Kymco’s hot NEX electric superbike is shocking...ly good!

Kymco shock the world with SuperNEX electric superbike

Just months after unveiling their next-generation electric scooter, Kymco have dramatically upped the electric bike stakes by unveiling this prototype version of an all-new electric superbike, the SuperNEX.

And with a conventional six-speed gearbox, claimed 0-150mph in just 10.9 seconds and top-spec chassis including twin spar aluminium frame, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes and Marchesini wheels, it looks set to be the most exciting electric bike yet.

The Taiwanese manufacturer say that while the future of personal transport is definitely electric, questions still hang over sportsbikes. They also say that with ever-tightening emissions regulations it’s increasingly difficult to produce a modern petrol sportsbike that delivers the thrills people expect. So when Kymco decided to develop the next generation superbike, going electric was obvious, but with a conventional twist.

Kymco say one of the joys of motorcycling is changing gear, so they gave the SuperNEX a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. There’s also the electric equivalent of a quickshifter and auto-blipper, so modern sportsbike riders should feel at home. Kymco also say the gearbox means the SuperNEX avoids the usual power fade problem of electric bikes. Electric motors are renown for delivering huge amounts of torque from zero revs but usually reach peak power in the midrange before tailing off. With just a single gear that normally means electric bikes fizzle out once they start going quicker. But by giving the SuperNEX a gearbox, Kymco say you can shift gears to hold onto peak power, just like a petrol-driven superbike. The result is a claimed 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and a 150mph top speed. Needless to say there’s a full electronics suite too, including some amusingly named power modes (Poised, Assertive, Bold and Extreme) as well as traction control, wheelie control and ABS; all of which can be adjusted. On the chassis side, meanwhile, the SuperNEX comes with Öhlins, Brembo and more, enough, all told, for Kymco to claim it could be the first electric bike to truly stir the heart.

On the downside, Kymco are not yet releasing any power, range or recharge time figures. The bike is still a prototype and there’s no official release date or likely price, although Kymco say it will come to the UK next year. If they can price it competitively, it should prove popular.

Set to be the most exciting electric bike yet