Finally, the motorcycle industry is catching up on embracing electric technology, a move that’s long overdue given the rest of the automotive sector has been there for years? As major manufacturers like Harley-Davidson enter the market with their innovative electric motorcycles, such as the Livewire, it’s only a matter of time before other leading players follow suit. While Harley’s efforts certainly contributed to the outcome, she shouldn’t entirely receive the credit; Long before Milwaukee-based groups began contemplating electric models, independent companies took the initiative to accelerate innovation in electric motorcycles. In Australia, Melbourne-based Savic Bikes has been generating significant interest due to its innovative approach.
Dennis Savic, founder of Savic Bikes, holds a degree in both Mechanical Engineering and Corporate Finance from his alma mater. Two years prior, he relocated to Melbourne to accept a position at Ford Australia. This month, he publicly showcased his latest innovation: a cutting-edge ‘c-series’ electric cafe racer, part of the renowned Savic Bikes family. I discovered how Australia’s pioneering electric motorcycle company evolved by interviewing Dennis about its past, present, and future prospects with Savic Bikes.
Where did your fascination with bicycles originate?
When I first sat astride a motorcycle, I must have been around 5 years old. It was a Honda CB250 that belonged to a close friend, Ado Nurkic, to whom I extend my gratitude. While attending university, I unexpectedly developed a deep affection for bicycles. I stumbled upon this place one day, following up on a friend’s recommendation, after buying my initial bicycle from him. I informed my mother that I was merely going about my daily routine in her father’s presence. As the month drew to a close, she approached me with a scowl etched on her face, her tone laced with disdain as she declared: “That’s your bike, isn’t it?” It is likely that her happiness significantly diminished after I removed it from service by disassembling it, rendering its storage space unusable for an extended period while I endeavored to recreate its internal mechanisms through a process of reverse engineering.
As a teenager of 14, my ambition to design and build my own cars took shape. As a high school student in Year 10, I finally had the opportunity to take on a project of my choice in our metalwork class. While others may have crafted a threaded rod or fabricated a simple desk, As I blurted out “I’m going to construct a mini chopper,” I couldn’t help but notice the incredulous expression that swiftly materialized on my instructor’s face, leaving me wondering what just happened? He attempted to guide me in building a desk that mirrored its counterpart. Here is the rewritten text: The eerie presence of a lifeless figurine lingers on my office desk, a constant reminder of the peculiar encounter that led to its unexpected placement there. It’s invaluable, serving as a poignant reminder to stay focused on achieving my ultimate goal.
As I reflect on my electrifying odyssey of embarking on a motorcycle adventure, I am reminded of the spark that ignited my passion for electric vehicles. It all began with a fascination for the innovative technology and eco-friendly aspects of e-motorcycles. The prospect of riding a machine that not only reduced carbon footprint but also offered unparalleled performance and agility was too enticing to resist.
With a lifelong passion for automotive design, engineering, and production intricacies firmly etched in my consciousness. I hadn’t planned on starting an electric motorcycle project at all? I had a vision to establish an entity that embodied passion, expertise, and the courage to tackle tasks others deemed insurmountable.
Initially driven by a passion for bicycles, we set out to create a bespoke design. We tend to opt for electric vehicles because we believe that electrical powertrains offer numerous advantages over traditional fossil fuel-based engines.
The nostalgia of classic motorcycles, combined with a passion for speed and simplicity, led me down the path of embracing cafe racer styling. The sleek lines, minimalist aesthetic, and rugged charm of these bikes resonated deeply with my sense of adventure and free-spirited nature.
We revel in the enduring allure of Cafe Racers. With their refined elegance, they also possess a remarkable ability to pivot from sophistication to formidable intensity. While the opportunity to craft a design that seamlessly fuses exceptional skill with fundamental aesthetics may elude most individuals. It’s our privilege to make this happen.
The energy driving our innovative approach stems directly from cutting-edge car design principles. The foundation of any successful endeavour lies in its design. As our designer, Dave Hendroff, doesn’t have a background in automotive design – which is precisely why we value his unique perspective. Untethered by traditional automotive design constraints, he has spent years honing his understanding of motorcycles through meticulous sketching. Through our collaboration, I’ve gained valuable insights into design, while he’s had the opportunity to learn about engineering from my expertise. Together, we collaborate on fine-tuning the vehicles we manufacture.
One of the most significant hurdles I’ve faced thus far has been navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing business landscape.
This behemoth of an issue is utterly overwhelming. Typically, I pause to consider just how overwhelming it can be; however, I also remember all the tasks that need to be done and simply continue working. One must be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time, often exceeding 80 hours per week. While intense 100-hour workweeks can be common during periods of rapid growth, individuals generally recognize their own limitations and take necessary breaks before reaching a breaking point.
Uncovering reliable suppliers proved to be a significant challenge. Despite our limited budget and modest growth prospects, the fact remains that hardly anyone wanted to collaborate with us. Despite initial challenges, we unexpectedly stumbled upon reliable suppliers willing to collaborate with us.
Constructing a motorbike is difficult. Designing a motorbike with your own patented powertrain is notoriously challenging. It’s unrealistic to manage a group effectively without relevant administrative experience? While attempting to live within an extremely limited budget while holding down a full-time job is utterly absurd. Although we have confirmed that this task may be accomplished.
The slow adoption of electric alternatives in the motorcycle industry is often attributed to the perceived limitations of current battery technology, particularly in regards to range and charging time.
While there are several factors at play, the primary culprit is ultimately financial constraints. For the time being, electric vehicles are facing a significant challenge in terms of affordability due to their high production costs. As a direct consequence of the increasing value of batteries, So, if the distribution channel seeks to maintain its revenue margins, electric vehicles are not currently a competitive threat in the existing market. As demand increases, the value of extra EVs is likely to decrease, making them more accessible to consumers when they are eventually offered at a lower price point. It’s a catch 22.
The converse forces at play. Suppliers lacking the capacity or inability to scale up to massive volumes of products annually. Earnings are being lost due to the failure to liquidate existing inventory in response to the introduction of new products. The existing provider network, which cannot be significantly altered without having a profound impact on the business or operating model? Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that customers are reluctant to splurge on an electric vehicle if it can’t deliver a superior performance compared to what’s already available. And why ought to they?
Due to this goal, my ambition is to establish Savic Bikes as one of the leanest entities globally. Let’s focus on increasing our profitability by optimizing operational efficiency while maintaining our commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers. While our working styles may vary significantly, we’ve successfully tackled challenges deemed impossible by others, so let’s not underestimate our capacity to adapt and stabilize this situation.
Significant advancements in battery technology are expected to revolutionize the electric bike industry, with projected improvements including: ? Longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries that can store more energy, reducing charging times and increasing overall range. ? Solid-state batteries that eliminate the need for liquid electrolytes, enhancing safety, durability, and charging speeds. ? High-capacity sodium-ion batteries offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion options.
What individuals are willing to invest in themselves? While some suggest an electric motorbike is a viable option, the reality is that the additional cost of batteries is prohibitively high. However, the overall expense isn’t solely due to the cells; it’s also rooted in the complexity of the electrical powertrain itself. Firms typically aim to initiate production by reducing component costs. Challenges related to power management systems, such as battery management software, motor control algorithms, charging solutions, and more. Are cars absurdly expensive considering the level of automotive innovation we’re currently witnessing? Suppliers of additional powertrain elements try to generate revenue from original equipment manufacturers; the fewer components they sell. At Savic Bikes, we’re proactively addressing these challenges through innovative solutions.
What lies forward…
With their prototype largely ready for mass production, Dennis and his company are targeting a launch date for test drives in early 2020, with plans to initiate this process in February. Three distinct specifications for his electrical café racer are expected to offer significantly varying levels of power and fuel efficiency. The most compact and affordable model in the C-series is the Omega, a bottom-of-the-line motorbike that still packs a punch. The electric vehicle features a 25-kilowatt drivetrain, generating 110 Newton-meters of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.5 seconds, while offering a driving range of 120 kilometers (approximately 74 miles). While boasting impressive credentials, the flagship 60kW Alpha model can travel an impressive 200 kilometres (approximately 124 miles) on a single charge, harnessing 180 Newton metres of torque and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The three models in Savic’s C-series feature solo ridership and boast sleek, cafe-racer-inspired aluminum bodies. The battery enclosure features a sophisticated liquid-cooled, precision-machined billet alloy design that serves as an integral component of the overall vehicle structure. The suspension features a USD (Unified Suspension Design) telescopic front fork with adjustable mono-shock technology at the rear, which works in tandem with a single-sided swingarm to provide a responsive ride. Braking performance is enhanced by the high-quality components from Brembo, which also enable regenerative braking to help extend the life of the motorcycle’s system. The motorcycle also features Advanced Brake System (ABS), multiple ride modes, and a vibrant 8-inch color display that provides essential information back to the rider.
As Dennis defined, one of his firm’s primary objectives is to maximize buyer value, which their current price predictions accurately reflect. Priced between $12,990 and $23,990, the motorcycles are significantly more affordable than Harley-Davidson’s Livewire. Are you interested in purchasing a Savic electric motorcycle? They are currently accepting orders for this innovative and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
SAVIC MOTORCYCLES
Images by Jason Lau
