In 2022, Bangalore-based EV startup Ultraviolette Automotive released what’s almost certainly the most revolutionary superbike of the last decade with the fully-electric F77. Alongside cutting-edge smart rider assists, the thing packs a 25-kW (~33.5-hp) PMAC motor with up to 332ft-lbs of torque, a top speed of just over 90mph, and a range of up to 95 miles, all at a price of around $3,700. Fast forward to present day, and the Indian EV outfit is now doing for off-road motorcycles what it’s already done for superbikes with the release of the all-new Ultraviolette Shockwave.
Standard Hardware & Running Gear
The Shockwave’s suspension is fairly run-of-the-mill, with a 37mm cartridge-style fork and a rear mono-shock, affording 7.87” and 7.08” of travel respectively. The electric dual-sport rides on an off-road-ready wheel-set with a 19-inch unit out front and a 17-inch hoop in back — both of which come shod in what look like 50/50-ish knobbies. Bringing the Shockwave to a stop is a front axial-mounted dual-pot caliper chomping down on a 270mm disc, and a 220mm rear disc bit by a floating single-piston caliper. The braking hardware also comes backed by switchable dual-channel ABS and six levels of dynamic regenerative braking.
Looks Fast Standing Still
The Shockwave’s styling is unmistakably modern, putting a futuristic spin on contemporary mid-weight adventure bikes with its sleek MX-style tail, low-profile tank, and Dakar-esque navigation tower and beak. The thing also comes loaded with a set of fork guards, a front disc guard, and a skid plate. Lighting up the path is a set of stacked dual projector LED headlights set behind a transparent Dakar-style navigation tower. Mounted to the tower is a rectangular 5-inch TFT display in a portrait-style orientation — another Dakar-inspired touch that we thoroughly appreciate.
Torque For Days…& Days, & Days, & Days
Powered by a chassis-mounted 10.8-kW Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor generating 14.5hp and an astounding 372ft-lbs of instantaneous torque at the rear wheel! While there’s no word on acceleration time, we imagine it’s ridiculously quick considering its torque figures, though Ultraviolette has revealed that it can reach a top speed of around 75mph. Helping to keep the motor’s insane amounts of torque in check are four separate traction control modes.
Rounding Out A Revolutionary 2-Wheeler
The entire thing tips the scales at just 265.5lbs, meaning it’s only 20 or 30 pounds heavier than your average 450 MX bike. That admittedly may not sound all that crazy, but it’s actually pretty impressive for an electric motorcycle. Based on the small frame and 37mm conventional fork, we assume the machine will handle comparably to a 125, albeit a tad heavier — though also a lot more powerful. We also imagine that, like the F77, the Shockwave will likely be built to MIL-STD-spec and be rated to at least IP67, if not better.
A Legitimately Affordable EV Off-Roader
The Shockwave makes pretty ridiculous amounts of torque, but so do plenty of other all-electric two-wheelers. Hell, the Verge TS Ultra reportedly cranks out over 850ft-lbs of the stuff. What really makes this motorcycle so noteworthy — above and beyond its onboard tech and admittedly sleek styling — is its sub-$2,00 price. We’re unsure if the Shockwave is street-legal, but even if it’s not, the bike is still a total bargain.
Why We Love It
On top of the Shockwave’s price, style, and tech, we really love how its affordable price point has the potential to open off-road and dual-sport riding up to a much larger group of people — an area furthered by the fact that its electric nature means no clutch or shifting and minimal maintenance, which are areas that intimidate some people and keep them away from riding. Even if you can afford the $10,000 or more for a new 450 MX bike, it’s hard to justify investing that amount, especially if you’re still an off-road novice. The Shockwave’s sub-$2,000 price really should open the door to two-wheeled adventure up to far more riders.
Spec Sheet
Class: Electric Dual-Sport
Brand: Ultraviolette
Model: Shockwave
Max Horsepower: 14.5HP
Max Torque: 372.5FT-LBs
Top Speed: 74.5MPH
Weight: 265.5LBs
MSRP: ₹149,000 (~ $1,720)
Pricing & Availability
While the Ultraviolette Shockwave isn’t yet available for order, the company is allowing people to register their interest for the bike on the company’s site. According to a post from the brand’s Instagram, pricing for the Shockwave will start from around ₹149,000 — a figure that equates to around $1,700! Having said that, the bike will almost certainly only be available for purchase in India…at least for now.
Recap
Ultraviolette Shockwave Electric Off-Road Motorcycle
fter revolutionizing the electric superbike space with a wildly-affordable yet surprisingly-capable supersport, Ultraviolette has now done the same for dirt-going two-wheelers with the Shockwave, an all-electric dual-sport with over 370ft-lbs of torque, and a price starting from just $1,700.
