✦ Quick answer
Adam Giles won the eMoto Sportsman class at the 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout riding an RFN E15+, finishing in 1:17:00, six seconds ahead of Brett Baldwin (Bonnell) and over two minutes ahead of Isaac Johnston (Zero). Giles also qualified 13th overall against a 400+ rider mixed petrol/electric field, and recovered from an in-race battery swap to take the win. It is RFN's first reported international Hard Enduro win for its production E15+ platform, sold in the UK as the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus.
The RFN Warrior Pro E15 Plus has taken a major international Hard Enduro victory at the 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout, with Australian rider Adam Giles winning the eMoto Sportsman class aboard the RFN E15+.
Giles finished the race in 1 hour 17 minutes, beating Brett Baldwin on the Bonnell by only six seconds, while Zero rider Isaac Johnston completed the podium just over two minutes behind.
For RFN, this matters. The Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus is still a relatively new electric off-road platform, yet it has now won an international Hard Enduro class on one of the most demanding events on the calendar. And this was not simply a controlled test or promotional demonstration — the RFN was raced through the rocks, creek beds, steep climbs and technical terrain of the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout against other serious electric motorcycles.
Here is exactly what happened, why the result matters and what UK riders should know about the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus.
Quick answer: what did RFN win at Red Bull TKO?
Adam Giles won the eMoto Sportsman class at the 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout riding an RFN E15+. His winning time was 1:17:00. Second-place Brett Baldwin finished just 6 seconds behind, and Zero rider Isaac Johnston finished third. That result gave RFN what specialist coverage described as its first international Hard Enduro win for the production E15+ platform.
RFN E15+ Red Bull TKO result at a glance
| Event | 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout |
| Location | Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tennessee |
| Rider | Adam Giles |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Bike | RFN Warrior Pro E15 Plus |
| Class | eMoto Sportsman |
| Result | 1st |
| Winning time | 1:17:00 |
| Winning margin | 6 seconds |
| 2nd | Brett Baldwin, Bonnell |
| 3rd | Isaac Johnston, Zero |
| Significance | RFN's first reported international Hard Enduro win for the E15+ platform |
What is the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout?
The Red Bull Tennessee Knockout, usually known as the TKO, is one of the best-known Hard Enduro races in North America. The 2026 event took place at the Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, Tennessee and formed the final round of the AMA US Hard Enduro Championship.
Hard Enduro is very different from simply riding quickly around a motocross circuit. Riders have to negotiate:
- Steep climbs
- Rock gardens
- Creek beds
- Technical woodland
- Slippery surfaces
- Tight turns
- Low-speed obstacles
- Repeated physical punishment
The format also uses knockout stages, meaning riders have to survive progressively more difficult sections just to continue. That makes the event particularly interesting for electric motorcycles: instant torque can be an advantage in technical terrain, but weight, battery management, traction, cooling, suspension and reliability become critical.
Who is Adam Giles?
Adam Giles is an Australian Hard Enduro rider who represented the RFN Global Factory Racing Team at the 2026 Tennessee Knockout. RFN entered Giles alongside fellow Australian Conor Hennessy, with both riding the Warrior Pro E15 Plus.
Before the event, Giles described the RFN as especially usable through technical rock sections. That prediction turned out to be important — he went on to qualify first in the eMoto Sportsman category before winning the class outright.
Adam Giles qualified 13th overall against more than 400 riders
The result becomes even more interesting when you look at qualifying. RFN reported that Giles completed the Friday qualifying lap in 8 minutes 15.201 seconds. That put him 1st in eMoto Sportsman and reportedly 13th overall among more than 400 petrol and electric riders combined.
That matters because the electric bikes were not simply isolated in their own separate world. The 2026 TKO format mixed electric and petrol motorcycles in qualifying based on performance, so Giles' qualifying performance gives a much better idea of the E15 Plus's pace than an electric-only result would.
The extraordinary part: Giles ran out of battery and still won
This is probably the strongest part of the entire story. Giles reportedly ran out of battery during the race. He had to return to the pits, swap the battery and rejoin. That handed the class advantage to Brett Baldwin. Giles then chased him down and eventually won by only six seconds.
That gives this result much more meaning than a comfortable victory. It demonstrates two things. First, the RFN E15 Plus was fast enough to recover significant lost time in extremely technical terrain. Second, the bike's removable battery design proved useful in actual competition rather than only as a convenience feature in a specification sheet.
Giles described how hard he had to push after rejoining the race, and somehow managed to recover the lead before the finish.
Was the winning RFN heavily modified?
This is important because we do not want to imply somebody can buy exactly the race bike if that is not true. Reporting after the event says the RFN retained its standard battery platform, but used race-focused suspension and setup changes for the Tennessee terrain.
That distinction matters. It means the foundation of the production E15 Plus was retained, but it would be misleading to describe Giles' race bike as completely untouched showroom specification.
The accurate way to describe it: a competition-prepared RFN E15 Plus based on the production platform won the eMoto Sportsman class. That is still a very strong result.
What bike did Adam Giles ride?
Giles raced the RFN Warrior Pro E15 Plus, also sold as the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus. This is RFN's larger-wheel Warrior Pro model, using full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.
That is particularly relevant because the 2026 TKO eMoto regulations required eligible machines to have a 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear wheel and minimum 53-inch wheelbase. The E15 Plus therefore fits much more closely into conventional enduro motorcycle proportions than many lightweight electric dirt bikes.
RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus UK specs
The bike currently available through MotoEbikes has the following headline specification:
| UK price | £4,795 |
| Peak power | 15kW / 20.1hp |
| Rear-wheel torque | Up to 560Nm |
| Top speed | Up to 52.8mph / 85km/h |
| Battery | 74V 40Ah Samsung 50S |
| Battery energy | 2.96kWh |
| Claimed range | Up to 49.7 miles / 80km |
| Charge time | Approx. 4 hours |
| Battery type | Removable / hot-swappable |
| Ride modes | Five configurable power levels |
| Front wheel | 21 inches |
| Rear wheel | 18 inches |
| Seat height | 920mm |
| Weight | 93kg |
| Road legal | No |
| Intended use | Off-road / private land |
How powerful is the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus?
MotoEbikes currently lists the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus at 15kW peak power, equivalent to approximately 20.1 horsepower. RFN's international product information also gives the E15 Plus a 15kW peak output.
Power is delivered through an electric motor without a conventional clutch or manual gearbox. That means the rider has immediate torque available from low speed, which is particularly useful in Hard Enduro where riders are constantly trying to gain traction on steep or technical obstacles.
How much torque does the RFN E15 Plus have?
MotoEbikes currently publishes up to 560Nm of torque at the rear wheel for the SX-E15 Plus. Rear-wheel torque figures should not be compared directly with motor-shaft torque from another manufacturer because gearing can massively change the number. But what matters to the rider is the result: strong, immediate drive at very low speed — precisely the type of terrain where electric motorcycles can feel especially effective.
How fast is the RFN E15 Plus?
The UK SX-E15 Plus currently sold by MotoEbikes has a manufacturer-published maximum speed of 85km/h, or approximately 52.8mph. RFN's US information publishes higher top-speed figures on some E15 Plus configurations, reaching around 62mph. Because published figures differ by market and configuration, MotoEbikes uses the 85km/h / 52.8mph specification for the UK bike sold here.
What battery does the RFN E15 Plus use?
The MotoEbikes UK specification uses a removable 74V 40Ah Samsung 50S lithium-ion battery with approximately 2.96kWh capacity. The battery is hot-swappable. That feature became very relevant at Tennessee because Giles' race involved a battery replacement during the event.
In normal ownership, it also means a rider could potentially keep a second charged pack ready rather than waiting for the motorcycle itself to recharge.
How quickly can you change an RFN E15 Plus battery?
Independent testers have described the RFN E15 Plus battery as taking roughly one minute to swap, while US RFN material describes a sub-90-second battery change. That is one of the more useful design decisions on a serious electric enduro motorcycle: a fixed battery can leave a rider waiting once the pack is depleted, while a removable battery makes multi-session riding and racing considerably more practical.
What is the range of the RFN E15 Plus?
MotoEbikes lists a claimed range of up to 80km / 49.7 miles. That should not be interpreted as a guaranteed Hard Enduro range. Real off-road range varies dramatically depending on:
- Rider weight
- Terrain
- Speed
- Gradients
- Mud
- Wheelspin
- Power mode
- Throttle use
- Temperature
- Tyre setup
- Elevation changes
Hard Enduro is one of the most demanding use cases possible for an electric motorcycle. Giles running out of battery during the TKO is a perfect example of why claimed range and race range are two very different things.
How long does the RFN E15 Plus take to charge?
MotoEbikes currently gives a full charging time of approximately 4 hours. For riders planning long off-road days, the removable battery is arguably more important than the headline charge time — a spare charged battery can extend riding without waiting several hours between sessions.
How heavy is the RFN E15 Plus?
MotoEbikes currently lists the SX-E15 Plus at approximately 93kg. Independent testers previously measured an RFN test bike at around 94kg after fitting heavier tyres and mousse inserts, while RFN had claimed a lower stock weight for that configuration. Use the 93kg UK product figure consistently.
Compared with conventional full-size enduro motorcycles, that still makes the RFN relatively manageable. In Hard Enduro, weight matters enormously when a rider has to pivot the bike, lift it, drag it, recover from a fall, or change direction on steep terrain.
Does the RFN E15 Plus have riding modes?
Yes. The MotoEbikes SX-E15 Plus has five selectable power levels, ranging from approximately 3kW through to the full 15kW output. The RFN app can also be used to configure power, maximum speed, throttle response, vehicle monitoring and security features.
Independent riders testing the E15 Plus found the five modes well spaced, with lower modes more manageable and the higher settings considerably more aggressive.
Why electric power works so well in Hard Enduro
Hard Enduro is actually a very interesting proving ground for electric motorcycles. A petrol enduro bike requires the rider to manage clutch, gears, engine speed, throttle and traction. An electric motorcycle removes several of those variables — the RFN gives the rider no clutch, no manual gear changes, no risk of stalling, and immediate electric torque.
Independent testers highlighted exactly these advantages when riding the E15 Plus in difficult technical terrain. That does not make Hard Enduro easy, but it can allow the rider to concentrate more heavily on line choice, balance and traction.
What happened to RFN rider Conor Hennessy?
Adam Giles was not RFN's only rider at TKO. Australian Conor Hennessy also raced the E15 Plus in the eMoto Pro field. Hennessy qualified fourth in eMoto Pro and 25th overall in the Prologue, reportedly only one second from third in his class.
During Sunday's competition he was running third in eMoto Pro behind Stark riders Eddie Karlsson and Toby Martyn. Then a rock strike bent the RFN's rear sprocket and eventually caused the chain to break. Hennessy attempted a running repair, but the time loss ended his podium challenge.
That result is worth mentioning because it shows the RFN was not simply competitive in Sportsman — it was running inside the eMoto Pro podium positions before mechanical damage intervened.
Stark Varg vs RFN E15 Plus at TKO
The 2026 TKO also gives us useful context around RFN and Stark. In the main Pro field, Eddie Karlsson finished fourth overall on a Stark and Toby Martyn finished seventh on a Stark. That is an extraordinary result for electric motorcycles generally.
The RFN E15 Plus did not beat those Stark machines in the Pro final. What it did do was win eMoto Sportsman, qualify strongly, and run in eMoto Pro podium contention with Hennessy.
So we should not write "RFN beat Stark at TKO" — that would be misleading. What we can accurately say is that RFN joined Stark, Zero, Bonnell and other serious electric manufacturers in demonstrating that electric motorcycles are now genuinely competitive in Hard Enduro competition.
Is the RFN E15 Plus a proper enduro bike?
This result gives us a much stronger answer than marketing copy alone. Yes, the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus is a genuine off-road motorcycle platform capable of competitive Hard Enduro use. It has:
- 21/18-inch motorcycle wheels
- Full motorcycle hydraulic brakes
- Adjustable off-road suspension
- 15kW peak output
- Removable battery
- Five power modes
- Full-size ergonomics
- 93kg weight
- A production platform now proven in competition
That does not mean a showroom E15 Plus automatically becomes a race-winning motorcycle. Rider skill, tyres, suspension setup and race preparation matter enormously. But the underlying platform has now demonstrated real competitive capability.
Is the RFN E15 Plus AMA approved?
RFN distributors describe the E15 Plus as AMA-certified, and the SX-E15 Plus was listed among the homologated electric motorcycles eligible for the 2026 TKO eMoto classes. For UK buyers, AMA race eligibility should not be confused with UK road approval — those are completely different things.
Is the RFN E15 Plus road legal in the UK?
No. The RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus currently sold by MotoEbikes is an off-road-only electric dirt bike. It is designed for use on suitable private land with the landowner's permission. It is not homologated for ordinary public-road use in the UK.
It should not be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle paths, or public rights of way where motor vehicles are not permitted, simply because it is electric.
Do you need a licence to ride an RFN E15 Plus?
A motorcycle licence is not required simply to operate the bike lawfully at an appropriate off-road venue or on suitable private land with permission. That does not make it legal for public-road use.
Who is the RFN E15 Plus for?
MotoEbikes currently positions the bike for taller, experienced riders aged approximately 16+ who want a full-size electric dirt bike and are progressing towards serious motocross or enduro riding. The bike has a 920mm seat height and 21/18-inch full-size wheels. This is therefore very different from RFN's smaller SX-E5 and SX-E8 youth platforms.
RFN E15 vs E15 Plus: what's the difference?
The most obvious distinction is chassis setup and wheel size. The SX-E15 Plus uses full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, while the standard SX-E15 uses smaller 19/16-inch wheels. Both use a similar 74V 40Ah battery, 15kW peak output and core Warrior Pro platform.
The Plus is aimed at taller riders and riders wanting a more conventional full-size dirt-bike stance. That full-size 21/18 setup was also essential for TKO eligibility.
How much does the RFN E15 Plus cost in the UK?
MotoEbikes currently lists the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus at £4,795. For context, that puts it in an interesting position in the UK high-performance electric off-road market — it sits above bikes such as the Talaria Sting Pro MX5, but well below full-size premium electric competition motorcycles such as the Stark Varg.
That makes the TKO result commercially important. The E15 Plus is not priced as a £10,000-plus flagship race bike, yet its production platform has now demonstrated genuine Hard Enduro capability.
Is the RFN E15 Plus better than a Stark Varg?
They are not direct equivalents. The Stark Varg is a much more powerful and considerably more expensive full-size premium competition motorcycle. The RFN E15 Plus is lighter, less powerful and significantly cheaper.
At TKO, Stark machines achieved exceptional Pro results, including fourth and seventh overall. RFN's achievement was different: it showed that the E15 Plus can compete successfully in its category and survive serious Hard Enduro terrain at a substantially lower purchase price.
So the sensible question is not "Is RFN better than Stark?" It is "How much performance do you actually need, and what are you prepared to spend?"
RFN E15 Plus vs Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
This is likely to become an important UK comparison. The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee and RFN E15 Plus both appeal to riders wanting something significantly more serious than lightweight electric dirt bikes. But the RFN E15 Plus has a more conventional 21/18-inch full-size enduro setup, while the Ultra Bee occupies its own smaller/lighter middleweight category.
The RFN is particularly interesting for riders prioritising enduro ergonomics, full-size wheels, removable battery, adjustable ride modes, serious trail terrain and motorsport use.
RFN E15 Plus vs Zero XE
The Zero XE is another very relevant comparison because it sits in a similar high-performance off-road electric category. MotoEbikes currently lists the Zero XE at £5,590 with 15.5kW peak output, while the E15 Plus is £4,795 with 15kW peak output. Zero was represented in the TKO Sportsman podium, with Isaac Johnston finishing third behind Giles and Baldwin.
What does the TKO victory mean for RFN?
This is bigger than one trophy. RFN remains less familiar to many UK riders than Sur-Ron, Talaria, Stark or Zero. Competition results help change that.
A brand can claim that a motorcycle has strong suspension, excellent traction, usable power, good handling and durable components. But Hard Enduro exposes those claims very quickly — a motorcycle has to survive repeated impacts, rocks, steep climbs, falls, wheelspin, heat, battery demand and prolonged low-speed work. The E15 Plus has now been tested in precisely that environment, and it won its class.
Why this result matters for electric motorcycles generally
The bigger story is not only RFN. The 2026 TKO showed just how quickly electric motorcycles are developing. Stark placed electric motorcycles fourth and seventh overall in the main Pro final. RFN won eMoto Sportsman. Zero made the eMoto Sportsman podium.
A few years ago, electric motorcycles appearing in extreme enduro competition was the story. Now the story is becoming: can they win? Increasingly, the answer is yes.
MotoEbikes verdict
The RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus winning eMoto Sportsman at the 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout is an important result for RFN. Not because it proves that RFN has suddenly built the best electric motorcycle in the world — it doesn't. But because the E15 Plus has moved beyond theoretical specifications.
A production-based machine has now raced at one of America's toughest Hard Enduro events, qualified first in eMoto Sportsman, placed strongly against a huge mixed petrol/electric field, suffered a battery depletion, completed a battery swap, recovered the lost ground, and still won by six seconds. That is proper racing proof.
For UK riders looking for a full-size electric dirt bike without moving into the price territory of bikes such as the Stark Varg, the £4,795 RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus has just become much harder to ignore.
RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus FAQs
Did RFN win the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout?
RFN rider Adam Giles won the eMoto Sportsman class at the 2026 Red Bull Tennessee Knockout aboard an RFN E15 Plus.
Who won the eMoto Sportsman class at TKO 2026?
Australian rider Adam Giles won aboard an RFN E15+, finishing in 1:17:00.
What was Adam Giles' winning margin?
Giles beat second-place Brett Baldwin by just six seconds.
What motorcycle did Adam Giles ride at TKO?
He raced an RFN Warrior Pro E15 Plus, also known as the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus.
Was this RFN's first international Hard Enduro win?
Specialist reporting describes Giles' victory as RFN's first international Hard Enduro win for its production electric platform.
Did Adam Giles run out of battery at TKO?
Yes. Giles reported running out of battery during the event, returning to the pits for a replacement battery, rejoining and then recovering the lead to win by six seconds.
Was the RFN E15 Plus completely stock at TKO?
The bike reportedly retained its standard battery platform, with race-focused suspension and setup changes for the event.
How powerful is the RFN E15 Plus?
The UK RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus sold by MotoEbikes produces up to 15kW / 20.1hp peak power.
How much torque does the RFN E15 Plus have?
MotoEbikes lists up to 560Nm of rear-wheel torque.
How fast is the RFN E15 Plus?
The UK bike sold by MotoEbikes has a published maximum speed of approximately 52.8mph / 85km/h.
What battery does the RFN E15 Plus use?
It uses a removable 74V 40Ah Samsung 50S lithium-ion battery with approximately 2.96kWh capacity.
Can you swap the battery on an RFN E15 Plus?
Yes. The battery is removable and designed to be hot-swappable. Independent testers have reported battery swaps taking around a minute.
What is the range of the RFN E15 Plus?
RFN publishes up to approximately 49.7 miles / 80km under its claimed conditions. Actual off-road range can be substantially lower depending on use.
How long does the RFN E15 Plus take to charge?
MotoEbikes currently lists approximately four hours for a full charge.
What size wheels does the RFN E15 Plus have?
The SX-E15 Plus uses a full-size 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination.
How much does the RFN E15 Plus weigh?
MotoEbikes lists the UK bike at approximately 93kg.
What is the seat height?
MotoEbikes lists a 920mm seat height.
Is the RFN E15 Plus road legal in the UK?
No. The MotoEbikes RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus is off-road only and intended for appropriate private-land use with permission.
Do you need a licence for an RFN E15 Plus?
Not for lawful riding at a suitable private off-road venue or on private land with permission. That does not allow public-road use.
Is the RFN E15 Plus suitable for beginners?
It is a high-performance full-size electric dirt bike. MotoEbikes positions it primarily for taller and more experienced riders rather than complete beginners.
How many riding modes does the RFN E15 Plus have?
It has five selectable power levels, with configuration available through the RFN app.
Is the RFN E15 Plus good for Hard Enduro?
The 2026 TKO result provides strong evidence that the platform is capable of serious Hard Enduro use. Adam Giles won eMoto Sportsman and Conor Hennessy ran in eMoto Pro podium contention before suffering chain damage.
Is the RFN E15 Plus better than the Stark Varg?
They target different price and performance levels. Stark achieved stronger outright Pro results at TKO, while the significantly cheaper RFN won eMoto Sportsman. Buyers should compare budget, power, weight and intended riding rather than looking for one universal winner.
How much is the RFN E15 Plus in the UK?
MotoEbikes currently lists the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus at £4,795.
Where can I buy an RFN E15 Plus in the UK?
The RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus is currently listed by MotoEbikes in Guildford, Surrey, with collection or delivery available.
Sources
- MCNews, 2026 Tennessee Knockout report — independent race reporting confirming Giles' eMoto Sportsman victory, time, margin and Hennessy's Pro performance.
- TerraVolt eMoto, Adam Giles TKO report — detailed account of the battery issue, recovery and RFN's first international Hard Enduro win.
- Dirt Bike Magazine, 2026 TKO Results — independent overall TKO results and Pro classification.
- Electric Cycle Rider, 2026 TKO eMoto rules — eMoto eligibility requirements and RFN SX-E15 Plus homologation for the event.
- MotoEbikes RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus — UK price, performance, battery, range, road-use status and product specifications.
You can view the RFN Warrior Pro SX-E15 Plus or explore the complete RFN range. See also our off-road electric dirt bikes collection.