I was looking for an electric motorcycle to commute to work(<20kms/day), when I came across a used Oben Rorr. Here's my experience with the electric motorcycle
BHPian dj_666 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
I was looking for an electric motorcycle to commute to work(<20kms/day).
Budget: <1L
Requirements: Good power, low running cost, good service network.
A used Oben Rorr came up for sale.
Got it inspected at the company’s service outlet in Electronics city.
They found all functions to be working fine so I negotiated the price to Rs.80k with the owner, paid in full and bought it in December.
The first owner had ridden just 2000kms at the time I purchased.
Some observations:
* There are 3 modes and I mostly use the top mode named ‘Havoc’.7.
* Modes can be changed on the go by shutting throttle
* Reverse feature would have been welcome
* There are no rider aids like ABS/traction control/wheelie control
Performance:
* Throttle operation is smooth
* At Wide open throttle – it picks up speed gradually
* While opening the throttle gradually post 20kmph, the acceleration is good till 50kmph
* Post 60kmph the acceleration tapers off
Ride, handling, brakes:
* Mode selector switch feel is vague and needs to be pressed hard
* Bike does not remember the ‘havoc’ setting and goes to the eco mode every time motor is killed/key turned off.
* Brakes lack feel and are not progressive
* Rear wheel locks up predictably under hard braking
* Motor has some resistance while moving the bike back and forth(reverse would have helped here)
* Suspension is average over broken roads
* Can’t shift lanes quickly due to long wheelbase.
* U turns feel abnormal and the bike doesn’t like sharp turns – 1433mm wheelbase to culprit viz a viz 1357 for RTR.
Ergonomics:
* Both brakes are on the handlebar however, the brake lever reach is very far and non-adjustable – so couldn’t use it effectively
* Hugging the tank is a must to prevent sliding back and forth but the squared off ‘box’ profile does not facilitate it.
* A week of riding caused a pain in the inner thigh region.
* Seat and central portion is really wide so reach to the ground is hampered.(I’m 5’9 and cannot flat foot)
* Handlebar position is too low.
* Hip, knee position is too high.
* Accidentally reached out to rear foot brake more than once
* Seat cover is very slippery – seat base is wide but cushion is flat and thin
Fit and finish:
Uneven panel gaps.
Tyre hugger is poorly finished and is off center, so is the front fender
Colours and graphic design is not to my taste
Switchgear seems average
Key lockset is just ok
Glovebox locking mechanism is bad – gaps are poor
Don’t care about the display as long without issues
Some silly un-necessary beeps after turning on motor at speeds below 5kmph
Average headlight spread but two flimsy screws holding the housing were stripped off – so could not adjust the beam.
Additions
Installed a sweep back riser to have a less steep riding posture.(Purchased from HTRZ mods for 2000/- including fitment)
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Installed footpegs from Triumph Scrambler 400(cost 2000/- including installation)
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The riding position is bearable after the install and there was no need to alter the cables/brake hose.
There is less load on the wrist and I sit more upright with more hip/knee room aswell.
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My good friend rode the bike and this was his comment:
” Seat height too high. I’m at median height and if it can’t cater to me it’s definitely not good imo.”
“I felt the ride stance to be ok, probably because of the changes made”
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