Although it is not yet well known to the general public, the Italian brand Energica is one, with the Californian Zero Motorcycles, of the most advanced manufacturers in the small world of electric motorcycles. Born in 2014, the brand industrializes its models in Modena, the stronghold of a certain... Ferrari!

> A unique design.

Until now focused on roadsters and sports cars, Energica is venturing into a new segment with its new Experia: that of electric trail motorcycles. The opportunity for the manufacturer to review its copy. Built on a new steel frame, the Experia doesn't really innovate on the battery side. Still based on lithium-polymer technology, the pack is similar to other models with a gross capacity of 22.5 kWh (19.6 kWh net).
The engine, however, has evolved well. More compact, the new permanent magnet synchronous block offers 80 horsepower. At peak, it reaches 102 horsepower with 900 Nm of torque at the wheel!
To lower and optimize the center of gravity of this big 260 kg baby, Energica not only reduced the motor but also moved the inverter. Instead of being placed high up, at the level of the tank like on the Eva and Ego, the latter was positioned at the level of the saddle.
On the cycle part, the Experia receives a fully adjustable inverted fork from Zacks, supplemented at the rear by a mono shock absorber. Installed in a central position, it is adjustable in preload and compression. Braking at the front relies on two large 330mm discs with Brembo 4-piston radially mounted calipers. At the rear, there is a single disc with two-piston braking. In terms of safety, Energica's new electric motorcycle is pretty well off. ABS in curves is based on an inertial unit capable of calculating the angle of inclination to adjust braking. Added to this is electronic traction control, which can be configured in several modes.
At the handlebar level, the instrumentation is 100% digital. Readable and well presented, it could eventually be connected to a mobile application. The equipment is also there with a double USB socket, a small windshield adjustable in three positions and heated handles, offered as an option on the base model.
Classic, the controls allow you to activate the cruise control and choose from different driving modes. As a base, the Experia offers 4: Eco, Rain, Sport and Urban. If that's not enough, three additional modes can be customized. Added to this are four regeneration modes, also configurable via the handlebar controls. In terms of storage, the space under the tank is limited but remains sufficient to place a few objects. Advantage of the category: it is easily possible to add a whole lot of luggage.

> On the handlebars.

If the maneuvers and the turning radius remain quite limited and not really suited to urban use, we feel this Experia is better balanced than its two big sisters.
The driving position is pleasant despite an engine and chain transmission which remain quite noisy and a regenerative brake with disappointing intensity, even at its strongest level. Comfortable, the saddle is not too wide at the crotch level and the legs are rather well protected by the fairings. A good point when it rains or even on the highway. The mirrors are also well sized. Without protruding beyond the handlebars, they provide sufficient visibility.
If it turns out to be less sporty than other models from the brand, the Experia nonetheless remains a bomb. With 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h, it offers very good sensations. Accelerations are a bit like a Tesla: you have to be careful because the torque tends to throw you between turns.
As for autonomy, it is better not to rely too much on the indications of the on-board computer. After a 35-kilometer journey through the Italian Alps, the latter indicates 75% battery remaining with range estimated at 100 kilometers. This gives a theoretical 135 km under the test conditions. In reality, everything will depend on the route and the speed. In a standardized cycle, the manufacturer announces 222 km. This is very correct for the category and almost equivalent to what a thermal motorcycle can offer.
In terms of charging, the configuration is rather well thought out for long journeys. If the 3.5 kW on-board charger seems limited (7 kW, even as an option, would have been ideal), the presence of a direct current fast charging device erases this small defect. Equipped with a Combo connector, the Energica electric motorcycle receives up to 24 kW from the fast terminals. Enough to fill up to 80% in just 40 minutes.

> The price: the angry subject.

In a market where supply is still particularly limited, products still remain expensive. The Energica Experia is sold depending on the version, between €28,400 and €30,800. If this remains a little less expensive than a Harley-Davidson Livewire, billed at €33,900, it remains heavy to amortize even taking into account the reduced price of the electric charge.