Selva Gardena | Italy – As part of the “Dolomiti Experience”, international journalists and bloggers were given the opportunity to test the all-electric adventure bike Energica Experia for the first time. Having been present in the Italian Alps, I can tell you here about my first impressions…
Revealed to the world at the end of May during the MotoE World Cup race in Mugello, the premium Energica Experia motorcycles were available a few weeks later for a first test in the Dolomites. Though the weather was still clear when I arrived on my own bike, the test scheduled for early afternoon was delayed a bit due to rain. This gave me the opportunity to take a first look at the new e-sports tourer. The exterior, with Energica’s typical double headlights and distinctive beak, reminds me somewhat of a German and Italian competitor. Looking at the whole appearance of the motorcycle, you wouldn’t be able to tell this is electric. Only the orange power cables behind the tubular frame and the shape of the engine hint at its electromobility.
ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE PIONEER
Energica Motor Company, based in Modena, Italy, emerged from the CRP Group, known since the 1970s as a supplier to Formula 1 and the automotive industry. In the middle of the legendary Motor Valley, which is also home to such resounding names as Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini, high-performance electric motorcycles have been built since 2010. Energica’s extensive knowledge has also been expanded into the world of racing. Since the start of the series in 2019, it has supplied the unit bikes for the FIM MotoE World Cup. In order to gain an even more efficient foothold in the global market, Energica partnered last year with the American investor Ideanomics. The resources pooled by the company are designed to bring commercial electric vehicles to market as quickly and efficiently as possible. Ideanomics currently owns 70 percent of Energica and has set out to double the number of dealers in the U.S. by the end of the year.
NEWLY DEVELOPED ADVENTURE BIKE
The Experia is the fourth model of the Italian manufacturer, the first adventure bike and the first in the category on the market. The previous models, Ego, Eva Ribelle and EsseEsse9 are comparable in terms of power delivery with internal combustion engines of superbikes. However, relaxed touring requires different specs on a motorcycle. Here, rideability and comfort are the essential factors. To meet these requirements, Engerica has developed a completely new motorcycle, the Experia. With the added bonus of emission-free movement in terms of exhaust gases and noise, it’s good for the environment and good for you. From the platform’s new frame concept and engine to the battery, all the components are new. At every stage of development, the focus was on minimising weight and optimising handling.
HIGH-TECH PLATFORM
The new “Energica Green Tourer” platform relies on a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PMASynRM) for its drive system, which is designed for efficiency. This motor is 10 kilograms lighter and smaller than the permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) previously used in Energica models, which are aimed more at maximising performance. This means that it can be installed deeper in the frame than before. The smaller number of magnets makes the water-cooled motor more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as fewer rare earth metals are needed for construction. The narrower design of the steel lattice tube frame and the aluminium rear frame reduce weight by even more.
The continuous output of 60 kW and the peak output of 75 kW of the EMCE engine may not sound breathtaking at first. However, since there are 115 newton meters of torque available from the first engine revolution, the green tourer pulls off nicely and reaches the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark after just 3.5 seconds. The electronically controlled top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) is also more than enough for a touring motorcycle. Deceleration is provided by a Brembo brake system equipped with Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS. The four-piston callipers on two 330-millimeter discs at the front have a powerful grip and can be optimally operated with one finger. At the rear, a two-piston brake calliper on a 240-millimeter brake disc decelerates. It’s one of the finest currently available braking systems.
BIGGER BATTERY, FASTER CHARGING, BETTER ENERGY RECOVERY
At 22.5 kWh gross (19.6 kWh net), the Experia’s battery has the largest battery capacity of any electric motorcycle currently on the market. The maximum charging power of 24 kW is also unheard of until now. This allows the battery to be charged from 0-80 percent in 40 minutes at a CSS DC charging station. The charging socket is conveniently located on the side of the motorcycle, which makes it reachable without folding up the seat. AC can be used to charge on the road or at home with Level 1 or 2. Energica is the only manufacturer to offer all three charging variants on an e-motorcycle.
With engine braking enabled, energy is fed back into the battery through regeneration – the e-motor acts as a generator. The intensity of the onset of regeneration, which feels like the engine brake of a combustion engine, can be adjusted in three modes or switched off completely. My test bike was at the highest level. As soon as I went off “power,” I noticed a distinctly noticeable braking effect. By riding with a bit of forward thinking, I was able to take most of the downhill turns without the aid of the Brembos, and I also recovered energy in the process.
COMFORTABLE TRAVEL AND THEN SOME
As soon as I sat down, I noticed the pleasantly upright seating position. The height of 847 millimeters is moderate and optimal for my 178-centimeter (5’10”) height. The upholstery is firm but comfortable. A small hump on the rear seat cleverly prevents the passenger from sliding forward when decelerating. The aerodynamic fairing offers very good weather protection. I immediately felt well-situated on the bike. After parking out backwards slightly uphill with the help of the parking assistant, I was off. The electric push assist works both forward and backward, a handy feature on a 260-kilogram motorcycle. Once in motion, the weight is no longer noticeable. In fact, the Experia feels agile and even light on its feet. It readily tackles even the tightest hairpin bends in the Dolomites and steers very capably. The continuously variable electric drive with gearing adapted for a tourer makes cornering in the Alps easier than ever. Neither clutching nor shifting disrupts the flow of tight turns. Thanks to the optimized weight distribution, the top-heaviness of earlier models is no longer an issue. The ZF Sachs suspension, with 150 millimetres of travel at the front and rear, is pleasantly stiff and was entirely unfazed by a short, bumpy gravel section through a construction site, proving that occasional moderate off-roading is no problem for this bike. The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires are a good choice for a wide range of applications. Several riding modes and the adjustable traction control offer the right set-up for any situation. The new, easy-to-read TFT colour display provides all important information at a glance. To ensure that your phone and navigation system don’t run out of power on longer trips, the Experia has two USB ports to the left of the display and two more in the large, lockable storage compartment above the battery.
ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE SELLA RONDA
Range, range, range – it’s the most hotly debated topic for electric vehicles time and again. Of course, this is a massively important component of travel. During a test drive on the famous Sella Ronda, I was able to get a first impression of the expected touring range. After 57 kilometres (34.5 miles), I noted a consumption of 23 percent of the available battery capacity of 19.6 kWh. Considering the total of 1,700 meters (over 5,500 feet) in altitude, it’s an entirely reasonable value that results in a total range of around 250 kilometres when adjusted. To underscore the good results, it’s also worth noting that the drive on the test lap was ambitious, fast, and by no means economical. So, the combined range of 256 kilometres (159 miles), WMTC: 222 kilometres (138 miles), claimed by Energica is credible.
ARMIN ELECTRIC CONCLUSION
In this first albeit short test, the Energica Experia proved that it has what it takes to be a serious touring bike. With its manoeuvrability, it lends itself to city life as well. The expected range in the mountains is also promising. A more detailed test will show whether these first impressions hold up. Due to the power reduction compared to the previous models and the tamer interpretation of “adventure”, the Italian company has succeeded in creating a pleasant electric adventure bike with a wide range of uses.
Gliding along in an almost silent, relaxed manner, it also has more than enough power when needed. With emission reduction and road closures to prevent noise pollution becoming more common, it is the right motorcycle for the times. However, being suitable for travel depends not only on the vehicle itself, but also on the availability of fast-charging options. Here, especially when it comes to adventure bikes, it will still take some time before satisfactory charging infrastructure arrives. The Energica Experia can be ordered from all Energica dealers worldwide as of June 1. In Europe, the price for the Launch Edition is 25,590 euros + VAT ($25,880 + sales tax in the US). Included in this price are hard cases suitable for travel and a top case with a total of 112 litres of storage space. For optics and comfort, this edition also comes with black Ergal handlebar ends and screws, heating grasps, and aluminium rims with a red eye catcher. The first models are already in production and should be delivered this fall, so some travellers can already start satisfying their electro-wanderlust.
Text and photos: Armin Hoyer – arminelectric.com
Photos of Armin riding: Energica Motor Company
Translation from German to English: Ethan Shenhar
