Range anxiety, added weight and steep pricing – among the myriad complaints about electric motorcycles are range anxiety, extra weight and steep pricing. But for those interested in swappable batteries, sleek designs and silent commuting solutions – their future looks promising.
Energica’s new Experia boasts the largest battery capacity ever found on a production bike and is optimized for long-distance touring, making an ICE liter bike look obsolete without emissions emissions!
Energica Experia
The Energica Experia was designed to offer a thrilling long distance riding experience. Boasting claimed max power of 101 horsepower and featuring a second generation PMASynRM motor which is lighter and lower in the chassis, its purposeful design provides a truly engaging long ride experience.
Energica’s latest electric bike boasts an innovative battery with an unprecedented 22.5kWh maximum and 19.6kWh nominal capacity; making it the largest battery available. They incorporated this massive pack into an all new steel tubular trellis frame and aluminum subframe.
The suspension system on the new Experia is more conventional, using a more conventional linkage rather than direct frame-to-swingarm setup used on prior models. Critics praise its adjustable nature with 150mm travel at each end compared to 200mm at both. Also new are its keyless entry and Combo CSS charge ports hidden under plastic panels on either side of its frame – according to Energica claims a DC fast charger can get from zero charge up to 80% in less than 40 minutes!
Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire
Harley has long been working on its battery-powered LiveWire bike prototype. Customers have helped test this bike since 2014; not quite production.
Gone is the 45-degree V-twin engine, replaced by a longitudinally mounted electric motor capable of producing 74 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque. Riders can reach top speeds of 92 miles per hour on this bike while covering quarter miles in under four seconds.
As for its look, the LiveWire’s design strays from typical Harley aesthetics yet remains distinctive enough to appeal to certain motorcycle enthusiasts. With its cast aluminum exoskeleton and silver, black, and red paint scheme creating an image somewhere between high-tech rebel and sporty aesthetics – The LiveWire truly embodies both high performance and aggressive acceleration!
Evoke Urban Classic
Electric motorbikes are revolutionizing commuting. Boasting advanced battery technology, high performance design features and smart connectivity options, electric bikes offer a cleaner alternative with increased fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions than their gasoline-powered counterparts.
The Evoke is a Chinese-built motorcycle designed to offer stylish yet efficient ride experience. Equipped with a 19kW brushless DC hub motor that uses regenerative braking, as well as a J Series/Type 1 charge port that facilitates charging at public stations, its modern features make it an enjoyable ride experience.
If range anxiety is a source of discomfort, the Evoke offers an impressive 410-mile claimed city riding range to ease that anxiety. Plus, its classic cafe racer aesthetic will appeal to style-savvy riders.
MV Augusta F4
The F4 motorcycle boasts power, handling and beauty that make it one of the most sought-after two-wheelers ever produced, yet its high cost, discomfort and unproven reliability prevent it from earning top marks.
At EICMA in November, MV Agusta delighted visitors to EICMA with its stunning range of surprise products including the Lucky Explorer 9.5 and 5.5 adventure bikes, Superveloce 1000 roadster, 921S retro roadster and Ampelio electric scooter – not mere concepts but production models intended for limited number production runs.
Pierer Mobility, parent of KTM and Husqvarna manufacturers KTM and Husqvarna, has given Varese-based MV Agusta its best chance for financial security in decades. The Austrian firm will handle MV’s purchasing and distribution, while Varese company will focus on building its dealer network. This should prove particularly beneficial in North America where MV has struggled since Harley’s disastrous takeover; building trust among consumers who might otherwise hesitate before purchasing without local dealership support will be essential to building its business success.