The Kymco SuperNEX concept promises to incorporate the raw thrill of riding with green energy innovation.
At EICMA this year, Kymco announced its plans to venture into the electric motorbikes segment with the Kymco SuperNEX concept. A brand which has made its mark producing scooters and small-displacement motorcycles, Kymco released the SuperNEX concept targeting the hardcore bike riders.
The Kymco SuperNEX promises to bring back those qualities that make bike lovers enjoy their ride and that electric bikes miss out on. They highlighted these key elements: the carnal feeling we get when we work the internal combustion engine, the thrill in switching gears and the satisfaction of achieving top-end acceleration.
Now, the concept of combining a 6-speed transmission to the electric motor is not a new idea, as is showcased in the Brammo Empulse. But what the SuperNEX has done is provide a slipper clutch and an up and down quickshifter to the 6-speed transmission system which is paired with SuperNEX’s electric motor.
Kymco also claims that this will allow riders to maximise the power for optimum efficiency, performance and top speed. While maintaining the access to torque, Kymco also states that peak power is available when riders ask for more, with the SuperNex being able to do 0-100 km/hr in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/hr in 7.5 seconds, and 0-250 km/hr in 10.9 seconds.
But how is Kymco going to combat the issue of the completely silent electric motor? With the “Active Acoustic Motor”, which is able to dynamically generate the sound of the engine. The artificial sounds trigger an emotional response from the rider thereby making the rider ask for more from the SuperNEX. The sounds also act as audio cues for indicating the gear shifts.
While it seems the SuperNEX wants to combine green energy without compromising on the thrill experienced from classic superbikes, it is unclear how they are planning to address the other worries of electric bike buyers.
Cost, range and weight have always been the main questions when it comes down to the buying stage. Pricing it around the same as its gas-consuming counterpart while maximising the range becomes a tricky problem.
Maximising the range without adding more batteries and thereby more weight to the bike calls for extensive research before it can be put into production. Kymco stated at EICMA that the supersport class is less about practical needs and more about the emotions that come with high performance. It is highly unlikely to launch in the Indian market.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept
– The SuperNEX promises to connect with the conventional bike lover without compromising on quality of ride
– The 6-speed transmission and Active Acoustic Motor will further enhance the experience
– Kymco will have to work on the pricing, range and weight concerns while introducing it in the market
