A trail ready electric motorcycle isn’t a new concept, although no such product is available in the Indian market. However, Coimbatore based start-up, Gugu Energy, is set to change that with its new R-SUV electric bike.
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The zero-emission crossover adventure bike from Gugu is reminiscent of the Honda X-ADV scooter, although it is only the idea that that is similar. The front-end of the R-SUV has a beak-style design that mimics the styling of an adventure motorcycle. The electric bike also gets a windscreen for better protection from windblasts at highway speeds. It offers an impressive 28 litres of storage space.
The maxi-scooter inspired design brings a modern touch to the package. Behind the windscreen is a fully digital, 5-inch touchscreen instrument console that, apart from the ride related information such as odometer, tachometer and others, offers navigation functions, provides real-time traffic update, and displays battery level, range and vehicle diagnostics.
OTA updates would ensure that the instrument console gets the latest features and functionality as the technology develops. Gugu Energy App gives the rider the locations of the see nearby charging locations and complete vehicle diagnostics. The Advanced Navigation system learns the daily commutes and suggests the quickest route to avoid traffic.
Steering duties are performed by naked roadster-style, single-piece handlebar. The switchgear quality looks commendable in the images, but we would hold our thoughts until we see the vehicle in person. The electric bike features off-road style knuckle guards, and headlight and the tail lamp grilles to offer protection and accentuate the rugged styling.
The saddle features a step-up design with a dual-tone finish that gives this rugged vehicle a premium touch and matches the theme of the body paint. The headlamp, tail light and blinkers are LED units. The all-terrain electric bike rides on wire-spoke wheels (front: 17-inch, rear: 15-inch) that are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres.
Hardware specifications include upside-down forks at the front and an adjustable pro-link suspension at the rear. The suspension setup is claimed to have been tuned to offer a balance between on- and off-road uses. Disc brakes on both ends perform the anchoring tasks, while the safety net includes a single-channel ABS.
The Gugu R-SUV comes with a 6 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack and has an electric motor that generates 65 Nm of peak torque. The 0-60 mph (0-96.5 kph) time is under six seconds, although the exact number is not available. The top speed is electronically limited to 100 kph. The range is claimed to be over 100 miles (106.9 km) per full charge. The battery pack can be charged from zero to 80% in 30 minutes at any Gugu Ultra-Fast charger.
