From concept to competition-ready reality, Ben Robinson engineered an electric trials motorcycle

Yorkshire-born engineer Ben Robinson has never met a vehicle he didn’t love. His childhood was spent dominating national go-kart circuits before graduating to trials riding at fifteen, a passion that’s carried him through the next quarter-century. Now approaching forty, Ben has been astride two wheels since he was barely four years old, competing in prestigious events like the Scottish Six Days and Scott trials more times than most riders dream possible.

In 1981, Ben’s parents founded Gleve Engineering, a subcontract machining company where he learned practical skills almost as soon as he could walk. After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from Huddersfield University and working as a design and test engineer in the automotive sector, Ben returned to the family business, drawn back by his passion for fabrication. Since then, he’s crafted components for diverse industries, from precision medical devices to automotive parts, specialized jigs, and custom tooling.

Motorcycles have been Ben’s lifelong obsession, particularly the idea of creating and riding his own custom machines. His first major success came with an electric enduro-style bike that he not only designed and built but also managed to get street-legal in the UK. After logging roughly 2,500 miles on this prototype over two years, he couldn’t ignore the enthusiastic responses from onlookers who invariably stopped him to ask questions, a clear signal that he might be onto something commercially viable.

Driven by his love for trials riding, Ben embarked on creating his own competition-ready motorcycle from scratch. Beginning in December 2023, he dedicated over 1500 hours to designing, machining, testing and refining his vision into the remarkable machine before you. These countless hours of development happened while maintaining his full-time job at the family business. Between professional responsibilities, raising two children, and renovating his home, Ben’s passion project has come at the cost of any semblance of a normal sleep schedule.

Ben’s creation is a purpose-built trials machine, boasting following specifications: 14 kW peak power, a 2.3 kWh battery, perfect 50:50 weight distribution at just 73 kg, and a custom-engineered diaphragm clutch.

The bike features a quick-change final drive ratio, currently fixed gear while Ben tests various configurations to determine optimal ratios before implementing his in-development gearbox. Virtually every component bears Ben’s signature craftsmanship: from frame to fork yokes, battery to tank, driveline to motor cases, clutch to swingarm, and the suspension linkage.

His development process continues with additional components already designed and awaiting fabrication. With each iteration, the bike sheds weight while gaining power and improving handling characteristics.

The future: electric dreams of a trials rider

Though Ben initially created this machine purely as a personal competition vehicle, the overwhelming response has him considering commercial possibilities with the right manufacturing partners. This aligns perfectly with his lifelong dream of earning a living through motorcycles, not because he’s chasing wealth, but because he’s following his passion and doing what truly brings him joy.

Contact:
Ben Robinson > ben@brelectromotive.co.uk
Websites:
Gleve Engineering
BR-Electromotive
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