2018 EICMA: Kymco unveils e-bike concept

Taiwanese heavyweight Kymco chose the recent EICMA motorcycle expo in Milan, Italy, to reveal its new SuperNEX concept e-bike.

While the machine is powered by a clean, green electric motor, it also utilises several more traditional sportsbike features to inject more emotion into the ride experience – an aspect often lacking from the e-bikes we've seen so far.

Those traditional features include a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter, which Kymco says helps deliver better acceleration and a higher top speed.

Kymco also says the transmission helps the SuperNEX develop a stronger top-end, counteracting to some degree the usual midrange peak for electric motors. In fact, Kymco says the SuperNEX can go from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, from 0-200km/h in 7.5 seconds, and from 0-250km/h in 10.9 seconds!

Meanwhile, the company has adopted an 'Active Acoustic Motor' to produce the sound of an engine, which adds to the visceral experience of riding a motorcycle and which also helps riders to sense when it's time to shift gear.

A sophisticated engine management system – FEP, or Full Engagement Performance, in Kymco-speak – has functions like wheelie control, launch control, stoppie mitigation and traction control, in addition to four ride modes: Poised, Assertive, Bold and Extreme.

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While it sounds the business, Kymco didn't reveal the SuperNEX's weight or effective range, nor did it offer any indication of pricing should the concept ever make it to volume production.

"With SuperNEX, Kymco marks the beginning of a new era in supersport," said Kymco's Chairman, Allen Ko.

"We believe electric open up a new era of boundless opportunities to win the hearts of the most discerning riders all over the world."