Diem Motors introduced the X-01 concept at MBE in Verona in January 2025, followed by a display at Reload.Land in Berlin in June 2025. The team has developed a fully operational prototype, with all key electrical components, including the motor and battery, designed and built in-house. The X-01, aims for a 35 kW power output, utilizing the electric drivetrain’s instant high torque to provide a nimble and thrilling city riding experience.

This electric motorbike boasts an entirely new single-beam frame design and a direct-drive, high-torque axial flux hub motor, which is optimized for both power density and mechanical simplicity. By removing components like chains, sprockets, and gearboxes, the system significantly reduces drivetrain complexity and maintenance—perfect for urban riders who may not have garage access or prefer vehicles with low upkeep.

Daniel Kemnitz: “Our focus isn’t on rivaling traditional methods; rather, we aim to provide innovative and thrilling alternatives that riders haven’t experienced before. With this approach, we are leading the way in the next phase of electric motorcycles.”

Electrification offers a chance to completely rethink motorcycle design. At Diem, this involves placing the motor directly on the rear axle, creating more room for an efficient battery configuration. This decision sparked a series of innovations, including a complete redesign of the frame, optimized for weight reduction, structural strength, and streamlined production.

The outcome is a motorcycle design that fully capitalizes on the opportunities electrification presents, not merely adapting existing models but completely redefining them.

“Electrification lets us question everything—from frame design to drivetrain layout. We’re not adapting old platforms; we’re inventing new ones.”

The team

Diem Motors was established by a team of close collaborators who collectively bring over 40 years of expertise in transportation and motorcycle design. The founding members are:

• Daniel Kemnitz, founder of ONI Design Studio, renowned for his global mobility projects involving both two- and four-wheeled vehicles.
• Angel Lussiana, an experienced designer who has collaborated with leading OEMs like BMW, Tata, and Piaggio, and has also taught at IED Torino.
• Manvendra Shaktawat, a graduate in transportation design known for his contributions to innovation-driven mobility projects supported by Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Hyzon.

Driven by a mutual enthusiasm for motorcycles and a profound knowledge of mobility systems, the team created Diem with a distinct mission: to reinvent the electric motorcycle from the ground up and explore the untapped opportunities in this rapidly expanding market.

Vertical integration, manufacturing, and sustainability

Diem’s philosophy centers on vertical integration and complete design oversight. Instead of depending on standard, off-the-shelf parts typically made for general applications, Diem internally develops key components like the drivetrain and frame. This approach allows for seamless integration, precise hardware optimization, and excellent quality control.

By adopting a vertically integrated strategy, the company achieves weight and cost efficiencies while speeding up product development. Their small and dynamic team can quickly respond to innovations in battery, motor, and materials technology, ensuring they remain at the forefront of electric mobility advancements.

However, sustainability encompasses more than just electric propulsion. Diem Motors has embraced a lean manufacturing model that cuts down on material waste, reduces the need for casting and welding, and utilizes intelligent material usage. The focus is on sustainability throughout the entire product lifecycle, from engineering and production to real, world operation.

Brand positioning and vision

Diem is more than just a product; it’s a brand driven by strong beliefs. They view electrification as an opportunity for innovative design rather than a limitation: a chance to question norms, challenge conventions, and reinvent the motorcycle for a new generation of riders.

This brand thrives at the crossroads of performance, accessibility, and forward-thinking design. The X-01 marks the start of a larger mission to make high-end motorcycle experiences accessible to more people and to influence the future of two-wheeled mobility.