Revolt RV400

Revolt RV400 is a very capable commuter electric motorcycle equivalent to a 125cc ICE bike. It comes packed with good features, a decent range and top speed as well. Revolt has now brougt a new variant known as the 'India Blue' Cricket Edition, you can read all about it here.

Step back and you'll notice that the Revolt RV400 isn't your typical city commuter motorcycle. It's designed with a sleek and modern look, breaking away from the usual mundane commuter bike appearance. The build quality is impressive, featuring sleek panels and well-finished weld marks on the frame. This design raises the question: Could this be the future standard for commuter bikes, and if so, the future looks promising, if not intriguing.

The bike's rear section is streamlined and extends to a relatively long fender with a number plate holder. While it's practical, some might prefer a tire hugger with an integrated number plate holder for a more contemporary look. In summary, the Revolt RV400 boasts a smart and modern design, making it a fitting choice for urban commuters.

This bike offers three modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. In Normal mode, it has a range of about 110km with a top speed of 65kmph. Eco mode extends the range to around 150km but limits the top speed to 45kmph. For maximum performance, switch to Sport mode, which gives you an 85km range with a top speed of 85kmph. The ARAI-certified range is 156km.

Unlike petrol engines, electric motors deliver instant torque. In the Revolt RV 400, Sport mode provides sharp throttle response, while Normal and Eco modes offer milder responses. There's room for improvement in throttle sensitivity by tweaking the motor controller's software.

Overall, the bike's performance falls between a 110cc and 125cc commuter motorcycle. However, it lacks the vibrations and engine sounds of petrol bikes, resulting in a quieter riding experience with only the sound of the tires on the road and the motor's gentle whir.

The bike's subframe and swingarm are lightweight aluminium. It has an inverted fork in the front and a screw-type preload-adjustable monoshock in the rear. The suspension is a bit stiff, especially over speed breakers, but we need to test it on regular roads for a better assessment.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the high ground clearance, allowing for aggressive lean angles. With a short 1350mm wheelbase and centralized mass, the bike leans quickly into corners, which is great for city traffic but might feel unsettling on winding mountain roads. The MRF Zapper tires (90-section front, 120-section rear) offer decent grip for everyday use.

The riding position is upright with an easy-to-reach handlebar for a hint of sportiness. You can adjust the footpegs for a more neutral posture by removing two bolts. The seat height is 814mm on paper, but its narrow profile makes it easy to touch the ground, even for shorter riders. Credit goes to the bike's light weight at just 108kg. Pillion seat comfort is decent, but we'll assess it further in longer rides.

The rear suspension works well with two riders around 70kg each, but it may bottom out with heavier passengers. Increasing preload helps slightly but makes the suspension stiffer with limited travel. The pillion seat is 100mm taller than the rider's seat.

The RV400 has a unique feature - artificial engine sounds. It's created by a hidden speaker on the right side, but it doesn't mimic gear changes. Instead, it offers a somewhat artificial engine note, which might intrigue casual commuters but lacks the real feel of a combustion engine. You can change the sound type through the app, adjust the volume, and even choose a two-stroke sound.

What's more interesting is the bike's smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth and a 4G-enabled SIM card. This connection allows you to access various bike details and your travel history through Revolt's app. You can check battery range, health, order or swap batteries, find the nearest swap station via Google Maps, start the motorcycle remotely, and set geofencing alerts.

Charging options include direct charging, removing the 18kg battery for charging elsewhere, using swap stations, and soon, home delivery through the app. The battery swapping tech reduces downtime, and all batteries come with a 7.5-year or 1.5 lakh km warranty, suitable for city use.

Charging times are 3 hours to reach 75% and 4.5 hours for a full charge with a 15A socket. Fast charging isn't available yet, but Revolt may introduce it later. The battery is IP67 rated, staying water-tight up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Battery swapping is free until December 31, 2019, with future charges to be announced by Revolt.

The Revolt RV 400 is a great choice for eco-friendly city commuting in India. It has a modern design, affordable price, and cost-effective operation. It's the perfect electric commuter bike for hassle-free urban riding.