CURRENTS

SHOCKING!

Ducati eBIKE È Arrivato

After teasing the world with its range of eBikes at EICMA a couple of years ago, Ducati has introduced its first products for U.S. Dealers… and we have seen them in the showrooms. “E-MTBs have various points in common with motorcycles, including the ability to convey great emotions deriving from the sense of escape and freedom, but also the possibility of discovering new landscapes and experiencing unforgettable adventures,” say the folks from Borgo Panigale.

“For this reason, Ducati and Thok E-bikes have developed a range of products that have a strong appeal to the sporting soul of the brand and are ready to meet the needs of the most demanding riders, whether they are motorcyclists or not.”

“We understand the passion for all things Ducati, but there is a need for performance to live up to the brand’s reputation,” says Mike Guerin, principal of flagship dealership Ducati Newport Beach. “The up-spec Shimano components and Öhlins suspension on the TK-01RR make it more than wall art for our usual customers to display.” How serious? Shimano’s EP8 drive unit is billed as one of the lightest, most compact motors in the segment, delivering 85Nm max torque with a servo assistance ratio of 400% — all charged by an integrated 630Wh Shimano battery.

For the less serious Ducatisti, there is the MIG-5 All Mountain with its 150mm front and 140mm rear travel courtesy of Marzocchi Bomber Z2 forks and Fox Float TPS shock absorber. Other highlights include: Sram Guide T 4-piston brakes, THOK e-plus 29” rims at the front and 27.5” at the rear, 12-speed transmission 11-50.

And for the eCurious, Ducati offers the e-Scrambler, an “urban ready” trekking e-bike inspired by the design and attitude of the “Land of Joy.” Two colorways — iconic yellow and elegant “Matt Grey” — help it stand out. “Perfect for getting around city traffic and exploring open country roads, the e-Scrambler gets a 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor with 504 Wh battery and Pirelli Cycl-e GT tires.

NIKOLA UTV SHORT-CIRCUITED

Teething pains continue. Nikola Corporation dumped CEO/ founder Trevor Milton last fall and has changed its direction, according to its Q4 report —including the termination of its UTV: The Nikola NZT (Net Zero Toll). Billed as a fully-enclosed electric high-performance side-by-side (and later spun as a hybrid) the NZT is no longer a priority.

”In the fourth quarter of 2020, Nikola made the necessary changes to refocus and realign the company,” claims new CEO Mark Russell. “You have seen us restructure our agreement with GM, cancel our battery electric (BEV) refuse truck program, discontinue our Powersports program and realign the company’s resources with laser focus on our core businesses: battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric (FCEV) heavyduty trucks, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.”

This time last year Nikola was burning up the newswires with claims of 590 horsepower, 775 ft./lbs. of toque, 4.0 second 0-60 times and a 150-mile range that would be delivered by four e-axles integrating inverter, gearbox and e-motors allin-one. Now all that is left is the smell of burning wires and smoked proformas!

HEAVY METAL?

Sondors Says 80 mph & 80 Mile Range Are No Problem

Cutting to the chase, Storm Sondors says his “Metacycle” sports a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) thanks to its 8 kW nominal and 14.5 kW peak rear hub motor. The removable 4,000 Wh battery is rated for a range of 80 miles (130 km). And the MSRP? $5,000. The goal? Electric for everyone in 2021!

“Ride wild. Ride free. Free from noise, vibration, fumes, and fueling stations,” says the eponymous eBike maker. “Metacycle brings you the freedom to unapologetically experience the joy of the ride in its purest form. Built for an elevated transportation experience, SONDORS has favorably disrupted the electric bike industry as we know it, and we’ve only just begun… “

The problem? No provisions for a dealer network! “Our practice is to make each SONDORS to order, then deliver it right to your door. This means we are not only eliminating the expense of the middle man, we are also cutting out the added cost of warehousing inventory.” Also eliminating any dealers for necessary service and repairs? See more of the SONDORS story here:

https://sondors.com/about/

FACTORING IN FINANCIALS

Energica Expands

Italian-based eMoto manufacturer Energica is planning a major expansion into the U.S., looking to expand its dealer locations in time for the spring riding season. To facilitate implementation of this plan, they have forged an agreement with Westlake Financial Services.

The agreement with Westlake gives U.S. Energica dealers more flexibility with flooring financing, enabling them to display and demo product in showrooms for longer periods of time and in larger volume, optimizing their working capital.

“Thanks to enormous consumer demand for the new Energica motorcycles, U.S. retail sales are likely to almost double versus the previous year,” said Stefano Benatti, CEO of Energica Motor Company Inc., the Energica subsidiary in the United States.

“It’s become clear that our further expansion can best be supported with this kind of financial instrument, provided by so prominent a financial institution as Westlake Financial with more than 50,000 automotive and motorcycle dealerships throughout the United States and over $3.0 billion in managed assets.”

MO MONEY FROM ENERGICA

Energica also announces its consumer financing program for the U.S. teaming with FreedomRoad Financial. “Until now we’ve relied on the financing programs provided by our individual dealers, which means that we couldn’t communicate a consistent national offer,” said Stefano Benatti, CEO, Energica Motor Company Inc. Benatti believes one of the most important tools to help dealers sell motorcycles to prospective customers is the availability of financing.

“At least 65% of all new U.S. motorcycle sales take place as a result of financing offers either from OEM’s directly, dealer programs, or (less often) the buyer’s own credit union or bank,” he adds “Our ability to support the sale of older models and Certified Pre-Owned units was also impacted. This agreement will change all of that and we expect great things as a result.”

Riders who wish to experience the acceleration, power and purity of Energica motorcycles will be able to finance New, Used and Certified Pre-Owned Energica motorcycles of all model years, according to Benatti. “Rates and monthly payments offered will be comparable to those provided as standard throughout the automotive and powersports industries. The whole Energica lineup of premium Italian electric sport machines will be available to fans of electric on a more consistent and affordable basis than ever before.”

TIME TO FLY SOLO

Shades Of The Old Corbin Sparrow!

Autocycle maker ElectraMeccanica is starting consumer test drives at public locations in Scottsdale, AZ; Cerritos, Corte Madera, Walnut Creek, CA, and Portland, OR. The Canadian company claims their three-wheel, single-occupant, all-electric vehicle is “the smartest commuter car on the planet.”

More than 83% of Canadian commuters travel alone in vehicles not ideally suited for this purpose. This results in congestion, driver fatigue higher fuel costs and increased air pollution.

“The SOLO is the ideal commuter car that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle being both good for you and the planet,” Designed by a world-class development team, the design brief called for spirited performance and ultimate practicality. Its small footprint makes parking and navigating traffic a snap. Its long range electric drivetrain means completely skipping stops at the pump while its affordable price and great financing options makes it easy to own.”

Click here for more details:

https://electrameccanica.com/solo/

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