Savic Motorcycles C-Series

Our challenge was to design a head-turning motorcycle that would combine the power, handling and stripped-back style of a traditional café racer with the latest electric battery and power conversion technologies. The main challenge was with weight: integrating a bulky 80kg powertrain - weighing more than one-third of the bike's weight - without detracting from the fine lines and distinctive 'racing' style of the iconic 1970s motorbikes. We did this by casting the bike's frame in lightweight aluminium, and incorporating the powertrain enclosure - containing the motor, the motor-controller, and a 144-volt battery pack - into the frame, as a structural chassis element.

With the C-Series, we wanted to recreate the distinctive pared-down style of a café racer, with clip-on handlebars, a broad 'fuel tank', and a vegan-leather cowled seat enabling riders to adopt a low racing stance. But this is not just a bike for speed-merchants, and having a standard body and battery design enabled us to affordably produce two lighter, lower-powered models - the 40kW Delta and 25kW Omega - alongside the 60kW Alpha. The result is Australia's first true 21st century motorbike: a testament to the emerging electric revolution, which will delight riders with its powerful performance, data 'smarts', and head-turning looks.

If Savic Motorcycles were asked our number one priority, it would be to play a leading role in the e-mobility revolution. We're doing this by delivering future-proof motorcycling to riders who love the art of classic motorbikes, but want a reliable vehicle to get from A to B safely, comfortably and affordably, with zero emissions. This promise is already attracting significant market attention - as evidenced by our sold-out first production run, which will begin delivering vehicles in early 2022. With our Omega model priced at $12,990, we're also making the dream of electric motorcycling accessible to younger, more price-conscious consumers.

The Savic C-Series provides the look and feel of a sophisticated and meticulously handcrafted motorcycle in a reasonably priced, factory-built production vehicle. The secret lies in the latest battery technology and a number of artfully customised features, including dual LED headlights, three-spoke wheels, and a single-sided swingarm providing the 'floating wheel' look prized by Ducati and other legendary road bikes. In addition to world-class Brembo brakes, a Wilbers suspension (aftermarket option), and YSS rear shocks, the C-Series features a number of customisable options, including raised handlebars and a removable cowl and pillion seat. The electric power source also enables us to incorporate a push-button reverse gear to manoeuvre the bike backwards. In June, the Savic team will begin a test project to develop a custom anti-lock braking system with engineers from Bosch Australia. The team has also gained considerable kudos for designing its own ADR-compliant, customisable touchscreen dash, which will provide riders with a full suite of real-time bike and journey data, downloadable via a mobile app.