Triumph’s TE1 electric motorcycle project is complete (see here for our last update!). The result? An electric streetfighter with specs that are supposed to exceed the competition, and feeling, looks and performance on par with Triumph’s top-tier streetfighters.
The specs
Triumph’s TE1 has tons of power on-tap, with a claimed 175hp output from its electric motor, and peak torque of 80 lb-ft. Of course, as it’s an electric motorcycle, the power output is smooth and instantaneous. The TE1 can go 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds.
That’s lots of jam, on par with just about anything else available in the electric motorcycle market—and Triumph’s researchers believe they can find more power, as they continue to refine the bike’s electronics, particularly the traction control and anti-wheelie systems.
The TE1 comes with 100-mile range, but Triumph doesn’t say whether that’s highway riding (where batteries drain quickly) or city riding (where regenerative braking keeps the batteries topped up). Triumph does say the bike comes with a regen braking system, though, and this system will also likely be refined in the future.
Recharge time for the battery? Triumph says it can go 0-80 percent in 20 minutes, an absolutely spectacular quick-charge time, and better than anything else we know of on the current market. This means you can ride 100 miles, stop for a coffee, then ride another 80 miles, and so on.
Claimed weight is 485 pounds, which is less than equivalent machinery from LiveWire and other more focused electric motorcycle companies, although the trade-off is less range than a fully kitted-out Zero, since Zero’s Power Tank upgrade adds weight but also lets you ride farther.
Of course, as we told you a month ago, Triumph’s packed in a modern electronics suite with the machine, including ride modes, ABS and other safety programs.
The bike’s feel
Battery range and power output are important, but for this machine to be a success, it must look and feel like a Triumph—and the designers say the TE1 is built with the visual appeal and the handling of a top-shelf Street Triple. As per Triumph’s presser:
“With a throttle action and torque delivery map directly engineered from a Speed Triple 1200 RS, the track testing and dynamic rider assessments on the TE-1 prototype demonstrator deliver a level of handling that matches Triumph’s current triple cylinder internal combustion sports performance motorcycles.
The TE-1’s exhilarating level of performance and acceleration, combined with its engaging and dynamic riding package, result in a bike that delivers all of Triumph’s signature feel, and world-renowned neutral handling – a smooth, predictable ride, that is agile and nimble, great in the corners, with a controllable power that incites confidence and guarantees fun.”
A few paragraphs later:
“Instantly recognizable as a Triumph, the TE-1 prototype’s muscular presence utilizes signature design cues from the brand’s iconic modern history of performance motorcycles, while clearly being a bike of the future. Now updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, the prototype demonstrator brings a style and presence that is 100% Triumph, with all the brand’s signature design DNA, from its aluminum frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance and poise.”
Of course, fans will be the ultimate judge; if they like the bike, they’ll buy it. And unlike many niche electro-brands, Triumph’s TE1 will be widely available for testing and showroom ogling.
We haven’t seen a Canadian price yet, but we expect that soon, and we expect the TE1 to arrive in showrooms as a 2023 model, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Great looking bike. There are many who are very interested in going electric. The price will be the big hurdle. The range works better with the speed of charging. Still with interest rates heading north, and a looming recession…..
Beautiful bike to stare at and appreciate, especially since you won’t ride it with such a short range. Acceptance of electric bikes won’t begin until you can actually get a day’s range out of them, IMO.