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Makes And Models => Energica => Topic started by: most on September 06, 2020, 12:23:15 AM

Title: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on September 06, 2020, 12:23:15 AM
All,

I’d like to share my first impressions after the first thousand kilometers of riding.

I had already described my first impressions after a test ride of the Ribelle. On that day in May this year I placed the order for my EsseEsse 9+ which I could pick up mid August from Lennart Otten, a well-known dealer in northern Germany close to the Netherlands. Lennart and his team are simply fully supporting e-mobility and do not sell the motorcycles as their main source of income (I think their core business is cooling systems and household air conditioning). In this respect they are not typical mc dealers. They had already installed the FW 037 that was released just the other day; due to the forecasted thunderstorm I drove some 250kms from Hannover to Meppen by rental van.

Then on the very first ride I got caught in a thunderstorm - again but this one wasn't forecasted. In fact, I hit the only clouds in Europe that day :-X. I noticed kinda shortage issue with the left switch unit on the handlebars (due to water ingress, obviously): The mode button on the left switch unit developed its own crazy life. Long press, short press - you name it. From the displayed driving screen (speed display) the bike automatically went to the mapping screen (power setting and recuperation setting) or changed to the traction control screen. Only pressing Enter lets me get back to the drive screen. After the water evaporated, the issue was gone. Anyway that is a no-go. Already agreed with the dealer: The switching unit will be replaced under warranty - without further analysis only based on my description. That's great service from the dealer and Energica! Wouldn't have been surprised if they wanted to review the switch unit first before replacing it.

But let's proceed systematically:

1. Build Quality
I was very enthusiastic about the Ribelle. The SS9 is undoubtedly just as good, but a few small things cloud the otherwise impeccable picture. My frame is poorly coated in the area of the steering head where two lateral tubes are welded onto the vertical part (probably the Ego's fairing is attached there?!?). Already after that first ride in rain I saw light red rust water coming out of the tubes and corrosion at the welding spots of those tubes! Also the brake disks, further inside near the connection to the rim at the punching burr were corroded after that first ride; but due to the casted iron it is probably to be expected. I only had a Zero DS as a new bike for comparison - it had survived quite a few rain rides without visible corrosion.
Of course, there are also the very positive features that are widely known - many parts are CNC'ed with love for the detail: Lamp holder with the EsseEsse letters as cut outs, rear extension with the same Energica logo that you can find on the controller cover (aka fuel tank ;D), footpegs , upper middle part - all CNC'ed from solid metal. Apart from the paint quality in my case, the frame is cleanly welded - even my BMW showed less cleaner welds and was partly covered with welding pearls. The fenders and chain guard, which were in the previous model years laminated from carbon fiber, are now unpainted plastic injection molded parts. The side panels of the battery are also injection molded. I don't know if those were also made of carbon fiber before!? Well, at least the plastic parts should be less sensitive to scratches than the shiny Lamiant-surface. Injection moulded parts are probably a sign that Energica sells more bikes now that the sheer volume justifies the amortization of moulding tools. The component price on plastic parts for sure is much lower than carbon fibre laminated parts. Well, at the end Energica has a prototype background with lots of experience in CF-fing covers. ::)
The saddle is really good. On the one hand it is comfortable for me even on longer rides, on the other hand it is optically manufactured with highes standards! Straight seams, everything symmetrical - perfect! Unfortunately, the surface keeps a little moisture after a rain shower or hand washing. I noticed wet trousers despite the surface already dried completely.

2. Engine & Drive Train
Everything I had written about the Ribelle is also valid here - despite formally "only" 200Nm instead of 215Nm: The torque is legendary. In the beginning I didn't dare to accelerate fully. But the respect for the brutal torque slowly went away over the kilometers to come. Anyway, the SS9 remains a fully loaded beast! What I find particularly exciting: The drive train is absolutely free of any noticeable play and the throttle reaction is instant. No noticeable delay at all, the controller really converts the watts into instant torque! And it all feels perfectly controllable at any time.
I haven't tried higher motorway speeds yet (you know the German Autobahns ;)), the maximum when overtaking was acceleration from 60 to 100km/h (or was it a bit more?!). It accelerates so fast... just incredible!
The drivetrain simply provides perfect controllable power. I like that a lot!!

3. Ergonomics
The seating position is rather neutral with the upper body slightly bent forward and the hands supporting just slight weight. The knee angle is comfortable and reminded me of a BMW R1200R or Yamaha TDM850. The handlebars are nicely yet standard rubber grips. I might even prefer them 20 or 30mm closer to me. By that, you would probably sit on the bike completely neutral and straight without the wrists supporting any weight at all. Well due to the wind pressure this is anyway valid only for riding well within city limits.
The beautiful aluminum footpegs have no rubber surface and are therefore smooth and a bit slippery, especially in wet conditions. Not yet sure if I like that or not. So far I could onlynotice that the feet simply slide out of position faster. You have to take a concentrated sportive riding position - a relaxed riding position suits the bike's "interface" a bit less. Nevertheless, I'd prefer a bit more grip on the pegs. The pegs are also shorter compared with other bikes I rode, they reach about 2/3 of the sole width. If you keep the pegs under the forefoot, then this is not an issue as you can apply pressure easily. But with a more relaxed and touristic riding position, I have the feeling as if my feet are resting on a 1" ball. I have to get used to the fact that the riding position generally calls for a touch more ride-active position than I was used to with my GS. But all-in-all it is all very balanced and coherent!
Wearing blue jeans, when I clamp the bike with my upper thighs, I can fell the top frame rod - the thighs do not rest too comfortably in a cavity as the tank cover shape suggests. Well to >95% of the time I got decent motorcycle trousers that are thicker - no concern there at all!
Brake lever and grip rubbers are okay. Solid and simply good. My right hand has got numb on every bike I rode so far (even on the Zero DS) and I had to stretch my fingers. Not so on the SS9 - I guess this is because of the slightly forward oriented seat position...
The switching units are very functional. Better than those on my Zero DS, however they're simply meeting industry standards. Unfortunately, the cruise control button is not well positioned on the right handlebar. The throttle grip has a wide housing – you have to bridge this width with your the thumb until you can engange cruise control. I guess this is the outcome when the designers requirements ask for a CC but the buyers standard supplier choice of switch units only offer the “usual suspects”.
From my point of view, the mirrors are great. Italian stylish design, functional, they really give a high-quality impression and I can adjust them perfectly. However, I do see ¼ of my shoulders but there are worse stock mirrors out there for other brands. Anyway, I am very satisfied with them! There are other goodies available like a double USB socket just underneath the dash are great. I used a short piece of cable junction to get 12V for my Garmin without tampering with the original harness.
What else to mention? I ordered the machine with heating grips, side bags and the windshield. The coldest temperature so far was 13° in the Harz Mountains - at level 3 (max) the heating grips needed a while to warm up the fingers. I will have to observe that at cooler temperatures - maybe the control depends on the ambient temp?
The side bags are okay so far – Givi standards. The connection to the bike is less robust and you have to fiddle a bit with the push lock and the top snap connection until you get the hang… Well the bags are  practical because you can easily store a type2 cable. I have a 3-phase Mennekes from Tesla in the 4m version. The plugs are rather straight, yet the cable winds tight enough to fit the bags.
The windscreen is good for country road speeds. There is no real weather protection, but the rider’s head does not see any turbulences. It rather hits the upper chest area. An Autobahn test is still pending, let's see how the bike behaves.

4. Riding and riding dynamics
On the first 100km I was really cautious because of the new tires and I had to get to know the bike. The next few 100kms did bring up a few peculiarities. At first I adjusted the spring preload of the fork to my weight - I had to completely preload the front end, which surprised me a bit. The fork has high stick/slip forces. When riding it responds quite sensitively (let's say "inconspicuously"), but when standing and you pump the fork (I did that to level the bike for adjusting the springs) it always jumps in 2cm steps. In the beginning I thought it was a running-in issue, but even after my 1000km this is still unchanged. I will see if rebound and compression damping helps resolving that, maybe I have to reduce both a few clicks. Could help, let’s see.
The rear shock's factory set pretension level was meeting my weight, I just think the damping far too low. Here too I have to check how far I can improve it. Otherwise I will try aftermarket shocks from Hyperpro.
Even though the SS9 is far more rooted with the tarmac, especially in turns - compared with the Zero DS It is however not completely neutral, especially in turns. Even though my bike sits now about 10mm higher at the front after the correction of the preload and the geometry has changed towards more stability, it is still quite nervous in fast driven turns and often has to be corrected sensitively. Since this is also faintly noticeable when driving straight on perfectly paved roads, my diagnosis is: Steering bearings a touch too tight! Unfortunately I cannot lift it in a way that the front may spin freely, there is no way for me to confirm that theory.
It also has a tendency to fall into corners at speeds of up to 50 km/h and must be kept on track with gentle pressure on the inner end of the handlebars. I altered the tire pressure between 2.6 and 3.1bar. At anything below 2.9bar this characteristic increases dramatically, but even at 3.1bar it does not disappear completely. In faster turns it becomes increasingly neutral. At about 80km/h I have the feeling that I could take my hands off the handlebars & it follows the curve according to the chosen course and lean angle. My BMW R1200GS was completely neutral at any given speed. I just wish the SS9 would be like that. Last but not least I have to emphasize: This is whining on a damn high level! Some riders may not even notice it. And I'm aware that the tires also have a great impact on that behavior - maybe worth to try a different tire when there's time to change.
Last week I took part in an ADAC curve training (German automobile club offering car and bike trainings of all sorts) - in rain and absolutely wet surface. Not humid but completely wet! However, the SS made it extremely well. I managed to develop some confidence with the tires even inclined in long turns. The training helped me lots to get acquainted with the bike!
One more thing about riding in the wet: The SS9 does get much less dirty in the front half and sides, but the swing arm, suspension strut and rear boom get messy. I had the factory mud guard installed at the rear, without that I’m sure the dirt would be spread all over my back through the open boom.

5. Brakes
I was able to put the brakes to the test during that training and used the ABS front and rear countless times. There are LEDs in the dashboard that light up when the traction control is active and also when the ABS is active. Also, you can feel the slight vibration in the foot and hand lever. I have to keep watching the behavior of those LEDs for the ABS, at the front they seem to be a few 1/10 of a sec delayed. They light up immediately on the back.
In addition, the Esse has an eABS. This regulates the hydraulic part but also the drivetrain's regen circuit, i.e. in case of a sudden throttle release on slippery grounds, the recuperation is reduced by the eABS so the wheel still turns safely. Energica should advertise this feature more - its not even mentioned in the manual. We have a perfect straight old slippery cobblestone street only 300m away from the house, the carvings between the cobblestones are mossy. A wonderful test ground for these kind of features!
Apart from that I tested the brakes in the Harz mountains with the regen temporarily switched off. The brakes are real strong but not too aggressive. The rear brakes are rather inconspicuous, but after a normal push on the lever the engaged ABS demonstrated that the tire limits are met quite soon – just as I like it. However in the city and country roads I almost exclusively use the regen for deceleration - the equivalent of one-pedal-driving in BEVs. I was wondering if besides that ADAC training and the Harz Tour the brakes are already run-in sufficiently?

6. Parking
The SS9 only got a side stand. Although the 21.5kWh battery block would provide an assembly position and ample space for a main stand, it is not available from the manufacturer. Well, it probably is an optical insult to the Italian beauty ;D. The side stand is very easy to reach, you don't have to master any “foot yoga”. In the back I assembled bobbins for a mounting stand (8mm threads are in the swingarm), for the front I bought a “Kern-Stabi” X4 front stand. This one is great! It engages from below into the steering head by a cone and is cranked up or down by 13mm nut drive. The position of the stand on the ground remains unchanged - this gives an unbelievable high stability!
What does the bike weigh? The manual claims 275kg. Could be true, but when taking off already after you lift your feet this is no longer an issue. However the weight is an issue when you push it in parking position manually! Better keep sitting on the bike and use the parking mode - forward and reverse "gear" with max 4km/h. Comes in very handy with the 275kgs!!

7. Range & Charging (21.5kWh gross and 18.9kWh net capacity)
After 160km of sportive driving over land and through the Harz mountains I was down at 15%.
I also got to 220km with a more economic driving style through country roads, however I stayed most time below 80km/h. And 300km are also possible in city traffic; accelerating gently in traffic, anticipatory driving. The 300km range in the Sauerland Mountains which another user did manage several times - with my riding style next to impossible 8).
I always record the recharged energy per iPhone App. Since usually there's no read out for the amount of energy charged, I enter the charging stroke in % x the net battery size of 18.9kWh. With this method I calculated an average of 10,5kWh/100km. I had some sections with about 6,5kWh/100km (city) but also 13kWh/100km.
I managed to observe 23kW maximum power delivery at CCS stations, yet I couldn’t determine the average over a complete charge stroke at DC stations. However, it’s fast! During my last longer ride, I've used a 20kW CCS charger starting at 18%, after 40 minutes I unplugged it at 91%. That's just enough time for a decent burger – and it did not even include an Espresso :). Apart from that I’ve mainly used type-2 charging stations at my employer and my 22kW AC wallbox at home. Also tested the granny cable that came along with the bike which delivers 13A or 3kW - just as any other type-2 charging station. I'd love to see up to 11kW AC as there are so many AC chargers out there. Over here, DC chargers can be found mainly near highways, only very few are located in the countryside. Well this changed over the last couple of years and it improves progressively! Can't wait for next year!!

To sum it all up: The SS9 is a great bike! And even electric!! Welcome in 2020 ;D

Sorry for the excessive review ::)…


Finally let me add a link of the conversion - I'm no Sam Baker, so please don't expect anything great:
https://youtu.be/nxcboSA8lyY
However I took up the idea to get an Insta360 One X from you - tnx pal! ;)

And one more from that ADAC training...
https://youtu.be/hm-2ZPIU6jk
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: PWM on September 06, 2020, 01:06:25 AM

Sorry for the excessive review ::)…


For those of us awaiting delivery don't be sorry, we appreciate the report - thanks!
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: 05RAVEN on September 06, 2020, 09:17:57 AM
Great review! Awaiting my Ribelle and should be this week fingers crossed. Will definitely be looking over the bike for the couple of niggles you mentioned in your review. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts!
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: reini on September 06, 2020, 11:26:40 AM
Thanks for your extensive review! Great to hear that you have that much fun!

I too had the chance to ride my first 900km on the bike and can second all your observations! I too struggled with the suspension settings at first, for me it was too much preload and damping in the front and not enough damping in the back. Still experimenting with settings, maybe I'll pay someone to do the setup for me :)

What I also observed were all the nice interactions with BEV enthusiasts at charging stations, motorcyclists and people in general as soon as I stopped somewhere. They were generally interested in electric motorcycles. Most didn't know such things existed, those that did know thought they were "only toys".
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Goetzuwe on September 08, 2020, 01:11:13 AM
Small addition to parking.
According to the German road traffic regulations, it is necessary to secure a parked motorcycle against rolling. That doesn't work with the SS9 + (Ribelle). Unless you buy a fixed plate for the handbrake which you then lock.
E.g. https://www.ebay.de/p/22011139014?iid=323671588353&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=707-134425-41852-0&mkcid=2&itemid=323671588353&targetid=939210297062&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9044005&poi=&campaignid=10199424628&mkgroupid=101937413997&rlsatarget=aud-559424846135:pla-939210297062&abcId=1145992&merchantid=109943560&gclid=CjwKCAjwtNf6BRAwEiwAkt6UQhmnHLfeWtYbip6rBgrfnM7lsNpRPAG7aK7VeFLp0-4M6K1nnyHuMBoCcf0QAvD_BwE
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: MoneyFor on September 09, 2020, 11:02:41 AM
Small addition to parking.
According to the German road traffic regulations, it is necessary to secure a parked motorcycle against rolling. That doesn't work with the SS9 + (Ribelle). Unless you buy a fixed plate for the handbrake which you then lock.


There is also the Bullet Brake system (https://www.bulletbrake.com/), I just installed one on my new Ribelle and works great, took me only 5 min to install.

(https://www.mupload.nl/img/l39r24a.jpg)


(https://www.mupload.nl/img/g4agro0nlh3.jpg)
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: PWM on September 09, 2020, 11:57:53 AM

There is also the Bullet Brake system (https://www.bulletbrake.com/), I just installed one on my new Ribelle and works great, took me only 5 min to install.


That's clever, what keeps the parking brake plunger from backing out from line pressure, is it detented or does it hold by friction?  Couldn't tell from usage video.  Thx.

Nevermind, I get it...plunger face doesn't see line pressure until brake lever is activated - line pressure acts radially on plunger body so no mechanical hold necessary.  Simple geometry...all metal construction, yes?
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: MoneyFor on September 10, 2020, 12:02:22 PM

There is also the Bullet Brake system (https://www.bulletbrake.com/), I just installed one on my new Ribelle and works great, took me only 5 min to install.

Nevermind, I get it...plunger face doesn't see line pressure until brake lever is activated - line pressure acts radially on plunger body so no mechanical hold necessary.  Simple geometry...all metal construction, yes?

Yes that is correct, this is how it works, it is al metal, aluminium to be precise.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: BigPoppa on September 10, 2020, 05:08:40 PM
I bought a Zero branded brake clamp for my 13kw SS9 ($10 USD) and a generic, adjustable one for my Ribelle ($12 USD). I see generic versions of the Zero clamp on Amazon.

Much cheaper than the Bullet Brake and the only downside is the need to remember to slip it on/off and to keep it in your jacket pocket on elsewhere on the bike when not in use.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on September 11, 2020, 12:14:30 AM
130$ is hefty, however I see some positive aspects in terms of convenience. Well I will give the BulletBrake a Go. It will take some while, if I remember I will make an installation & usage vid and post the link. However the videos from BulletBrake themselves are already covering the important aspects...
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: PWM on September 11, 2020, 06:01:17 AM
What's wrong w/ keeping a few zip ties in the tank bag for the odd occasion needed?  Okay...maybe stow a nail clipper w/ 'em...

The only concern w/ the plunger thingy (Bullet Brake) is the potential for leakage compared to a properly torqued banjo bolt.  Velcro strap was another consideration. 

The Bullet Brake item is a neat concept but lacks the backing of time-proven testimonials.  I don't get the warm-fuzzies it won't f-up the paint work.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Crissa on September 11, 2020, 07:27:42 AM
I guess we'll see, Don went in a bit the bullet.

https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=10463.msg96098#msg96098

-Crissa
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: DonTom on September 11, 2020, 09:16:13 AM
I bought a Zero branded brake clamp for my 13kw SS9 ($10 USD) and a generic, adjustable one for my Ribelle ($12 USD). I see generic versions of the Zero clamp on Amazon.

Much cheaper than the Bullet Brake and the only downside is the need to remember to slip it on/off and to keep it in your jacket pocket on elsewhere on the bike when not in use.
I have several of those too, if I can find them when I need them is another story.

BTW, when I have my Zero DS on my RV motorcycle ramp,  I prefer to use my Bulldog lock. (https://www.amazon.com/Bulldog-Locker-Motorcycle-Throttle-Handlebar/dp/B07VFYDPCH)

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: DonTom on September 11, 2020, 10:06:57 AM
I guess we'll see, Don went in a bit the bullet.
Yep, I took three bites of the Bullet Brake!

They should try to sell their idea to Zero  and the other electric bike companies. Or at least sell them a bunch.

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on September 13, 2020, 12:23:02 PM
... it is still quite nervous in fast driven turns and often has to be corrected sensitively. Since this is also faintly noticeable when driving straight on perfectly paved roads, my diagnosis is: Steering bearings a touch too tight!
solved those mysteries and like to share my findings here.
1. Nervousity.
I always used either of two fuel stations near by to control the pressure on cold tires because depending on my tour I can reach both before the tires get warm. I also have a pressure gauge I bought on Amazon - it shows more or less the same pressure than both calibrated tire filling pressure gauges. Now during my last tour, I stopped on each and every tire air pressure and compared their read-outs with my own gauge - not for absolute pressure as this anyway increases since the tire gets warmer, but for relative pressure. One would expect that my own gauge would show always the same than the calibrated ones. It turned out that the majority significantly deviates and show 0.2-0.3bar less than my own gauge. So I tend to believe that both fuel stations near by my house as well as my Amazon gauge show too little pressure.
After inflating the front to what I believe the real 3,1bars by bike suddenly became much more neutral - very near to perfect!!

Conclusion for everyone out there: If you are unhappy, don't trust the calibrated gauges at fuel stations but make your own test and dare to inflate up to 3.1bar

2. Headset bearing
Encouraged by the pressure finding I corrected the clamping on the steering head bearing myself. The handlebars have to be taken off (four screws, clamp bridge of the handlebars), then you can reach the 24mm counter screw in the middle of the top triple tree. It is made of aluminum and is inserted with plenty of copper paste into the steering head at very low torque (estimated 20-30Nm). Afterwards the three 6mm allen screws at the upper triple tree have to be loosened. I also took off some screws from the lamp bracket but it turned out that's not really necessary.
I had a hook wrench for a WP shock absorber from former GS times, I only had to reduce the hook width a little bit, then it fitted tightly into the crown nut (dunno if this is the correct translation) of the upper bearing. Let me add a picture in the next post to clarify the terms.

I unscrewed the nut 1/8 turn, tightened everything again (first counter screw with 30Nm, then clamping screws with 25Nm). The crown nut has a color marking from Energica's assembly line which is still visible (only rotated to ca. 4 o'clock) - i.e. I must keep an eye on it to avoid it becomes loose.

The slight nervousness and overall handling had clearly improved, yet there is still a small headroom for improvement as I think I still sense a veeeeery litte bit of slip-stick. Still absolutely no sign of too loose headset bearing or even rocking, so I will loosen it up a bit further in the next days (job, family and weather are restricting it).

I must admit I have no experience in this area except my common sense, some 35yrs of riding and my mech engineering background. I was wondering if 1/8 to 1/4 (next try) are reasonable adjustment ranges? I don't know if this is a tapered roller or ball bearing steering head. Ball bearings are certainly more sensitive (you compress directly axially), taper roller bearings probably a bit less sensitive (you compress at an angle to the steering head). Next Friday I'll be at dealer's for the 1000km service (actually done 1500km by then) - guys should cross check my settings. Since the dealer is no common motorcycle dealer, I'm not sure if the mechanics are more sensitive than I am.

Are there any experts here who can comment on the bearing?

rgds
Mat
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on September 13, 2020, 12:29:01 PM
pic of the terms I've used above
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: PWM on September 13, 2020, 10:22:58 PM
With the front wheel raised and steering head free to rotate, first center the handle bars then tap (press lightly) left and do the same right - the bars should turn over center and drop to steering stop w/o assistance - just gravity effect because of wheel weight due to fork rake.

Start tight to where a tap on bars causes movement but no drop then loosen in small increments until you hit that transition.  At this point, stop and tighten the jam nut (or locking piece) incrementally and test again.  If cables cause more drag in one direction versus the other then  make adjustments relying on the looser side but test both directions to get a feel for proper movement.

This technique works for taper roller bearing steering heads - learned from a seasoned BMW mechanic many many years ago as student not expert .
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on September 13, 2020, 10:52:34 PM
See that’s my personal pain - ain’t got a decent front lift that makes the steering rotate freely. Thanks for the suggestion - I did that back in the old days when most motorcycles had a center stand with a friend sitting on the rear seat.
My wife had pity on me and I had the afternoon just for the SS9. It took some 3 hours, fastening, riding, loosening, riding, fastening, riding... and so on... Finally I‘m so happy now! It turned out that after already turning it circa 1/8 turn it just required a tiny bit. I had to turn the clamp nut further for the width of the color marking Energica did during assembly.

It‘s like having a different bike!!

As for the tire pressure, 3.2bar work best for me (cold tire).

She does need some 30kmph (or 20mph), but after that she is now very neutral and I can get my hands off the handlebars at any turn radius without any tendency of dropping in or moving out. Tried 110kmph (65mph) as max speed.

To all you guys that are not 100% happy with the turn behavior - try 3.2bar front / 2.9bar rear!
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Hans2183 on March 09, 2021, 07:18:35 PM
Very nice review! Thank you for that.

I recognize that CCS chargers being located mostly near highways issue. It seems to improve but it's nowhere as common to find a 11 or 22kW AC charger. Recently noticed the first CCS charger very close to my door at a LIDL supermarket. Haven't checked it out yet but from my understanding it will only work when the shop is open.

What's your expected range riding on highways with that 21.5kWh battery?
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Crissa on March 09, 2021, 08:06:55 PM
A charger that only works while the store is open is kinda useless to plan against.

I hate having to know when gas stations are open.

-Crissa
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Hans2183 on March 09, 2021, 08:42:21 PM
Well I get their point, they provide that as a free service for their customers. Not for everyone who passes by and happens to be consuming electricity. Oh yes did I mention it's free  8).
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: reini on March 09, 2021, 10:36:53 PM
Well I get their point, they provide that as a free service for their customers. Not for everyone who passes by and happens to be consuming electricity. Oh yes did I mention it's free  8).
I never plan my rides with free stations in mind. From my experience they are usually occupied (because Austrians and Germans are cheap :D) or out-of-order. If you want to use them, make sure that a paid alternative is near that. Those are usually better maintained.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: DonTom on March 10, 2021, 12:34:12 AM
A charger that only works while the store is open is kinda useless to plan against.
I don't think I have yet seen such in the USA.

For an example, the Recharge Grill  (https://www.plugshare.com/location/146827)has been closed for months because of COVID.  All  of their charge stations are still  on for people to use. At least the last time I was there they were all working, months after they closed down.

That's my SR in the photo.


-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Demoni on March 10, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I don't think I have yet seen such in the USA.
-Don-  Auburn, CA

A lot of it depends on how population dense an area you are in. Whole Foods markets have installed EVGo DC units at most of their stores. As San Francisco is expensive and space limited they place their customer parking in underground garages. When the store is closed they lock the garage gate.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: DonTom on March 10, 2021, 11:29:13 AM
A lot of it depends on how population dense an area you are in. Whole Foods markets have installed EVGo DC units at most of their stores. As San Francisco is expensive and space limited they place their customer parking in underground garages. When the store is closed they lock the garage gate.
Makes sense. When I lived in the SF Bay area, it was well before my EV days.

I lived most of my life just south of SF, in San Mateo County.  Various cities. In order: Daly City, San Mateo, Belmont, Millbrae, SSF).

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on April 18, 2021, 08:10:50 PM
Very nice review! Thank you for that.
What's your expected range riding on highways with that 21.5kWh battery?

Well thank you for your YouTube videos!!
Still owe you an answer for the highway range. Did a trip last year 250km all German Autobahn at 15°C ambient temp. Set the CC to 120km/h - real speed 108 acc to my Garmin. At that speed, I was hitting 150km range with 19% left. So it should do about 185kms until you hit 0%.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Hans2183 on April 22, 2021, 02:12:56 PM
Seems to match what I get after some first rides on highway speeds.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: most on April 22, 2021, 02:28:50 PM
I just saw that in your yesterday's video - again thanks for that. Probably worth to repeat that once it's above 20 or even 25 deg C.
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Sklith on April 23, 2021, 02:59:52 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZA1biS6rSY

Power: 80 KW/H.  ::)
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: Hans2183 on April 24, 2021, 01:51:12 PM
One of their copywriters made an oopsie there  ;D
Title: Re: EsseEsse9+: Impressions after the first 1000kms
Post by: reini on April 26, 2021, 08:33:14 PM
Power: 80 KW/H.  ::)
They did it twice over for the Ego+ and Ribelle in their latest videos  ;D