Riding With The Current

Electric cars are ever-present in the news, but what about electric motorcycles? Well, in a scoop for local enthusiasts, electric superbike brand Energica has recently hit South African roads, with some jaw-dropping performance figures.

- Mark Samuel

A top speed limited to 240 km/h. Zero to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds. 215 Nm of torque, all of it available instantaneously, from the moment you twist the throttle. No emissions, no clutch, no shifting of gears, extended riding range… I know – this all reads like some utopian biker wish list, but it’s not fantasy. It’s some of the claimed specs of one model in the new range of Energica superbikes, which is now available in South Africa through official importers and distributors Electronia (Pty) Ltd, who has signed an exclusive deal.

Designed and manufactured by Energica Motor Company in Italy, these bikes are the culmination of innovative thinking, meticulous attention to detail and – the special ingredients – Italian flair and exclusivity. Quite fittingly, company CEO Livia Cevolini is said to be a colourful, stylish woman whose grandfather – it’s interesting to note – worked with Enzo Ferrari.

There are currently three models available: the Energica Ego+ RS, the EVA Ribelle RS, and the EVA EsseEsse9+ RS, and all of them are fitted with some of the most advanced components available today.