10/17/2014
Kristin Casey
Energica EGO, All Electric Superbike " A Racer's Review"
July 29th Bear Mountain, NY. Below is my review, as I am the first female racer to test the new Energica EGO all electric superbike! I am so thrilled and honored to make history once again!
2015 Energica Ego Superbike- A Racer’s Review by Kristin Casey
When you think of an electric car, speed may not be the first thought in your mind. When you think of the name Tesla high performance does come to mind. Energica has developed an all electric superbike molded from the minds of F1 race engineers. When you think of Energica the first thing that should come to mind is instant torque and electrifying speed.
Energica is based out of Italy, the home and heart of high performance, speed, and high end design. This brand is created from the CRP Group which may ring a bell in the Formula 1 community. CRP has been the premier team Worldwide, building the highest performance race materials and most technically-advanced cars for well over 40 years.
The Energica Ego is claimed to be the premier thoroughbred stemming from Italian racing bloodlines. After having the pleasure of riding this motorcycle I would have to agree it is evolutionary and leading the pack in horsepower, torque and technology. The motor produces 195 Nm torque from 0 to redline with an electronic limitation of 150 mph. Hearing this motorcycle scream with a wide open throttle was addicting. There is an instantaneous delivery of power launching you from 0-100 mph in under 3 seconds. Adding to this excitement the digital display lights up according to the output of the battery and speed, with a colorful display across the dash. You can enjoy this power delivery for up to 120 miles of riding before having to re-charge the battery. The EGO runs off of phase 4 DC charge which allows you to plug in and charge up to 85% in only 30 minutes.
Coming from a racing background it was different riding a motorcycle without a gearbox. After a few miles I didn’t miss the clutch at all. Riding through back roads thinking about nothing but the sound of the motorcycle and enjoying the scenery made for more than a pleasurable experience. For anyone who is intimidated by motorcycles and their power or learning to ride, the Energica Ego would be a perfect motorcycle for them all the way through to your adrenaline junkies out there. There are ride modes you can change while riding. Yes, you can actually change the electronic mapping while riding. There is a mode button located above your turn signals on the left handlebar. You can change from standard to sport mode with the throttle wide open, as soon as you close the throttle the mode will lock into the selection you made. No matter which mode you chose the smooth delivery of power instills confidence to charge any turn without having to roll off the throttle.
The throttle has numerous neutral points which will vary pending your speed and how open the throttle is. When you roll off of the throttle you will feel something in resemblance to engine braking. In the sport mode this is slightly amplified to match the steeper torque output curve. In street riding conditions the bike handled great and was more than an enjoyable riding experience. Some have expressed some concern with the weight distribution being so different from your typical motorcycle, don’t! The weight of the battery and placement, have made this concern nothing but an afterthought. I had to remind myself I was on an electric motorcycle, the more throttle the more stable, similar to any motorcycle. An added benefit, the Energica Ego superbike actually has a reverse mode! The speed is limited to 5 mph but surely is a bonus if you ever have to back up an incline or simply maneuver the motorcycle.
The Energica Ego is priced within the average retail range and of course offers an upgraded model the Ego 45 which will be numbered and limited. The upgrade includes full Ohlins suspension package, carbon fiber fairings, 3D printing technology and Windform® materials which are finished with ceramic by English company Zircotec. If you want to be leading the pack in power and efficiency Energica has built the motorcycle to do so. Not only will you enjoy and appreciate the technology but the Energica Ego will catch the eye of anyone it passes. This is truly a sexy motorcycle offering brains and power!
-Kristin Casey
Instagram- KCRacer131
Twitter- @KCaseyRacing
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