan-he’s always referred to as “The Ryan”, a name synonymous with heroics and ingenuity in the ONYX community. He’s not just a rider; he’s the first ONYX Avenger, a legend whose story began with an extraordinary act of valor.
It all started with his first superhero mission: helping Jonathan Casiano recover his stolen ONYX. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I had just started assisting Jonathan in the search for his bike when he turned to me, brimming with confidence, and said, “Ryan’s GOT THIS!” I was caught off guard and asked, “Who is this Ryan you’re talking about?” Jonathan replied with conviction, “His name is The Ryan, and that’s all you need to know.”
True to his reputation, it wasn’t even a week later when Jonathan’s ONYX was recovered. And this wasn’t just any bike-this was an Indiegogo ONYX RCR, a rare and highly sought-after piece of ONYX history. These bikes are considered the holy grail by ONYX enthusiasts, often treated with meticulous care akin to white-glove service.
But “The Ryan” wasn’t done making waves. Oh no. His next contribution would leave a lasting mark on the ONYX community. He went on to create the first aftermarket motor stays, a vital innovation for high-performance riders. These motor stays weren’t just functional-they were a necessity for those pushing their bikes to the limit, like me. When I began running my setup at 20kW of power, I needed something to keep my rear axle firmly in place. Enter Ryan’s motor stays. They performed exactly as their name suggested, holding the axle steady as if responding to a command: “Motor, stay!”
“The Ryan” didn’t stop there. As an OG ONYX legend, he continued to shape the future of the community by developing the Motormed app. This groundbreaking tool transformed how riders tuned their controllers, allowing them to configure Champ Mode and Sicko Mode with a single tap. The app’s automatic controller tune population made high-performance adjustments accessible to even the least tech-savvy riders.
Today, “The Ryan” has embraced a quieter life, but his presence is no less legendary. You can find him sitting on his porch, wearing a straw hat, sipping on his homemade moonshine. His distinctive Creole accent-different from the typical Southern drawl-adds an air of charm to his already magnetic personality. While he may seem like he’s taking it easy, everyone in the ONYX community knows that “The Ryan” is always ready for his next great mission.
ONYX Hero Tom Zartler
In November 2023, I came across Tom’s incredible work in 3D printing, and as fate would have it, Tom happened to own an ONYX. Naturally, this sparked a series of conversations where we exchanged ideas and brainstormed possibilities for the ONYX community. What started as casual chats quickly turned into something extraordinary-Tom drafted the very first 3D-printed full front fender for the ONYX RCR and the CTY2. When I saw the finished product, I was blown away. It was not only functional but also beautifully designed, elevating the bike’s aesthetic while adding practical value.
But Tom didn’t stop there. Building on the success of the front fender, he expanded his repertoire to create a range of 3D-printed accessories specifically for ONYX bikes. These included battery covers, tail light mounts, turn signal mounts, and even a stunning rear fender. Each piece demonstrated Tom’s commitment to quality and innovation, offering ONYX riders solutions that weren’t just practical but also seamlessly integrated with the bike’s design.
What made this even more exciting was the possibility of outfitting both the ONYX RCR and the ONYX CTY2 with matching full front and rear fenders. For the first time, riders could access a complete set of custom-designed, 3D-printed fenders that were tailored specifically to their bikes. This not only improved the functionality and look of the bikes but also opened up new customization opportunities for the ONYX community.
Tom’s work has truly revolutionized how ONYX riders can personalize and upgrade their bikes. From initial ideas to finished products, his dedication and craftsmanship have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s amazing to see how one person’s expertise and passion for both 3D printing and ONYX bikes have brought so much value to the community.
ONYX Hero Arian Chamasmany
Arian sprang out of bed one glorious morning, the sun streaming through the window, igniting his sense of purpose. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day to rebuild his beloved ONYX RCR into a masterpiece. Armed with tools, supplies, and the willpower of a true ONYX DIY hero, he dove into his mission. He began with the wood cover, the ONYX’s signature piece. After carefully cleaning and clear-coating it, Arian applied a polished new finish that restored its natural beauty. The wood gleamed under the light, a testament to his attention to detail.
Next came the performance upgrades. With the precision of a surgeon, he injected statorade directly into the motor, a bold move that only seasoned ONYX warriors would dare attempt. This upgrade would keep the motor cool during high-powered rides, ensuring peak reliability. Pleased with the improvement, he turned to the reaxle, giving it a fresh re-thread, ensuring every adjustment was precise.
The wiring came next. Arian meticulously shrink-wrapped the phase wires, protecting them while giving the setup a sleek, professional look. For the finishing touch, he grabbed his polish and buffed the side panels until they shone like mirrors, erasing every smudge and scratch. By the end of the day, his ONYX RCR wasn’t just a bike-it was a work of art, a testament to his passion and skill. Another legendary day in the life of an ONYX hero, redefining what’s possible, one meticulous upgrade at a time.
ONYX Hero Craig Robertson
Craig, a towering presence at 6'5", decided to take his ONYX RCR to the next level-literally. Known for his innovative approach to customization, he tackled the ambitious project of integrating a Leili rear swing arm into his ONYX RCR. This modification dramatically elevated the bike’s ride height to an impressive 36 inches, perfectly suited for his stature. To complete the transformation, he fitted it with rugged 19-inch rims, each double cross-laced to support the power and torque of a QS 273 motor-a true heavyweight in the e-bike world.
At the front, Craig installed inverted Fox suspension, renowned for its superior performance and durability. These were mounted on custom-designed triple trees, specifically engineered to accommodate the bike’s stock 25mm steerer tube, ensuring a seamless fit while enhancing handling and stability. For the rear, he opted for a Fox EVOL Float suspension, known for its ability to absorb shocks and deliver a smooth, controlled ride, even on the roughest terrain.
But Craig didn’t stop at mechanical upgrades. To ensure his RCR could handle the increased demands of his setup, his custom-built battery pack using high-performance Sony VT6 cells at 110AH. This powerhouse of a battery delivered the consistent current needed to unleash the full potential of his upgraded motor and drivetrain.
The result was a jaw-dropping hybrid of precision engineering and bold design-a one-of-a-kind ONYX RCR that commanded attention and respect wherever it went. Craig’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to pushing boundaries ensured his bike was not just a means of transportation, but a statement of innovation and individuality.