The Revival of Onyx Motorbikes: A Journey Back to the Future
Imagine watching your favorite vintage brand fizzle out, only to be brought back to life. This is precisely what happened with Onyx Motorbikes. Nearly a year after the sudden passing of owner James Khatiblou, leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promises and hefty debts, Onyx has been revived by its original founder, Tim Seward. In an enthusiastic LinkedIn post, Seward announced, “I’m excited to announce I have resurrected my original brand Onyx with incredible backers! Onyx is literally back to the future now!”
To kick off this revival, the company is offering approximately 100 RCR electric dirt bikes. However, it remains unclear if these are newly manufactured or from a previous batch tied up after Khatiblou’s untimely death. Despite reaching out for more details, TechCrunch hasn’t yet received a response from Seward regarding his investors or the specifics of this resurrection.
- Origins and Evolution: Tim Seward first brought the RCR e-bike to life in 2016. Its nostalgic 1980s design paired with modern capabilities quickly garnered a loyal following.
- Ownership Transition: In 2019, Seward transferred ownership to his friend James Khatiblou, whose management faced significant challenges.
- Financial Turmoil: Khatiblou’s unexpected death left unresolved debts, notably $2.2 million claimed by Oxygen Funding.
“Onyx is literally back to the future now!”
– Tim Seward, Founder of Onyx Motorbikes
The financial web surrounding Onyx is intricate. Oxygen Funding is actively seeking control over Khatiblou’s estate to recoup its losses but remains in legal limbo. Adding layers to this complexity are Kenneth Ames and Troy Smith, who hold a significant stake in Onyx LLC—the entity owning Onyx’s branding.
This revival raises several questions: Who are these new “incredible backers”? What will happen to existing creditors? And how will Ames and Smith factor into this new chapter? TechCrunch is on the case and will update as more details unfold.
For now, Onyx fans can celebrate its return and anticipate what comes next. It’s not just about reviving a brand; it’s about reigniting a passion that once captivated e-bike enthusiasts—proving that sometimes, you really can go back to the future.
