The Compass Rose Ciulator is a South Korean neo-retro electric motorcycle blending 1950s British cafe racer aesthetics with modern carbon-fiber construction and high claimed speeds up to 150 mph in its track version. Priced at approximately $50,000 (66 million KRW), it targets affluent buyers seeking art-like exclusivity over mass-market utility, though its modest power output raises questions about real-world performance claims. Riders interested in electric vehicles should weigh its visual appeal against competitors offering similar speeds for far less.
Background: Compass Rose Enters Premium EV Market
Compass Rose, a small South Korean electric motorcycle company, debuted the Ciulator at CES, emphasizing artistic design over conventional engineering norms. The name ‘Ciulator’ derives from the Korean phrase ‘I’ll go to the café first – see you later,’ a pun that underscores the brand’s playful yet premium positioning. The company also offers the Dandelion, a retro-futuristic scooter starting at $5,700, highlighting a range from accessible to ultra-luxury models currently sold only in South Korea.
Little is known about Compass Rose’s production history or scale, as it appears to be a boutique maker focused on ‘rolling sculptures’ with aviation-inspired geometry and top-spec components like Reynolds 953 steel tubing. No verified data confirms delivery volumes or long-term reliability, leaving potential buyers to speculate on build quality beyond showcased prototypes.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Track Version | Standard Version |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 34 hp BLDC in-wheel hub | 10 hp electric motor |
| Peak Torque | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | Not specified |
| Top Speed | 150 mph (240 km/h) | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
| Battery | 72V 150Ah Samsung | 72V 100Ah Samsung |
| Range | 93 miles (150 km) | 80 miles (130 km) |
| Weight | 308 lb (140 kg) | 308 lb (140 kg) |
| Frame | Reynolds 953 steel tubing | Reynolds 953 steel tubing |
| Body | Full carbon-fiber | Full carbon-fiber |
| Saddle | Cordovan leather (Argentina) | Cordovan leather (Argentina) |
| Price | ~66 million KRW ($50,000) | ~66 million KRW ($50,000) |
Note: Some sources report conflicting range figures up to 120 miles and top speeds near 100 mph for standard trim; primary CES coverage confirms the above specs. Dandelion specs for context: Standard 6.7 hp, 56 mph, 62 miles, $5,700; Lighting 10 hp, 93 mph, 93 miles.
Design Analysis: Art Meets Aerodynamics
The Ciulator’s standout feature is its neo-retro styling, evoking 1950s British cafe racers with a full nose fairing, elongated tank, and knee indents, all wrapped in carbon fiber for a land-speed record aesthetic. The battery pack is sculpted to mimic a V8 engine block, preserving visual drama without combustion noise—a clever nod to tradition. At 308 pounds, its lightweight build from premium materials like Reynolds 953 steel promises nimble handling, though real-world testing is absent from available data.
Comfort details include Argentine Cordovan leather saddles, typically reserved for luxury goods, paired with aviation-inspired geometry for ergonomic racing posture. However, the in-wheel hub motor may compromise handling compared to mid-drive systems, a trade-off unaddressed in specs.
Performance Analysis: Torque Over Horsepower
With 34 hp delivering 258 lb-ft torque in track form, the Ciulator prioritizes instant acceleration over raw power, aided by aerodynamics for its ambitious 150 mph claim. Skepticism persists, as 34 hp rarely sustains such speeds without exceptional efficiency—sources note similar doubts. The standard 10 hp version suits urban use at 93 mph with an 80-mile range from a 72V 100Ah Samsung battery.
Charging details remain unclear, with one source mentioning a two-hour full recharge capability, but no confirmation across reports. Range varies by source (80-120 miles), suggesting real-world factors like speed or load could impact usability significantly. Availability limited to Korea raises import and regulatory hurdles for global buyers.
Price and Value Analysis: Luxury Tax or Overpriced?
At 66 million KRW (~$50,000), the Ciulator demands a premium for its materials and design, dwarfing the Dandelion’s $5,700 entry point. This positions it against high-end ICE superbikes like the Ducati Panigale V4 R (~$45,000), but with far less power and unproven electric longevity. No subsidies or incentives are mentioned, and a lack of production proof heightens the risk for buyers.
Critical unanswered questions include independent speed verification, battery degradation rates, service networks outside Korea, and exact charging times. Without these, the price feels speculative for all but collectors.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Power | Top Speed | Range | Price | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass Rose Ciulator (Track) | 34 hp | 150 mph | 93 miles | $50,000 | Artistic carbon design |
| Lightning LS-218 | 237 hp | 218 mph | 180 miles | $38,000 | Proven superbike speed |
| Zero SR/F | 110 hp | 124 mph | 161 miles | $20,000 | Balanced daily usability |
| Arc Vector | 133 hp | 135 mph | 260 miles | $112,000 | Ultra-premium tech |
The Ciulator lags in power and range versus established EVs like Zero or Lightning, but competes on style; its price exceeds practical rivals without matching their verified performance.
Verdict: Niche Art Piece for Design Aficionados
The Compass Rose Ciulator excels as a visually striking electric cafe racer for wealthy enthusiasts prioritizing exclusivity and retro-futuristic flair over outright performance or value. Ideal for collectors displaying at coffee shops or private tracks, it falls short for practical riders due to high cost, limited range, and unverified 150 mph claims—opt for proven alternatives unless provenance improves. Details on global availability and testing remain unconfirmed.
