Hot metal from Motorcycle Live 2022

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Motorcycle Live – Hot metal

MUSCLING INTO THE ADVENTURING touring sector with an electric powered bike could be a challenge, but Italian manufacturer Energica is prepared to take on the task with its Experia. The Experia (right) is a distinctively styled machine powered by a 60kW motor, giving it a top speed of 112mph and achieving a range of up to 160 miles on the combined cycle from the 22.5kWh lithium battery. Side panniers and top box provide 112 litres of storage space, and are included on a limited number of First Edition models, while up front there is a lockable compartment for gloves or cables, with two USB charging ports incorporated. Prices start from £27,790.

With what appeared to be the entire UK stock of Gold Stars on display, the BSA stand was attracting a lot of interest from riders of a certain age. BSA dealers must be hoping that stock arrives soon to fulfil orders for the classic-style single, which comes in a variety of colour options but currently only in one model style. BSA staff are well aware that in order to increase market share the brand will need to expand its model range to appeal to different demographics, and its first step in that direction is a Scrambler-style concept bike (above) designed by the UK Design Centre in the West Midlands. The design uses the same 652cc engine, suspension and frame as the Gold Star, but with a shortened seat subframe, revised rear shocks, off-road styling and chunky tyres. Currently it is officially only a concept, but it would be no surprise to see it in dealer showrooms in the not-too-distant future. It was launched at the Milan show, but Motorcycle Live was the first opportunity for UK dealers and bikers to feast their eyes on Royal Enfield’s longanticipated Super Meteor cruiser (above). It uses the parallel twin 650cc motor seen in the Interceptor and Continental models, housed in a Harris Performance designed tubular steel frame tailored for a longer and more laid-back stance with, in a first for RE, upside down forks. it will come in two versions – a standard model and a more touring-oriented version with a bigger dual seat, backrest, windscreen and panniers. Prices to be confirmed.

“The world’s first all-electric adventure bike” was the claim trumpeted on the Zero Motorcycles stand. The DSR/X (above) ticks all the boxes when it comes to the adventure market – weight and performance are broadly comparable to petrol-powered rivals, and the tech is all present and correct. There are five riding modes to suit various riding scenarios, including off-road options, as well as leansensitive ABS, but it can all be switched off if so desired. The frame is specific to the bike, but the 17.3kWh battery pack is shared with other premium models from Zero and claims to provide up to 180 miles of range, although this drops to 85 miles for higher-speed motorway riding. The obvious downside to the electric powertrain is the twohour recharge time, which might be a concern for buyers with ideas of trans-continental trips. Price is £24,150. 8 JANUARY 2023

Importer MotoGB has a new Italian brand that owes its existence to Eastern manufacturer Keeway. Created earlier this year, Keeway set up MBP to be a bridgehead into more style conscious and larger capacity market sectors. It has launched with a twelve-strong range of scooter, naked, adventure and cruiser models ranging from 125cc up to 1000cc. The biggest model is the C1002V (above), an imposing V-twin cruiser with a neo-retro vibe, powered by a 997cc liquid cooled motor putting out 94hp. That’s enough to haul the 262kg bike to a top speed of more than 120mph via a six-speed gearbox and belt drive. Brand names abound – ABS brakes are by J.Juan and Bosch, suspension is by KYB, and the connectivity unit from Motwi provides a built-in movement sensor alarm, remote shutdown, and access to navigation, group chat and more from its own internet connection. www.britishdealernews.co.uk