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Energica / SS9+RS is just so much more fun than R1300GS
« on: May 19, 2024, 07:22:19 PM »
10 weeks ago I purchased a fully equipped BMW R1300GS for multi-day trips in the Swiss and French alps. While the chassis and electronic suspension of the R1300 is clearly superior to that of the SS9+RS (handling, response, damping, comfort) the drive-train of the SS9 is just so much better and more fun.
The R1300 with its 1300 ccm twin-cylinder boxer has more power (145 hp) and is considered a very high-torque bike (149 Nm). Still, the SS9 offers 33% more torque. And that is available almost from zero rpm and over a wider range. Moreover, the throttle response is smoother and better controllable leading to vastly improved riding dynamics. Twisty roads are fun galore with the Energica. At any time, the motor just pulls instantaneously. And regen breaking (2nd highest position) is ideal for following a perfecly smooth line.
So for me, the older concept beats the newer one in terms of sheer fun. For anything up to 200 km (asphalt) the SS9 is my preferred choice (with no highways at 20 degrees Celsius, I get 215 to 230 km out of the 21.5 kwh battery even when riding pretty actively and in the mountains). Yet, I've repeatedly had issues with non functional or occupied charging stations which is why I still have an ICE bike for longer tours abroad.
The R1300 with its 1300 ccm twin-cylinder boxer has more power (145 hp) and is considered a very high-torque bike (149 Nm). Still, the SS9 offers 33% more torque. And that is available almost from zero rpm and over a wider range. Moreover, the throttle response is smoother and better controllable leading to vastly improved riding dynamics. Twisty roads are fun galore with the Energica. At any time, the motor just pulls instantaneously. And regen breaking (2nd highest position) is ideal for following a perfecly smooth line.
So for me, the older concept beats the newer one in terms of sheer fun. For anything up to 200 km (asphalt) the SS9 is my preferred choice (with no highways at 20 degrees Celsius, I get 215 to 230 km out of the 21.5 kwh battery even when riding pretty actively and in the mountains). Yet, I've repeatedly had issues with non functional or occupied charging stations which is why I still have an ICE bike for longer tours abroad.
