Colin Godby is CEO and co-founder of Dust. He joins shares his journey from mechanical engineering to creating electric dirt bikes, discussing the importance of recreation for mental health, the mission of Dust to make dirt biking more accessible, and the advantages of electric bikes over traditional internal combustion models. Colin emphasizes the need for innovation in the motorcycle industry to attract new riders and enhance the overall experience of dirt biking.
In this conversation, Colin discusses the transformative potential of electric dirt bikes, emphasizing their unique riding experience and the importance of maintenance and learning curves. He explores how innovations in technology can enhance enjoyment and accessibility in sports, while also addressing the challenges of building a sustainable business model in a competitive market. The discussion highlights the significance of customer demand, strategic planning, and the role of luck in entrepreneurship.
Listen here:
Apple Podcasts: link
Spotify: link
Links:
- Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\
- linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingodby/
- https://www.dustmoto.com/
Takeaways
- Colin Godby is the CEO and co-founder of Dust.
- Dust aims to bring more people into dirt biking through electrification.
- Recreation is essential for health and happiness.
- Electric dirt bikes can reduce maintenance and learning curve barriers.
- The motorcycle industry faces challenges in attracting new riders.
- Colin’s engineering background includes work with Disney and vehicle development.
- Success for Dust means getting more people to ride dirt bikes.
- Electric bikes can provide a more enjoyable riding experience.
- The dirt biking community is shrinking, necessitating innovation.
- Colin believes in the importance of achieving a flow state through recreation. Electric dirt bikes offer a unique riding experience.
- Maintenance and learning curves are crucial for new riders.
- Innovations can make learning fun and accessible.
- Time is a precious commodity for adults.
- Building a business requires understanding customer demand.
- Crowdfunding can align incentives between customers and businesses.
- It’s important to balance product quality with market needs.
- Navigating challenges requires strategic planning and creativity.
- Luck plays a significant role in entrepreneurship.
- Staying alive as a business is key to long-term success.
Colin’s Bio
Colin Godby is the CEO and co-founder of Dust Motorcycles, an American electric motorcycle company dedicated to bringing the thrill of riding to more people. Raised in Southern California, Colin’s love for high-performance vehicles began with BMX racing and dreams of designing race cars. Starting his career as a mechanical engineer, he worked on high-stakes vehicle projects spanning military, racing, theme parks, and consumer EVs, gaining expertise in speed, endurance, and innovation.
An experienced off-road co-driver, Colin has competed in international events like the Baja1000 and Transsyberia Rally. His career transitioned into the consumer sector, where he developed high-demand products within tight timelines for venture-backed startups, eventually leading product development at the executive level across engineering, design, and strategy.
In 2023, Colin founded Dust Motorcycles to create accessible, high-performance electric dirt bikes. Based in Bend, Oregon, he now balances his role with family life, sharing his love for the outdoors and two wheels with his young sons and inspiring a new generation to ride.
Prior to forming Dust Motorcycles he was chief product officer at UBCO, a utility electric vehicle company. During his career he also held several senior engineering positions with brand leaders including Walt Disney Imagineering and Skullcandy Inc.
Colin holds a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering with honors from University of California Santa Barbara.
About Dust Moto
Dust Moto is an American electric mobility company with a mission to become the #1 American moto brand, globally. Proudly designed and made in the U.S., Dust Moto is pioneering a new era for dirt biking by fusing the powersports industry with cutting-edge mobility technology. The company’s electric bikes deliver high-performance at an accessible price point, fostering a closer connection between rider, machine, and environment. Dust Moto aims to connect more people to dirt biking than ever before. Learn more at dustmoto.com.
Keywords
electric dirt bikes, engineering, recreation, flow state, motorcycle industry, business success, innovation, electric dirt bikes, riding experience, maintenance, business strategy, crowdfunding, market opportunity, learning curve, customer demand, innovation, entrepreneurship
Building Better
Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast.
I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you.
Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more.
Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:
Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.