Strike Shadow Assembly Guide & Video - Box to Dirt

Strike Shadow Assembly Guide & Video: Unboxing, Setup & Pre-Ride Checklist

Strike Shadow Assembly Guide: Unboxing, Setup & Pre-Ride Checklist

The Strike Shadow is designed to be straightforward to assemble, but taking your time during setup is important for safety, performance, and long-term reliability. This guide walks you through the full unboxing, assembly, battery installation, display settings, and pre-ride inspection process.

For a visual walkthrough, watch the full REV Rides Strike Shadow assembly video:

Watch and wrench along with our included step-by-step assembly video.

Before You Begin

Before opening the box, inspect the packaging carefully. If you see major dents, punctures, crushed corners, or signs of shipping damage, take clear photos before opening the box.

If you discover damage to the bike after opening the box, stop assembly and contact REV Rides support before riding or using the product.

Tools & Supplies

Strike Shadow Assembly - Recommended Tools

  • Razor blade or box cutter
  • Wire cutters or snips
  • General-purpose waterproof grease
  • Blue medium-strength threadlocker (Loctite)
  • 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen keys
  • 10mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm wrenches or sockets
  • Motorcycle stand, bucket, or sturdy block
  • Clean microfiber towel
  • A second person to help lift the bike (recommended)

What's Included

  • Strike Shadow bike
  • Battery
  • Battery charger
  • User manual
  • Charger manual
  • Front wheel
  • Front fender
  • Front number plate
  • Side number plates/fairings
  • Number plate brackets
  • Handlebar pad
  • Right-side foot peg
  • Bar clamps and mounting hardware
  • Tool kit
  • Keys

Step 1: Unbox the Strike Shadow

  1. Carefully remove the top packaging and pull out the loose parts first, including the number plate, front fender, side fairings, and hardware.
  2. Cut open the side of the box near the front wheel, then remove the lower portion of the box so the bike can slide out.
  3. Use caution with razor blades and keep your hands and body clear of the cutting path.
  4. Once the box is open, remove all protective wrap, foam, and zip ties from the bike. Be careful not to cut any wires, brake lines, or cables.

Step 2: Elevate the Bike

  1. To install the rear shock hardware and front wheel, the bike needs to be lifted off the ground.
  2. A motorcycle stand is ideal, but a sturdy bucket, block, or similar support can work. If possible, have another person help lift the bike.
  3. Lift from the frame rail and front fork area, then place the bike securely on the stand or support.

Step 3: Install the Rear Shock Bolt

  1. Locate the rear shock and remove the temporary zip tie holding the bushings in place.
  2. Install the shock bolt through the mounting point. While the bolt can be installed from either side, inserting it from the side opposite the chain will make future service easier.
  3. Tighten the hardware using a 13mm and 14mm wrench. Threadlocker is not required if the locking nut is already installed.

Step 4: Charge the Battery

  1. Before continuing assembly, begin charging the battery so it is ready when assembly is complete.
  2. Connect the charger to the battery first, then plug the charger into the wall outlet.
  3. The charger indicator light should change from green to red while charging.
  4. If you own multiple electric bikes, consider labeling your charger with the bike model and voltage. (Example: Strike Shadow SV2 – 72V)

Step 5: Install the Front Wheel

  1. Before removing the axle, note the spacer locations:
    • Long spacer = brake rotor side
    • Short spacer = opposite side
  2. Remove the axle and apply a thin layer of waterproof grease.
    1. Remove the axle and apply a thin layer of waterproof grease.
    2. Position the wheel so the brake rotor is on the left side when seated on the bike.
    3. Install the wheel between the forks, insert the spacers, and slide the axle through.
    4. Tighten the axle using a 17mm and 19mm wrench.
    5. After tightening, spin the wheel to confirm it rotates freely and does not bind.

    3. Step 6: Install the Front Brake Caliper

    1. Remove the brake pad transport spacer from the caliper before installation.
    2. Important: Keep the caliper upright after removing the spacer. Turning it upside down can introduce air into the brake system and may require brake bleeding.
    3. Apply blue medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper mounting bolts.
    4. Install the caliper over the brake rotor and tighten the bolts evenly.
    • Caution: Do not overtighten. The bolts thread into cast aluminum and only need to be snug.

    Controls & Display Overview

    Before your first ride, take a few minutes to understand the Strike Shadow display, ride modes, and settings menu. This is especially important for new riders, younger riders, or parents setting up the bike for supervised use. For more information, please refer to the included owner's manual.

    Ride Modes

    Use the plus and minus buttons on the display to move between ride modes. The bike can be set up with multiple power levels, allowing the rider to start in a lower setting and work up as they become more comfortable.

    For new riders, we recommend starting in the lowest available ride mode until throttle response, braking, and handling feel familiar.

    Settings Menu

    To enter the settings menu, press and hold both display buttons until the P settings appear on the screen.

    • P01: Display brightness. Setting 3 is the brightest option.
    • P02: Speed unit. Use this to switch between MPH and KM/H.
    • P03: Battery voltage. Make sure this matches your bike's voltage. For the Strike Shadow SV2, this should be set to 72V.
    • P05: Power assist gear. This adjusts the number of available ride modes.
    • P06: Wheel diameter. This can be adjusted to fine-tune speedometer accuracy.
    • P08: Speed limit. A setting of 100 means the bike is not speed-limited.
    • P09: Startup mode. For most riders, we recommend setting this to 0 so the bike does not start in an active ride mode.

    Parents or guardians should review the ride mode and speed limit settings before allowing a younger rider to use the bike. Spend time testing the bike yourself so you understand how each mode responds before handing it over to a new rider.

    Display Functions

    Press the M button to cycle through the available display screens. Depending on the display configuration, this may include odometer, trip, average speed, max speed, current voltage, watts, amps, and runtime.

    Final Checklist Before You Ride

    Before your first ride, and before every ride after that, take a few minutes to inspect the bike. Electric dirt bikes require less maintenance than gas-powered bikes, but they are not maintenance-free.

    1. Confirm the front axle is tight.
    2. Confirm the rear axle is tight.
    3. Check that the front brake caliper bolts are tight.
    4. Check that the brake rotor bolts are tight.
    5. Check that the sprocket bolts are tight.
    6. Confirm the handlebar clamps are tight and the bars are positioned correctly.
    7. Verify the throttle snaps back freely and does not stick.
    8. Confirm both brake levers feel firm and are positioned comfortably.
    9. Check that the front brake line is routed correctly and does not bind when turning.
    10. Confirm the battery is secured with the retaining bracket.
    11. Confirm the battery connector is fully seated.
    12. Verify the charge port cover is closed.
    13. Check tire pressure.
    14. Check chain tension. A small amount of slack is normal and necessary.
    15. Inspect the chain for dirt, dryness, or debris.
    16. Confirm the foot pegs move properly and are secured.
    17. Check all major suspension mounting points.
    18. Verify the bike powers on and changes ride modes properly.
    19. Perform a low-speed brake test before riding aggressively.

    Brake Bed-In

    Before riding hard, bed in the brakes by riding slowly and lightly applying the brakes 10 to 20 times. This helps seat the brake pads against the rotors and improves braking consistency.

    Chain Break-In

    The Strike Shadow uses a 420 chain, which may stretch during the first few rides. Check and adjust chain tension before each ride for the first several rides. After the chain settles, continue checking it regularly.

    Any time the bike is ridden in dirt, mud, or water, clean and lubricate the chain before the next ride. 

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