Moving into the electric motorcycle (e-bike) segment
is Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco, with the unveiling of the Kymco SuperNEX.
Saying that one of the issues for the acceptance of e-bikes amongst the riding
populace is gear shifting, or the lack thereof, the SuperNEX comes with a
six-speed gearbox to replicate the traditional motorcycle riding experience.
According to Kymco, the SuperNEX is able to sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, with 0 to 200 km/h in 7.5 seconds and
hitting 250 km/h in 10.9 seconds. These claimed figures are supported by
Kymco’s Full Engagement Performance (FEP) which controls wheelies and wheel
slip during launch and rear wheel lift during hard braking, ensuring every
kiloWatt gets to the rear wheel with minimal loss.
Kymco FEP also provides traction control for wet and
slippery surfaces with degree of engagement and intervention user customisable.
Sounds is also issue with e-bikes, with most tending to sound like a washing
machine on spin cycle, but Kymco says it has addressed this with what it calls
“Active Acoustic Motor.”
From the press release, the SuperNEX has a motor
which is “designed to convey the heartbeats of the machine.” This comes from a
“multi-frequency acoustics generator that reconstructs the dynamic sounds of
the motor with great authenticity.”
The SuperNEX does not offer ride modes but instead,
in Kymco parlance, offers “Adaptive Machine Personalities.” These are Poised,
Assertive, Bold and Extreme, which we think correspond to Tour, Road, Sport and
Race modes.
Kymco neglected to provide any real performance
numbers for the SuperNEX, aside from the above mentioned acceleration times.
What we do know, perusing launch and press photos, is the Kymco Supernex rolls
on O.Z. Racing wheels and Metzeler rubber, and is braked by Brembo, with
suspension by Ohlins.
