India is famous for a lot of things. Incredible cuisine, rich history, and a strong devotion to religious customs and traditions, just to name a few. But despite that, India is not known for designing and manufacturing speedy, sporty motorbikes.
In fact, most motorbikes in India are known for being reliable but exist on the slower side of the spectrum. However, Ultraviolette – a company based in Bengaluru – is prepared to change all of that with their new F99 model.
What makes the Ultraviolette F99 motorbike special?
The Ultraviolette F99 is one of the first motorbikes of its kind designed and manufactured in India. Smaller, slower motorbikes and scooters are much more popular in India, so creating something that’s so fast, sleek, and sporty could change the entire industry for India – especially if the F99 can hold its own while racing.
Ultraviolette F99 motorbike specs
Ultraviolette announced the F77 last month, which offers a 30.2-kW (40.5-hp), 100-Nm (74-lb-ft) electric motor, a 10.3-kWh battery pack, for a projected IDC range of 307 km (190 miles) and a top speed of 152 km/h (94.4 mph). With built-in GPS and LTE connectivity, this bike offers in-dash navigation, a vehicle locator, geofencing, ride analytics, dual-channel Bosch ABS, and a nine-axis inertial measurement unit. Pricing for the F77 Recon starts at about 455,000 Indian Rupees (about US$5,580).
Ultraviolette has now announced a racing version it’s calling the F99. Unveiled at the Auto Expo in Delhi, the F99 boosts peak power up to 50 kW (65 hp). Speed is a huge element for this model, and it tops out at over 200km/h, which is equivalent to about 125 mph. These are impressive numbers for an electric motorbike, especially one that’s being manufactured in this part of the globe.
Ergonomically, the F99 was designed to be racier and sportier than the Ultraviolette F77. Plus, this model has an aerodynamic face-plate, winglets, and an aerodisk, accentuating the company’s outspoken commitment to creating a race-friendly motorbike.
Could the F99 be an international hit?
Electric modes of transportation have become increasingly popular in the last few years and are likely to get even more popular in the future. It’s not completely out there to assume that an electric motorbike like the F99 could do well in Europe or North America – considering that these countries are becoming more environmentally conscious and may jump at the chance for a fast electric option.
However, the key will be exporting the bike at a good price. If Ultraviolette can offer the F99 to international clients at a reasonable price, then the F99 could have huge success overseas.
Will the F99 be a racing success?
It’s hard to say for sure whether or not the Ultraviolette F99 will be a success in racing, especially considering the fact that Ultraviolette has yet to reveal what brands, makes, or models the F99 will even be racing against.
It’s also important to note that the Ultraviolette F99 does not outperform electric motorbikes currently available in Europe and North America. However, when it comes to Indian motorbikes, the F99 could set a new precedent.
Pricing and availability
The F99 was only just announced, and Ultraviolette has yet to offer any information on pricing. However, the company has started deliveries for the F77. According to Ultraviolette’s rollout calendar for the year, deliveries have commenced in Bengaluru, while the rest of India will have an opportunity by the end of the year. After a domestic expansion, Ultraviolette will expand to the rest of the globe – making its products available internationally.
Conclusion
The Ultraviolette F99 motorbike is certainly ambitious and is an improvement from its predecessors. However, whether or not it will make a significant impact on India’s motorbike industry remains to be seen.
Source: Ultraviolette
