In the ever-evolving world of electric bikes, where each new model claims to be the next big thing, the Verge TS Ultra e-motorbike rolls in, making a statement that's hard to ignore. With its sci-fi aesthetics and specs that sound like they've been plucked from a futuristic novel, Verge has taken the conventional motorbike playbook and tossed it in the bin. This bike isn't just for riding; it's for making a grand entrance, turning heads, and perhaps causing a few raised eyebrows. It's certainly a bold foray into the future of two-wheeled transport, but is it a leap too far?
Verge Motorcycles, a Finnish company established in 2016, specialises in innovative electric motorcycles, notably the TS series. These bikes are distinguished by their unique, hubless rear-wheel design and a focus on high performance and futuristic aesthetics. Verge is committed to advancing electric mobility with a blend of cutting-edge technology and striking design elements.
What is the Verge TS Ultra? A sci-fi bike or a tech overload?
Verge seems to have taken the phrase "reinventing the wheel" a bit too literally. With a hubless ring motor that looks like it's been taken from a Tron film set, the bike boasts a staggering 201 horsepower and 1200Nm of torque. That's nearly double the torque a Corvette E-Ray offers and over seven times what a Kawasaki H2R Ninja can muster.
The design philosophy here seems to have been, "Why make it simple when you can make it complicated?" Instead of having a centrally located motor driving the rear wheel, they've gone for a hubless rear wheel with the motor in the rim. This design is definitely unorthodox and will add a lot of unsprung weight. There are other things to consider too, like heat dissipation, reliability and long-term maintenance.
There is method in their madness, though. This has been done so the large (and heavy) battery can be mounted low in the frame, occupying the space where a motor usually sits. This lowers the centre of gravity and should make the bike feel less ‘top heavy’ than other e-motorbikes that have the battery higher up.
Regarding safety, the TS Ultra is kitted out with a high-tech sensor package, including six cameras, enabling 360-degree sensing; and two high-resolution radar units. This ensures that while you're zooming around, feeling like a character from The Matrix, you're not crashing into things - which is pretty important even if you aren't on something that has this much power on tap.
When is it available?
The Verge TS Ultra is set to launch later this year, giving you just enough time to save up, sell your Range Rover, or find a wealthy eccentric uncle. It's a direct-sales model, so it won’t initially have a strong support network with only a smattering of regional dealers. Verge states on its website that it plans to increase its dealer network in the future.
The TS Ultra costs an eye-watering $44,900. Great if you have that kind of money to spend on a motorcycle, but for those of us in the real world, it's a hefty price tag for a bike. There are cheaper options available in the form of the TS Pro ($29,900) and TS ($26,900) but you will sacrifice range, performance and some of the safety features.
Conclusion
The Verge TS Ultra is more than just an electric motorcycle; it's a bold, slightly over-the-top statement in the world of electric mobility. It's the kind of bike that makes you think, "Do I really need that much power and tech between my legs?" The answer is probably 'no', but then again, when has that ever stopped us Brits from wanting something a little bit mad?
