Ultraviolette F77

Overview

India's foray into the realm of high-performance electric motorcycles has commenced with the introduction of the Ultraviolette F77. Diverging significantly from the current offerings in the Indian market, this electric bike has left us thoroughly impressed, and here's precisely why we are enthusiastic about the inception of this new era in electric motorcycle technology.

Design

Design-wise, the F77 looks so appealing! While it might appear a tad unconventional and bulky in photographs, its real-life presence dispels any such concerns. The intricately designed panels boast appealing lines and scoops that enhance its aesthetic appeal. However, it's worth noting that adjusting the rear shock preload currently necessitates the removal of the seat and side panels, but the Ultraviolette team assures that this issue will be rectified prior to production. Likewise, the Apache-sourced switchgear is slated for replacement with a bespoke configuration that includes controls for operating the motor-operated battery bay concealed beneath the "tank."

The bike's front end is characterized by a distinctive squashed-in headlamp featuring robust LED DRL elements, crafting its distinctive appearance. Furthermore, the F77 shares chassis geometry with the KTM RC, lending it a similar sharp rake, compact wheelbase, and pointed tail section adorned with split LED tail lamps. With its appealing aesthetics and promising lineage, it's clear that the F77 is poised to make a compelling impression on the track.

Motor, Battery, Range & Performance

The Ultraviolette F77 is much quicker than the other electric two-wheelers in the country and that is not surprising because that big battery delivers an abundance of power to the motor which means it can easily be faster than the Ola S1 Pro and the Ather 450X. 

Surprisingly, it doesn't exhibit the level of quickness one might expect. When compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, the F77 can certainly outperform a 250cc bike and compete with certain 300cc models sourced from China. However, it falls significantly short in terms of speed when compared to the TVS Apache RR310.

This is because of how the bike launches. It doesn't catapult off the starting line with a burst of power. Ultraviolette engineers intentionally dialed down the initial power delivery to prevent riders from being startled or experiencing excessive wheelspin. While this cautious approach suits riding modes like Glide and Combat, we believe Ballistic mode could benefit from a bit more excitement.

However, it's worth noting that you don't necessarily need to engage Ballistic mode at all times. With a surplus of energy at your disposal, Combat mode proves more than adequate for nearly every riding scenario. Whether it's your daily commute, cruising at respectable highway speeds, or chasing apexes on the weekend, Combat mode handles it all without feeling mundane. Even when pushed to its limits, the F77 doesn't become excessively hot, which can occur when keeping the throttle pinned in Ballistic mode for extended periods.

On the other hand, I'm not particularly fond of Glide mode. While it allows for comfortable city riding, it doesn't quite align with the bike's sporty persona. Given that you're likely seeking an exhilarating ride from the F77, this mode tends to feel more akin to riding a KTM RC 125 rather than something truly exciting like a Yamaha R15 V4 or a KTM RC 200.

The F77 has not only elevated its performance but also boasts an impressive range with its massive battery pack, capable of covering approximately 227 kilometers on a single charge. What's truly commendable is that this range calculation includes nearly 100 kilometers of highway riding, maintaining a speed of 80-85 km/h in Combat mode with a moderate level of regenerative braking engaged.

For daily use, it's safe to say that the F77 can comfortably handle a full week's worth of commuting, and even leave room for evening rides with friends, all before requiring a full recharge to unleash its weekend thrills.

Ultraviolette states that a full charge for the F77 Recon's 10.3kWh battery takes roughly four and a half hours, but our experience suggests it may take a little over five hours. Considering this, an overnight charge for a week's worth of riding seems entirely justified, although it's important to factor in the additional charger cost. You can opt to pay Rs 42,500 for both the standard and boost chargers or simply invest an extra Rs 26,650 for the Boost charger alone.

Handling & Ride Quality

The seating posture of the Ultraviolette F77 is very aggressive and it is difficult to grip the bike properly because of the glossy plastics. And the hefty kerb weight makes it difficult to steer in traffic. The firmness of the ride compels you to temper your enthusiasm though. Once you fine-tune the preload setting for your weight, the front end exhibits a well-sorted feel. However, the rear end fails to compress and effectively absorb bumps. While it's understandable that Ultraviolette prioritizes safeguarding the battery against impacts, and considering the bike's sporty intentions, a firm setup makes sense. However, it seems to have been taken to an extreme here. Surprisingly, even the first-generation KTM RC models didn't provide as jarring a ride. The situation does improve slightly with a pillion rider, but it still falls short of being ideal.

Ultraviolette has taken care to equip its sporty machine with an effective braking system. The brakes offer a powerful bite, and the lever feedback is robust. However, during our testing of the bike, we did encounter some brake fade, which is a bit surprising given that the bike had only covered around 1,500 kilometers on the odometer at that point. But that's not the most concerning aspect.

What warrants attention is the ABS calibration, which could use some improvement. When applying hard braking, the ABS tends to intervene, resulting in a somewhat unsettling front-end shuddering. Additionally, we experienced an ABS failure issue, and it's worth noting that this wasn't unique to the specific unit we tested. Fortunately, in the case of this particular bike, the ABS system eventually came back online, which wasn't the case with another test unit we had received earlier.

Comfort

Take a good look at the F77, and it's evident that comfort wasn't its primary design consideration. Wishing for a more relaxed or less aggressive riding posture would be a bit too much. However, it's not overly uncomfortable. To maintain a comfortable position, you need to firmly grip the mid-section to minimize the load on your upper body and arms. This can be a bit challenging, especially when wearing riding denims or pants, as the glossy plastics make it difficult to grip the bike. This is where a set of tank grips could prove invaluable, and it's hoped that Ultraviolette includes them in the limited accessories catalog for the F77.

Adding to the discomfort is the bike's substantial weight. Maneuvering a 207-kilogram machine, particularly in congested traffic, is no easy task. Due to its front-heavy nature, you end up putting more strain on the USD fork, resulting in heavier steering than usual. This can make filtering through traffic a bit taxing. Even on the highway, changing lanes demands a bit more effort than you might expect.

Features

In contrast to electric scooters, the F77's list of features isn't overly extensive. While it does incorporate the typical list of connected technology, it's worth noting that the app, through it is operated, is still in Beta testing. Navigating through the menu can be a bit time-consuming and may require a few minutes to fully grasp.

Furthermore, when it comes to activating the reverse mode, there isn't a clear and straightforward button for it. I had to experiment with the bike before discovering how to utilize this particular feature.

Should you buy Ultraviolette F77?

In essence, the Ultraviolette F77 provides a completely new way of experiencing motorcycling. It offers a noteworthy level of speed, not excessively fast, boasts ample range for a week's worth of riding, and proves to be an excellent partner for weekend excursions. Our only desire is for a smoother and more refined ride, along with the availability of tank grips to enhance bike control.

However, it's important to recognize that this distinctive experience will remain accessible to only a select few. And it's not difficult to discern the reason behind this limitation.