When full-size electric dirt bikes first stepped into the off-road spotlight, removing mechanical clutches and gearboxes was hailed as a major simplification. But for experienced motocross and enduro riders, losing the left-hand lever created a new challenge: how to modulate power instantaneously without relying entirely on right-wrist throttle control.

With the upcoming Bonnell 805 and Bonnell 902, the Perth-founded manufacturer is introducing their answer to handlebar ergonomics: the Pulse Control System.

Rather than leaving the left side of the handlebar dedicated solely to a bicycle-style rear brake lever, Bonnell has integrated a programmable, multi-function trigger lever directly linked to an onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

1. Hardware Architecture: IMU Meets Bar Ergonomics

The foundation of the system relies on high-speed telemetry between three core components:

  • The Bar-Mounted Joy-Con / Trigger Assembly: A tactile, index-finger/thumb-accessible control module positioned where a traditional clutch perch sits.
  • Onboard IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): A 6-axis unit tracking pitch, roll and yaw in real time, working alongside wheel-speed data to adjust controller output based on lean angle and elevation changes.
  • Bonnell App & HD Display Integration: Allows riders to select mapped profiles for the trigger before heading out onto the trail or track.
The Bonnell handlebar display reading Sprint pack 69 percent, mode 3, 41 km/h, regen brake on, with battery, controller and motor temperatures
The HD display mid-ride: Sprint pack at 69 per cent, ride mode 3, 41 km/h, elapsed time and distance bottom left, regen brake showing active top right, and battery, controller and motor temperatures down the right. Image: Bonnell.

2. The Core Programmable Trigger Functions

Riders can map the left-hand lever to execute several distinct electronic interventions depending on terrain and discipline:

A. Dynamic E-Clutch Modulation

  • The Problem: Electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly, which can lead to unwanted wheelspin in loose rock or make lifting the front wheel over sudden obstacles difficult without a mechanical clutch.
  • How It Works: Pulling the lever disengages or feathers torque output from the high-rpm motor. Dumping the lever sends a controlled surge of current, effectively “popping the clutch” to lift the front wheel over logs or pivot-turn through tight singletrack switchbacks.

B. On-Demand Variable Regenerative Braking

  • The Problem: Dragging a traditional foot brake on steep, loose downhills causes heat buildup and arm pump.
  • How It Works: Moving the lever engages smooth, variable electric motor braking. The further you pull the trigger, the more resistance the motor applies to the rear wheel while recycling kinetic energy back into the swappable Core/Race battery setup.

C. Dynamic Traction Control (TC) On-the-Fly

  • The Problem: Changing trail conditions (moving from dry hardpack to slick clay) usually requires stopping to navigate display menus.
  • How It Works: Holding or modulating the trigger allows on-the-fly override of rear wheel slip thresholds, letting riders instantly dial in more slip for berms or dial back wheelspin on wet roots.

D. Auxiliary Performance Modes (Boost & Backup)

  • Boost Mode / Speed Limiter: On open sections or start gates, the trigger can act as an instant power boost activator or double as a pit-lane speed limiter.
  • Backup Throttle / Wheelie Mode: Pre-set angle limits prevent loop-outs by automatically adjusting current output when the IMU detects excessive pitch.

3. Why This Matters for Australian users

The combination of clutch, automatic and manual traction control, boost and programmable maps will mean the Bonnell can quickly adapt to all types of riding from technical hard enduro to motocross through sand, mud and hardpack. Hopefully we’ll see more take to flat track too. By offering 5 customisable ride modes plus reverse, paired with lap timing features directly on the dash, the Pulse Control System allows riders to keep their feet on the pegs and focus on line selection.

Whether you are stepping onto the 56 hp (42 kW) 805 or looking to tame the massive 87 hp (65 kW) output of the flagship 902, Bonnell’s left-hand trigger setup demonstrates that e-motos don’t just mimic gas bikes — they can offer a completely higher level of dynamic control.