In July I had the opportunity to try the Energica Experia and this my review after the test ride:
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Adi from e-Performance guided me through a beautiful tour around Luzern- Switzerland, which was ideal to test the bike.
So I compared the Energica Experia with the Zero SR/F:
I may sound strange to compare a sport tourer with an Adventure bike, but this is a logical move (upgrade?) for many Zero SR/F riders, including myself.
PLUSES
- the upright riding position, really comfortable for tall people like me (I’m 6.2)
- the option to lower the foot pegs
- the bike is really nimble, you don’t feel the weight, just like the SR/F,
- the range: Adi gave me a realistic estimate of 250 km (155 miles) when riding on the semi-agressive side (see the update below)
MINUSES
- the noise: the bike whistles a lot when accelerating, but also when decelerating! Compared to the relative silence of the SR/F, I really didn’t like it
- the Regen : you don’t ride an Energica like a Zero! You have to slowly release the throttle to the say-required position (like a Tesla) If you release the throttle in one go, it will make some bumps, kinds of ups and downs braking, and once released completely, you still feel those ups and downs.
- Regen, again: I was in B2 and it brakes less than the Canyon mode on the SR/F. B3 being the max. I have not been convinced by the Regen on Energica, I prefer how Zero does it which is easier in the twisties.
- the screen and riding modes: B1, B2, B3, E, S,…. being more Apple and iPhone, I prefer slick and minimalist design and I find their menu too complicated. Canyon and Sport modes on the Zero are easier to use and you can always create a custom mode if you need to.
- acceleration : I found the Experia slower than the SR/F, meaning less sensations (with extra noise)
- mandatory luggages: I prefer soft bags to hard luggages that stick out to the sides. It seems that Energica targets BMW GS owners with this package.
SAME
- perceived quality: the Experia is a beautiful bike, but I didn’t find it was better finished than the SR/F. Don’t open the tank storage, it’s pretty ugly for now (Energica should improve it later), there are also many plastic parts.
- handling (as seen above) : switching from an SR/F to an Experia is not an issue at all
DEBATABLE
- CCS charging: depending on where you live and where you go, CCS can be an advantage or not, so it’s not a clear cut for me at this point
NOTE
After posting this review, some Energica owners explained me that you don’t ride an Energica like a Zero: you need to release the throttle progressively since the Regen is stronger than the Zero. But during my test I didn’t find the Regen to be stronger than my SR/F and it’s also been confirmed by Jérémie Noirot that the Regen on the Experia is not as strong as other Energicas.
TEST RIDE CONCLUSION
I like the riding position and the 250 km-range, but i’ve not been impressed by this bike.
If I traded my SR/F for an Experia, It would certainly make my long rides more comfortable, but I would loose some riding pleasure and sensations.
Before deciding, I’ll wait for Zero to launch their DSR/X
Energica Experia Full Specifications
MOTOR
| TYPE | Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor (PMASynRM) |
| DC VOLTAGE | 306V nominal |
| EFFICIENCY PEAK | 96.00% |
| POWER KW/HP | Continuous: 60kW/80Hp at 7000 rpm – Peak: 75kW/102Hp at 7500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 115 Nm / 85 ft lb. – 900 Nm / 664 ft lb. at wheel |
| TOP SPEED | Limited at 180 km/h (112 mph) |
| ACCELERATION | 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 3.5 sec |
| RANGE | City: 420 km (261 miles) |
| Combined: 256 km (160 miles) | |
| Extra-Urban: 208 km (130 miles) | |
| WMTC: 222 km (138 miles) |
ELECTRONICS
| DASHBOARD | 5” IPS 1000 nits bonded 848×480 TFT Color Display |
| VEHICLE CONTROL UNIT | Dual Microcontroller ARM Based |
| TRACTION CONTROL | Six levels of intervention combined with the existing eABS and the Cornering Bosch 9.3 MP |
| CRUISE CONTROL | Cruise control system that uses the electronic brake to maintain speed and increase braking energy |
| RIDING MODES | 7 Profiles: Energica 1-4 (factory preset), Custom 1-3 (Customizable) |
| 4 Riding Modes: Eco, Urban, Rain, Sport | |
| 4 Regenerative Modes: High, Medium, Low, Off | |
| PARK ASSISTANT | Forward and Reverse (Slow speed) |
BATTERY
| CAPACITY | Max. 22.5 kWh / Nominal 19.6 kWh – lithium polymer |
| LIFE | 1200 Cycles @ 80% Capacity (100% DOD) |
| RECHARGE | Fast Charge DCFC Level 3 Mode 4: 400 km/h o 6,7 km/min (248 miles/h o 4 miles/min) |
| Slow Charge Level 2 Mode 2 or 3: 63,5 km/h (39,5 miles/h) | |
| BATTERY CHARGER | Onboard, 3kW 90-264Vac 50/60Hz [1kW 90-177Vac range]. Conforms to Standards SAE J1772 and IEC 62196-2 with pilot signal for charging station interface |
| LPR FUNCTION | Long Period Rest: allows the maintenance and automatic balancing of the batteries during long period of non-use |
| CHARGE INTERRUPTION | AC and DC up to requested State Of Charge, AC and DC CCS charge completion with balancing, CHAdeMO 95% (depending on environmental conditions). |
CYCLE PARTS & BRAKES
| FRONT & REAR WHEEL | Cast Aluminum: front 3.5” x 17” / rear 5.5” x 17” |
| TYRE | Pirelli Scorpion Trail II (120/70-17 Ant/ 180/55-17 Post) |
| FRAME | Front Steel Tubular Trellis / Aluminum side plates |
| SWINGARM | Cast Aluminum |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | ZF Sachs – Ø43 mm, 150mm travel, adjustable preload, extension and compression |
| REAR MONO | ZF Sachs – 55mm travel, 150mm wheel travel, adjustable extension and preload |
| CHAIN | Regina, (16/52) 520 O-Ring Chain |
| FRONT BRAKE | Brembo, Double Floating Discs, Ø330 mm, 4 Pistons Radial Caliper |
| REAR BRAKE | Brembo, Single Disc, Ø240 mm, 2 Pistons Caliper |
| ABS | Cornering Bosch 9.3 MP |
FAIRINGS
| COLOR | Bormio Ice |
DIMENSIONS
| HEIGHT | 1461mm / 57,5” (mirrors not included) |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 847mm / 33,3” |
| WIDTH | 867mm / 34,1” |
| LENGTH | 2132mm / 83,9” |
| WHEELBASE | 1513mm / 59,5” |
| WEIGHT | 260 kg |
WARRANTY
2 years on vehicle – 3 years / 50.000 km (31.000 miles) on battery
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