Sur-Ron LBX (modded) vs Talaria MX5 Pro — which for rough-road trailhead access?

[DrewskiClimbs]

2022 Sur-Ron Light Bee X
Talaria MX-5 Pro

Context: I hike Colorado 14ers and need an e-moto just to cover the final rough, rocky 4x4 stretch of forest roads to reach several trailheads (Lake Como, South Colony, etc)— usually only a few miles each way, then I park and hike from there. I'll transport on a hitch mounted rack on Mazda CX-5 (200 lb max tongue weight). I just want something that climbs well and doesn't need babysitting. I'm 6'3"/190 lbs if that's relevant to either bike's fit.

Deciding between two used local listings, both asking $4,500:

2022 Sur-Ron Light Bee X (Motoclops-built)

- 145 miles, "like new," verified paid shop invoices

- Upgrades: Warp 9 wheels, Tusk Recon Hybrid tires, severe-duty tubes + titanium rim locks, Warp 9 suspension triangle/linkage riser, Galfer rotor + e-bike brake pads, ProTaper rise bars + direct mount stem, wide foot pegs

- Comes with 2 batteries (stock 60V + a high-capacity second pack)

- Also has a BAC8000 controller + EggRider display (~$1,600 of the build)

- Been listed 5 months without selling

2024 Talaria MX5 Pro

- Only 7.5 miles, essentially brand new

- ~$500 in mods: Warp9 rise bars + direct mount stem, ODI grips, aftermarket headlight

- Stock motor: 5.5kW nominal / 13.4kW peak, ~500Nm torque at the wheel, gearbox + chain drive (no belt)

- Price dropped from $5,500 to $4,500 in 2 weeks

Questions:

1. For short, rough climbing sections rather than long trail rides, does the Talaria's stronger stock motor/torque actually matter much, or is the Sur-Ron's more built-out suspension/wheel package the bigger factor for that kind of terrain?
2. Reliability-wise for something ridden infrequently (sits for weeks/months between uses) — any concerns with either platform I should know about?
3. Am I missing anything obvious in the mod lists above that would change which one is the better buy?

Appreciate any real-world input — trying to make a good call before I hand over $4,500 either way.

 

[fechter]

Personally, I would go for the Talaria.
No belt is a reliability advantage.
The stock Sur-ron battery won't be able to handle the higher power of a BAC8000 unless you have some way to dial down the current limit.
Both of these will be small for a tall rider. I'm 6'-0" and I raised the seat a little on my Sur-ron to make it more comfortable.