In my days, I have witnessed many bikes that were more than unique.
However, the Verge TS Pro is so elevated above other motorcycles that it does more than just push the limits; it takes a completely new approach to this type of vehicle.
A hubless rear wheel driven by what is known as a ‘donut motor’. The rear wheel generates 737 lb-ft of torque (not kidding). The bike will accelerate so quickly you will feel like your eyeballs are pushed back into your skull. After doing considerable research into this Finnish bike, I am not certain conventional motorcycles will handle what is ahead.
That Hubless Wheel Isn’t Just for Show
With the rear tire missing from the Verge TS Pro, you might be surprised and wonder, what could that mean. The Verge TS Pro was created as a result of the patented donut motor design. This donut motor is not just some fancy design. It is what powers the entire bike and has been created to utilize the donut-shaped motor located at the rear wheel rim. This type of bike provides a highly efficient method of converting energy into motion because the energy produced is transmitted directly from the motor to the rear wheel.
The donut-shaped motor is located on the inside of the rear wheel rim, and it produces an incredible amount of torque (740 lb-ft). Therefore, there is no need for any type of chain, belt or differential gear. There is just raw power being sent directly to the pavement.
The best part of that is there are fewer components (i.e., chain, gearbox…), which means a lot less maintenance (if I said “almost zero” I would not be exaggerating), sharper cornering and an incredible visual presence that turns heads. Removing the chain and drive train also means a much lighter bike with better weight distribution.
One reviewer I read commented that he compared the acceleration of the Verge TS Pro to that of his Honda Super Blackbird and said that “it felt like time and space were compressed.” That’s pretty intense.
Power That Makes Supercars Jealous
With 737 lb-ft of torque, this is more torque than most supercars—on a bike.
The TS Pro will take you from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That’s fast enough to scramble your brain if you’re not prepared for it. Its top speed is 124 mph, which is not the fastest but, come on, when you have that amount of instant electric power, does it really matter?
What really got me was the fact that you can control all that chaos. There are 4 different ride modes.
- Range Mode: This mode is optimized for efficiency with the top speed limited to 87 mph, which is great for city riding.
- Zen Mode: This mode allows you to maintain a smooth ride with all available torque but has a relaxed throttle response. The top speed of this mode is 112 mph.
- Beast Mode: This mode turns everything loose. Brutal amounts of torque. Superbike thrills. This is your new best friend for causing an adrenaline rush.
- Custom Mode: This mode allows you to customize your torque limits, traction control, regenerative braking, and speed limits.
I’m a big fan of custom mode. Not everyone needs or wants to have 737 lb-ft of torque under their right wrist. Being able to dial that back while you’re still learning and be able to crank it up when you’re feeling adventurous is just brilliant engineering.
Range and Charging That Actually Work
Range anxiety is what usually scares me away from electric bikes.
The TS Pro is well ahead of the curve with a powerful, 20.2 kWh battery (the largest capacity on any production electric motorcycle) and this allows for a maximum distance of 217 miles per single charge. During a recent real-world test, one individual was able to travel 193 miles on a single charge, and there was still 7% battery power left after that test.
With ranges like this, commuting during the work week, or escaping for a weekend ride is now feasible with only one charge.
Charging times are also not bad. The battery can be charged from 0-80% with a DC Fast Charger (CCS or NACS) in approximately 35 minutes. If you need to take a quick break to top-up, charging for only 15 minutes will add 62 miles of range—plenty of time to grab a cup of coffee. Also, the TS Pro has regenerative braking, meaning that whenever you brake, energy will return to the battery so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Premium Parts, Zero Compromises
The Verge is the most premium motorcycle they make, and everything is included. Not only do you get amazing Brembo brakes (you want serious stopping power), but you also have the option of a fully adjustable Öhlins (or Wilbers) suspension; a full carbon fibre body kit for weight savings, and heated grips for the cold morning rides. There’s no upselling or the ridiculous “premium package” nonsense: they’re all included as standard.
Cruise control is standard. The ability to adjust the footpegs (forward or rear) is also included. And there’s a hidden storage compartment for your essential items! Plus, you’ll be able to utilise the traction control and ABS when you crank that throttle into Beast mode to avoid doing anything stupid.
The Starmatter Brain
This bike is powered by Verge’s Starmatter platform – this is essentially a smart dashboard that provides real-time information, diagnostic information, tuning for user-defined riding styles, and the ability to push updates through the Internet (or “over the air”). In addition to being user-friendly and highly customizable, this system was also developed with the intention of being continually improved by the user over time.
I commend manufacturers who create bicycles that can improve through software updates rather than have bikes become obsolete when they no longer receive manufacturer support.
Real Talk: Is It Worth $29,900?
The starting price for the TS Pro is $29,900, with a Special Edition costing $30,900.
It’s not an inexpensive motorcycle; however, for the price, you will receive advanced technology, high-quality parts, a two-year warranty, five-year warranty on battery and worldwide repair support. Verge’s modular design provides further advantages to repairability and upgrades – less down time, more riding.
If you would like to ride one, there are locations in the USA, such as in Los Angeles and Santa Clara, where you can take a test ride. If you want to experience firsthand 737 lb-ft of torque, make sure to take the opportunity to do so!
