23 August 2022

Don rides: Energica Experia - electric adventure tourer

Italian electric bike manufacturer Energica aren’t afraid to challenge preconceived perceptions. Having been in the electric game for ten years, the firm not only produces a range of high-end motorcycles but was also the driving force behind, and sole supplier until the end of 2022 to, the MotoE World Cup. And with their new bike they are once again pushing boundaries.

Claimed by the firm to be a ‘green tourer’, the Experia is an adventure-styled bike packing all of the latest battery and electric motor technology that Energica have gained through their MotoE racing and decade of road bike development. Is the time now right for adventure riders to consider making the switch to electric? Yes and no.

If you could take price and range out of the equation, the Experia is a very impressive motorcycle. The electric motor is superb, the level of tech comparable to petrol-powered rivals (aside from a lack of semi-active suspension) and the handling and comfort levels certainly good enough to class it as a sports tourer.

I had a go on an Energica Experia at Motolegends on the 7th August & loved it! Went with Jamie to another of their magnificent Sunday breakfast meetings. This time it was the Italian session. Prime parking was full of lovely Aprillas, MVs, Ducatis, Guzzis, etc. 

Another Italian bike manufacturer who was present on the day was Energica - who make state of the art, high end electric motorcycles. I've previously had a spin on the Ego - an amazing electric superbike (yup - the one that they use in MotoE). 

This time I had the opportunity to ride their latest model, the Experia. It's a bike in layout & capabilities not dissimilar to my previous bike: Holly, the Honda Crosstourer VFR1200X. On paper the Experia would make a great tourer for Kim & me - so what was it like? The Experia has loads of power, well equipped & built, a great ride. It's a really good bike, BUT at ~£27k... It's twice the price of my Honda CB1000R+ - but definitely isn't twice the bike... Never mind the electric range anxiety: claimed ~160 miles range on a full charge, but then where do you find a charger while on a tour? Truly a corker - but not quite there yet.

www.motorcyclenews.com


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