The Mike Corbin Story From Electrician to EV Pioneer

In the world of motorcycling, some names are synonymous with performance, style, or rebellion. The name Mike Corbin, however, represents a unique fusion of tradition and forward-thinking innovation. While legions of riders across the United Kingdom and the world know him for the revolutionary comfort of his custom saddles, fewer are aware of his equally profound legacy as a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) technology. This is the story of how a master electrician’s technical skill and a rider’s passion converged, leading to the creation of an industry-defining company and a series of groundbreaking electric vehicles that were decades ahead of their time. This account, brought to you by CommaFast, explores the journey of a true icon.

The Spark of Ingenuity: From Navy Electrician to Accidental Saddle Maker

Born to Irish immigrants and raised near the original Indian Motorcycle factory in Massachusetts, Mike Corbin’s fascination with two-wheeled machines was ignited at a young age. Like many of his generation, he was captivated by the rebellious allure of biker culture, famously sneaking into cinemas to watch Marlon Brando in The Wild One. But unlike most, Mike Corbin possessed a rare and innate talent for creation and invention. This talent was honed during his service in the U.S. Navy, where he became a master electrician aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier. This military experience provided him with a deep understanding of complex electrical systems, a skill set that would prove invaluable throughout his career.

Upon returning to civilian life, Mike Corbin started his own electrical contracting business. His days were spent working with industrial machinery, but his evenings and weekends were dedicated to his true passion: motorcycles. It all started with his 1964 Norton Atlas. In 1965, while attending a motorcycle rally, a fellow rider was so impressed with the custom seat Mike Corbin had fabricated for his Norton that he insisted on buying it right there on the spot. Initially hesitant, Corbin eventually relented, selling the seat for $40 and riding the 100 miles home on his folded-up jacket. This single transaction planted a seed.

He began making more seats as a sideline. A former co-worker, upon hearing Corbin’s plan to manufacture motorcycle seats full-time in 1968, dismissed it as a “dumb idea,” arguing that motorcycles already came with seats. But Mike Corbin wasn’t just making seats; he was rethinking the very concept of rider comfort and ergonomics. He saw a gap in the market that no one else did. Before Corbin, riders with uncomfortable seats had little recourse beyond a local upholstery shop. He founded Corbin Manufacturing with a revolutionary vision: to create a dedicated factory for high-quality, aftermarket motorcycle saddles.

Riding the Wave: Revolutionising an Industry

Corbin’s timing was impeccable. The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a seismic shift in motorcycle culture. The release of the film Easy Rider in 1969 and the introduction of reliable, mass-market bikes like the Honda CB750 transformed motorcycling from a niche hobby into a mainstream phenomenon. Annual bike sales in the U.S. skyrocketed, and with them, the demand for better, more comfortable seats for long-distance touring. Mike Corbin’s business thrived, and he eventually moved his family and factory to California, the heart of global motorcycle culture.

His designs, such as the iconic “Gunfighter” model, were not just about comfort; they were about style. They transformed the look of a bike, offering a custom aesthetic that factory seats lacked. The Corbin factory in Hollister, California—a town forever linked with the birth of the American biker—became a pilgrimage site for riders. It stands as a unique establishment where customers can ride in, have a custom seat built for their motorcycle while they wait, and witness the blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology firsthand.

The Electric Dream: A Visionary Ahead of His Time

While the saddle business was booming, Corbin’s mind, ever the electrician’s and inventor’s, was racing in a different direction: electric power. Long before EVs became a talking point for global environmental policy, Corbin was experimenting with electric propulsion. His work in the 1970s was nothing short of revolutionary.

In 1973, he built the “Magnificent Electric Machine,” the first electric motorcycle to shatter the 100-mph barrier. A year later, on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, his streamlined “Quicksilver” motorcycle set an electric land speed record of 165.387 mph. It was a record so far ahead of its time that it stood unchallenged for 38 years. His passion wasn’t limited to the race track. Corbin also developed the “City Bike,” an electric motorcycle for consumers, and even created electric conversion kits for the Volkswagen Beetle, all during the 1970s oil crisis.

The Sparrow: A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Mobility

Corbin’s most ambitious EV project was yet to come. In 1998, he introduced the Corbin Sparrow, a single-passenger, three-wheeled electric microcar. This quirky, futuristic vehicle was designed for efficient urban commuting. It was incredibly compact—three Sparrows could fit into a single conventional parking space—and designed to be remarkably efficient.

However, the world wasn’t quite ready for the Sparrow. Production ceased in 2003 due to challenges in making the vehicle profitable. But for Corbin, now in his 80s, the project is far from over. His passion for innovation remains undimmed, and he continues to tinker with his personal Sparrow. He is currently retrofitting it with modern lithium-ion batteries and AC motors, replacing the original lead-acid technology. His goal is to achieve a range of 100 miles at 70 mph, proving the potential of his original vision with today’s technology. He states, “I have to know how good a Sparrow can be. I just can’t not know.” This tireless pursuit of perfection encapsulates the spirit of a true inventor.

The Enduring Legacy of an Icon

Mike Corbin’s career is a testament to the power of a dual passion. Holding over 80 patents, his contributions have been recognised with inductions into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. His factory in Hollister is more than a production facility; it’s a living museum where vintage motorcycles are displayed alongside his pioneering electric car projects, a physical representation of his twin legacies.

He created an entirely new segment in the motorcycle industry, making long-distance riding a comfortable reality for millions. At the same time, he was a true EV visionary, demonstrating the incredible potential of electric power decades before it became a global imperative. Mike Corbin’s journey from a young electrician to a motorcycle industry icon and EV pioneer is a story of relentless innovation, American ingenuity, and a deep-seated love for everything that moves.

Milestones in Mike Corbin’s Career