If you’ve been following the explosive rise of electric dirt bikes, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Surron Ultra Bee—a machine that’s redefining what’s possible in off-road EV performance. But what if we told you there’s a version so lean, so purpose-built, and so ruthlessly optimized that it might just be the lightest full-suspension Surron Ultra Bee on the planet?
Welcome to the Surron Ultra Bee “Ultralite” build—a no-compromise, race-ready machine that strips away every ounce of unnecessary weight while amplifying agility, responsiveness, and pure riding joy. In this deep-dive article, we’ll unpack every modification, component choice, and engineering decision that makes this build a benchmark for performance-focused riders.
Whether you’re a weekend trail blazer, a hardcore motocross enthusiast, or just curious about the cutting edge of electric off-roading, this guide is your ultimate resource on how to transform a stock Ultra Bee into a featherweight beast.
Why “Ultralite”? Because Every Gram Counts
The name says it all: Ultralite. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s a philosophy. The builder behind this project didn’t just swap a few parts; they performed a full surgical deconstruction of the Surron Ultra Bee, removing everything non-essential.
“We have literally everything stripped out of this that is unnecessary… going down to the plastic cross supports that do absolutely nothing.”
From gutting the battery compartment to eliminating redundant wiring, this build prioritizes minimalism without sacrificing structural integrity. The goal? A bike that’s not just lighter—but faster, more agile, and more responsive.
And the results speak for themselves.
Lightning-Fast Battery Swaps: No More Fumbling with Keys
One of the biggest pain points for Surron Ultra Bee owners? The stock seat and battery access system. It’s slow, clunky, and requires a key—hardly ideal when you’re mid-race or covered in mud.
The Ultralite build solves this with a brilliant push-button seat release, inspired by automotive hood latches:
- The stock seat latch is replaced with a custom steel retention system.
- The battery lid is bolted directly to the seat tray.
- A front wedge mechanism secures the lid in place—so securely, you could lift the entire bike by the seat without the battery popping out.
Battery swaps? Down to under 10 seconds once the final plug modification is complete. For racers and trail riders alike, that’s a game-changer.
“You can do it with your eyes closed.”
Motor Matters: Smaller Stator, Bigger Performance?
Here’s where things get counterintuitive.
Most riders assume bigger motor = better performance. But the Ultralite build flips that script by using an XLB60 core motor with a 64mm stator—not the stock Ultra Bee’s upgraded 80–82mm stator motor.
Yes, it’s 7–8 lbs lighter, but the real advantage is responsiveness.
“This motor responds very, very differently… This thing’s significantly faster.”
In a head-to-head drag race against an identically equipped Ultra Bee (same suspension, same battery, same rider weight)—but with the larger motor—the Ultralite pulled ahead decisively. Why?
- Less rotating mass = quicker acceleration.
- Lower power demand = more efficient energy use.
- Better power-to-weight ratio = superior handling.
It’s a masterclass in performance through restraint.
Suspension That Can Handle 60-Foot Jumps
You can’t call a bike “race-ready” without serious suspension—and the Ultralite doesn’t disappoint.
It’s outfitted with Cirrus Suspension front and rear—a premium system so advanced, the builder had access to it before public release. These aren’t just lighter; they’re engineered for extreme impacts.
“I could case a 60-foot jump and walk away without blowing out my wrists or ankles.”
Paired with a Heavy Hitter rear triangle and linkage, the rear end is both rigid and forgiving. And remember those infamous swingarm cracks plaguing early Ultra Bee models? This build addresses that with reinforced gusseting and rewelding—adding minimal weight for maximum durability.
Lightweight Battery Strategy: 45Ah > 76Ah?
Here’s another myth-busting move: ditching the massive 76Ah battery in favor of a 45Ah EBMX Race Pack.
Conventional wisdom says bigger battery = more range. But in high-throttle, aggressive riding—like hair-scrunching desert races—the math changes:
- The 76Ah adds ~20+ lbs of dead weight.
- That extra mass slows acceleration and increases energy consumption.
- Real-world range difference? Negligible.
“One lap wide open on the 45Ah… about a lap and a half on the 76Ah. Each lap is ~13 miles.”
For race conditions, the lighter pack delivers better performance with nearly identical range. It’s a strategic trade-off that pays dividends in speed and control.
Bare-Bones Wiring: Race Harness = Less Weight, Fewer Failures
The stock Ultra Bee comes loaded with sensors, redundant wiring, and a key ignition—great for street legality, terrible for weight savings.
The Ultralite uses a custom Ultra B race harness designed for the V2 X9000 controller, stripping out:
- All stock sensors
- Key ignition system
- Unnecessary connectors
Instead, it features just two switches:
- Battery MOSFET enable
- Controller on/off
No frills. No failures. Just pure, reliable function.
Even the display was swapped: the bulky TFT screen gave way to a compact EggRider display—lighter, simpler, and less prone to damage.
Throttle Precision: Hirschmann Over FX
Throttle feel can make or break a ride—especially when you’re pinned at full throttle on a rocky descent.
While many riders opt for the popular FX throttle, the Ultralite build goes with the Hirschmann throttle—the same unit used on Ducati and Aprilia street bikes.
Why?
- Fully potted internals: waterproof, dustproof, pressure-washer-proof.
- Consistent response: no erratic signal drops.
- Strong spring return: though admittedly a bit stiff (hello, arm pump!).
It’s overkill in the best way—engineered for reliability under extreme conditions.
Custom Touches That Turn Heads
This build isn’t just about function—it’s got serious style too.
🔹 EIE Pro Heavy Hitter Skid Plate
Originally a joke among the team, this rugged skid plate now has custom brackets for plug-and-play Ultra Bee fitment. And word on the street? A non-metal, ultra-light version is coming soon.
🔹 Rift Headlight Mask
After 16 prototypes, the team finalized a TPU 3D-printed headlight mask that:
- Looks aggressive and clean
- Allows easy race number mounting
- Eliminates flimsy aftermarket number plates
It’s going into production—and it’s designed specifically for the Ultra Bee’s unique front end.
🔹 Custom Seat Cover (Coming Soon)
Even the seat gets an upgrade. A brand-new, in-house-designed seat cover is on the way—crafted for grip, comfort, and aesthetics.
Wheels, Brakes & Pegs: Precision Components
- XL Toiago Wheels: Lightweight and durable.
- Heavy Hitter Rotor & Sprocket: Thicker, more rigid, and chain-guard-free thanks to swingarm mods.
- KKA Pegs: Proven performance, no surprises.
Every part serves a purpose—no “just because” upgrades here.
Real-World Test: Ultralite vs. Stock Ultra Bee
The ultimate proof? A side-by-side drag race with team rider Cuddles, who runs a fully upgraded—but standard-weight—2025 Ultra Bee.
- Rider weights: 165 lbs vs. 178 lbs
- Bike weights: ~245 lbs vs. 206 lbs
- Same battery, same suspension, same controller
Result? The Ultralite pulls ahead instantly, thanks to its lower mass and snappier motor response. Even in sand—where taller tires usually dominate—the Ultralite holds its own.
“I had to let off—my front wheel came up too fast!”
That’s the kind of acceleration that wins races.
Why This Build Matters for the Electric Dirt Bike Community
The Surron Ultra Bee Ultralite isn’t just a one-off show bike. It’s a blueprint.
It proves that:
- Weight reduction is as critical as power upgrades.
- Component synergy beats brute force.
- Purpose-built design outperforms “more is better” thinking.
For riders looking to optimize their own Ultra Bee—whether for racing, trail riding, or backyard laps—this build offers actionable insights into what truly moves the needle.
How You Can Build Your Own Ultralite-Inspired Ultra Bee
Want to replicate this magic? Start here:
- Ditch the heavy battery – Try a 45–60Ah race pack.
- Simplify the wiring – Go race harness, no key ignition.
- Upgrade suspension – Cirrus or equivalent premium units.
- Optimize motor choice – Consider a 64mm stator for responsiveness.
- Customize access – Push-button seat, quick-swap battery.
- Invest in reliability – Hirschmann throttle, EggRider display.
And keep an eye out for Grit Shift’s upcoming parts:
- Plug-and-play EIE skid plate
- Rift headlight mask
- Custom seat cover
Final Thoughts: Less Is More
In a world obsessed with bigger batteries, louder motors, and flashier graphics, the Surron Ultra Bee Ultralite stands as a refreshing reminder: true performance comes from balance.
It’s not about how much power you have—it’s about how efficiently you use it. Not about how many parts you add—but how wisely you subtract.
This bike isn’t just light. It’s alive.
And for riders who crave connection, control, and raw speed, that’s everything.
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