Electric motorcycles continue to divide opinion among traditional enthusiasts, but custom builders are increasingly demonstrating that thoughtful engineering can elevate the riding experience regardless of the powertrain. Roughchild’s latest project is a comprehensive reworking of the Maeving RM1S, transforming the British-built electric motorcycle into a more capable and visually striking machine through extensive mechanical and aesthetic modifications.

Rather than focusing on increasing power or battery capacity, the build centers on refining the RM1S’s chassis dynamics, handling precision, and overall rider engagement. The result is an electric motorcycle that retains its urban practicality while delivering a significantly more premium riding experience.

Wider Wheels and a More Aggressive Stance

One of the most noticeable changes begins at the wheels. The factory 19-inch narrow wheels, originally chosen to maximize efficiency and extend riding range, have been replaced with custom-built 18-inch wheels wrapped in substantially wider Avon Roadrider tires. These provide a more planted appearance and improved road contact, giving the RM1S a stronger visual presence while enhancing cornering confidence.

Installing the larger rear tire required considerable engineering work. Roughchild modified the motorcycle’s swingarm by relocating a structural brace approximately one inch forward, creating the necessary clearance without compromising the integrity of the chassis. Once completed, the swingarm was refinished, giving the modified component a factory-quality appearance.

Complementing the revised stance is a fully cleaned-up rear section. The original rear fender has been removed, the license plate relocated, and the taillight repositioned beneath the seat, producing a minimalist tail design that emphasizes the motorcycle’s classic café racer-inspired silhouette.

Premium Suspension and Braking Components

The heart of the transformation lies in the suspension system. Roughchild equipped the RM1S with premium Öhlins suspension at both ends, including an upgraded front-end assembly and matching rear shock absorbers. While considerably more expensive than the stock components, the new suspension dramatically improves ride quality, stability, and chassis feedback while slightly lowering the motorcycle for a sportier stance.

Braking performance also receives a significant upgrade. Brembo GP4 calipers work alongside floating brake rotors, an upgraded master cylinder, and custom brake lines routed through a neatly concealed splitter beneath the motorcycle’s faux fuel tank. Together, these changes provide stronger stopping power and improved lever feel compared to the standard setup.

Attention to Detail Throughout

Beyond the major mechanical upgrades, Roughchild refined nearly every visible component. Factory hardware has been replaced with premium ARP fasteners, while the battery enclosures and surrounding casings have been refinished in black for a cleaner, more cohesive appearance. Carbon-fiber trim pieces were removed in favor of understated black plastic panels that better complement the motorcycle’s minimalist styling.

The RM1S’s signature faux fuel tank—which actually functions as a storage compartment rather than housing gasoline—has been repainted in a classic slate gray finish inspired by Steve McQueen’s iconic motorcycles. Traditional hand-painted pinstriping adds a timeless touch that blends vintage styling with modern electric technology.

At the cockpit, Renthal handlebars replace the original controls, joined by bar-end mirrors and integrated bar-end turn signals. A JW Speaker adaptive LED headlight rounds out the front-end conversion, automatically illuminating additional lighting in the direction of a lean to improve nighttime visibility through corners.

A Different Kind of Riding Experience

Although the builder remains openly skeptical about electric motorcycles replacing conventional internal combustion machines, the finished RM1S proved unexpectedly enjoyable. Without engine noise dominating the experience, subtle sensations—including tire grip, chassis movement, and road feedback—become far more noticeable, creating a uniquely immersive ride.

The motorcycle’s silent acceleration, refined suspension, upgraded brakes, and balanced handling combine to deliver a polished urban commuter that feels substantially more premium than the stock model. While it may not replace a traditional motorcycle for enthusiasts who crave the sound and character of combustion engines, Roughchild concludes that the customized Maeving RM1S succeeds as a stylish, practical addition to a broader motorcycle collection.

The project ultimately demonstrates that electric motorcycles still offer significant opportunities for personalization, proving that thoughtful chassis engineering and high-quality components can dramatically enhance both performance and rider enjoyment without altering the electric drivetrain itself.

Source: Roughchild