This post explores the history of ONYX Motors, my ONYX history and the ONYX community. It delves into key milestones, achievements, and contributions that have shaped the brand and its loyal following, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to a bright future.
ONYX Motors History
2012 - ONYX Motors
June 2012
The ONYX RCR journey began in 2012 when Tim Seward developed the very first prototype, laying the foundation for what would evolve into an iconic and highly influential electric bike.
2016 - ONYX Motors
March 2016
ONYX Motors, founded by Tim Seward in 2016, set out to bring the thrill of classic motorbikes into the electric era. What began as a personal project grew into a movement, ONYX bikes combine timeless design with individuality, offering more than just a ride-they make a statement.
2017 - ONYX Motors
June 2017
First proof-of-concept prototypes with test rides.
September 2017
Rigorous terrain testing and creating online project awareness.
November 2017
Project planning and narrowing down key manufacturers.
2018 - ONYX Motors
May 2018
In 2018, Onyx Motors launched its highly anticipated Indiegogo campaign, led by visionary designer and founder Tim Seward. The campaign not only introduced the world to a groundbreaking electric motorbike but also surpassed all expectations, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s journey.
July 2018
ONYX Motors begins production and final assembly at 455 Irwin St #104, San Francisco, California.
2019 - ONYX Motors
January 2019
Edward Lara receives the first Indiegogo ONYX RCR, delivered to him by Tim Seward.
2024 - ONYX Motors
December 2024
ONYX Motors has made its return, revitalizing the electric motorbike scene with its iconic designs and innovative technology. Under the leadership of original founder Tim Seward, the company is back in action, based in Los Angeles, California. With a focus on quality, performance, and style, ONYX Motors is reintroducing its flagship model, the ONYX RCR LTD, delivering the perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and cutting-edge electric power. Enthusiasts and new riders alike can look forward to a fresh chapter in the ONYX legacy as the company sets the stage for the future of electric motorbikes.
December 2024
The very first of the limited-edition ONYX RCR LTD series, 1 of only 100 produced, was personally delivered by Tim Seward himself to Tim Roberts’ residence in Los Angeles, marking a memorable moment in the brand’s history.
ONYX History John Angel
2019 - John Angel
June 2019
One evening, a ridiculously good-looking electric bike zoomed past me. The next day, I went into Filipachi in Soho, hoping they’d have it, but I had no idea what it was called. Thinking I’d never see it again, I bought a Super 73 S1. Then, by pure luck, a friend walked in with an ONYX RCR, and I was blown away! I learned it was only available online, and after some more luck, I found they were in stock. I immediately placed my order!
As I was placing my ONYX RCR order, my friend goes, “But you just bought a Super 73!” I shot back, “I’ll give it to your kids when the ONYX RCR arrives.” Fast forward to now, since getting my ONYX RCR in the fall of 2019, I’ve been spreading the ONYX love like crazy by helping the ONYX community with repairs, support, group rides, races, modifications, blogging, moderating, and helping myself by riding the heck out of my ONYX!
October 2019
When my friend’s ONYX RCR and my ONYX RCR arrived in New York City, delivered by Haul Bikes, we couldn’t contain our excitement. We raced out to 16 Cherry Street, Brooklyn, to pick them up. There they were-fully assembled, gleaming, and ready to roll straight off the truck. But the real surprise? The truck wasn’t just carrying our bikes-it was loaded with ONYX RCRs! We had no idea just how many other bikes were heading into eager hands that day.
What we really didn’t expect was that some of those other ONYX owners would become our good friends. Funny enough, I had no clue back then that I’d end up maintaining many of those same bikes right up until now.
That first ride was pure magic. We cruised back into Manhattan together, a little gang of fresh ONYX owners, buzzing with excitement and the thrill of the open road. I remember feeling like anything was possible, with only common sense as my guide for what I should or shouldn’t do on this beast of a bike.
That memory? It’s golden. It’s the one I go back to thousands of times when I’m helping new ONYX owners. It’s how I keep that sense of wonder alive-reliving what it felt like to be a brand-new rider discovering the world all over again.
2020 - John Angel
April 2020
By the winter of 2019, I’d racked up some serious miles on my ONYX RCR, feeling pretty invincible-until March 2020 rolled around and my 23Ah battery decided it had a bedtime. Anything below 45% charge? Lights out. My first thought was, “Is this just me?” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. Turns out, I had stumbled upon a universal ONYX headache that even the battery manufacturer couldn’t figure out. Great.
By then, I’d already become the go-to ONYX mechanic for my friends, so the pressure was on. If I didn’t know how to fix something, I learned fast. This time, I dove headfirst into the mysterious world of NMC battery cells. By April 2020, after countless hours of testing, tinkering, and probably driving myself half-crazy, I cracked the code. I figured out the issue and how to fix it.
My first blog post about the solution went live in the ONYX official Facebook group. I posted it under the ultra-casual alias “ONYX-RCR-BATTERY” because, you know, I like to keep things low-key (cue exaggerated wink). Sure enough, the ONYX community caught on, and everyone realized this was something we could actually fix ourselves. Problem solved.
Suddenly, my name was ONYX-famous-okay, maybe just “Facebook group famous,” but still. As the story goes, I’ve been known for acts of kindness and dropping ONYX knowledge bombs ever since. And yes, I still get people saying, “Hey, aren’t you the ONYX guy?”
2021 - John Angel
February 2021
Sicko Mode was born out of necessity because, back in 2021, the ONYX community was accidentally frying their bikes by cranking up the power. By pure luck, as I dove deeper into the rabbit hole, I discovered that the ONYX RCR was ridiculously overengineered and had about 70% more potential. Coincidentally, I had just built my own Molicel P42A 50Ah battery that still rocks like a superstar today.
I started experimenting with phase wire shunts, measuring devices, and even a FLIR thermal camera. Piece by piece, I got closer to unlocking the full power of this beast of a bike. After testing the ONYX 23Ah battery in Sicko Mode, adding my Molicel P42A, and coming out of winter into spring, everything finally clicked-and Sicko Mode was born! The step-down versions-Torque Mode, Champ Mode, and Plaid Mode-gave everyone a chance to gradually level up to Sicko Mode.
2022 - John Angel
August 2022
Jaws Mode was born in August of 2022 from my Park Avenue races that had electric bikes across the country glued to their mobile screens. That’s when the international hype and praise started flooding in. Sicko Mode was already epic, but I couldn’t shake the curiosity bug as I helped friends push their bikes to take Sicko Mode even further. The Fardriver controller really stood out during my races as the perfect upgrade to double the ONYX RCR’s power. And here we are in 2024-everything’s lined up just right to drop Jaws Mode in an upcoming post!
ONYX Community History
2020 - ONYX Community
December 2020
Craig Robertson, standing at 6'5", modified a Leili rear swing arm onto his ONYX RCR, raising the bike to 36" with 19" rims on a double cross-laced QS 273. It features inverted Fox front suspension mounted on custom triple trees, while retaining the stock 25mm steerer tube and Fox EVOL Float suspension in the rear, along with a custom-built Sony VT6 battery 110AH battery.
2022 - ONYX Community
September 2022
The ONYX RCR Cine Bike from Metro Camera Cars was originally an RCR I had restored, which was then completely customized by Ari Moore. It was used on set for movies such as The Bikeriders (2023) and Wolfs (2024). Earlier this year, the Cine Bike was upgraded with a NAB 58AH battery, Fardriver 84680, and QS 260 in collaboration with Mike Rosenblum, Ron Carroll, and myself.
2023 - ONYX Community
November 2023
Research into safer, higher-quality, and more modern aftermarket batteries began after a price hike to $3,199.
2024 - ONYX Community
June 2024
The research and collaberative efforts with Thon and Elliot paid off with the acquisition of NAB Batteries, North East Battery Systems, Amorge and other battery builders. By early 2024, Amorge delivered a more powerful and safer, custom-designed battery with a protective case, priced at $1,050.
