Ultraviolette F77: 5 Things We Learnt After Riding The Electric Motorcycle

We rode the new electric sports bike at the MMRT racetrack and here are 5 quick takeaways from our ride experience

The Ultraviolette F77 was one motorcycle we had been itching to ride ever since it was unveiled. On paper, this electric motorcycle promises proper performance complemented with sharp dynamics thanks to its premium underpinnings. And while we did ride the Ultraviolette F77, it was a prototype and not the production model. Nevertheless, a brief ride on the motorcycle was enough for us to learn a few intricacies of India’s first performance electric motorcycle. Here are 5 important things we learned about the Ultraviolette F77. For the comprehensive ride review, head here. 

Looks from the future

Think the F77 looks good in pictures? You need to take a look at one in the flesh to realise how good looking the F77 really is. The design is unique too -- a combination of a faired and a naked sports bike. There seems to be a lot of KTM design influences in the headlamp and tail section. Another interesting design addition is the front fork covers, which make the F77 look futuristic. 

Needs more zing to shock us

The F77’s 25kW AC electric motor delivers 33.5PS and 90Nm of torque. On paper, the numbers point to serious performance. Its claimed 0-60kmph acceleration time of 2.9sec and 0-100kmph time of 7.5sec is similar to the Bajaj Dominar 400. While the run up to 60kmph is sprightly, post that the F77’s motor feels underwhelming. Post 100kmph, the F77 struggles to build up speed. While on paper the performance seems similar to the Dominar 400, in reality, it feels as quick as a TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. 

Has a sci-fi party trick

The left fairing hides one big party trick -- press a button on the left switchgear and a hidden compartment swivels out from the fairing. The opening is hydraulically operated and allows for one fluid opening and closing motion. It holds three battery packs, which can be pulled out and charged remotely. 

Brilliant dynamics

The Ultraviolette’s suspension geometry wheelbase and brakes are identical to the KTM 390 Duke. Even the suspension setup consisting of 43mm upside down forks and monoshock have internals similar to the KTM but is built by Endurance. It has a trellis frame too but gets an aluminium bulkhead and a shorter swingarm to accommodate the electric motor. Now, the F77 has a 1kg lighter wheel than the 390 Duke and as a result, sharper steering than the Duke! On the racetrack, the premium Metzeler M7 RR radial tyres make the front end stable and communicative. That said, the F77’s corner to corner transition is a bit slower than the duke due to the 49:51 weight distribution. Other than that, the Ultraviolette F77 is a hoot to ride around the racetrack. 

Some issues need ironing out

The motorcycles we rode were prototypes and had teething problems. A couple of riders faced issues with the bikes stalling on the racetrack. The Insane ride mode was deactivated so we had to stick to riding around in Sport mode. Even the ABS was disengaged on the bikes. The final production motorcycle will get a colour TFT screen but the prototype motorcycles had a fixed screen with just the speedometer working. Even the switchgear was borrowed from the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Ultraviolette will be replacing them with more premium switchgear. Given that deliveries for the F77 will begin in October, Ultraviolette has a lot of time to address issues like lack of top-end performance and sorted out ABS. Hopefully, we can see a sorted and impressive performance motorcycle by then.