Forty-five years in the future, two audacious Belgian twin brothers, Torsten and Björn Robben, brought back to life the storied Saroléa brand, its legacy poised to forge a new path. With cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and advanced electric motor expertise, the duo created a 21st-century motorcycle that seamlessly merged traditional handbuilding methods with the same high-performance capabilities that made the original Saroléa model a legend.
“I first discovered my passion for cycling when I was old enough to ride a bike.” My father still enjoys riding bikes, a hobby also shared by my grandfather. My great-uncle André Vanheuverswijn was an accomplished cyclist who competed against other top riders from the Saroléa manufacturing facility in major national and international races throughout the 1950s, making Saroléa a family passion spanning over six decades. Belgium boasts a rich motorcycle heritage, prompting my decision to revisit the classic style that I admire so deeply. Technologically, Sarolea has consistently maintained a competitive edge up until this point; thus, when the opportunity arose to acquire the brand’s intellectual property, it was an unequivocal decision for me.” – Torsten Robben
The brothers’ journey toward motorbike manufacturing began in 2010, as they launched the Saroléa SP7 to compete in the prestigious Isle of Man TT Zero event. With a wealth of experience in high-performance motorsports (McLaren F1, Porsche, Audi) and engineering backgrounds in both aerospace and the military, Torsten leveraged his expertise to conceive the SP7, a revolutionary 100% electric vehicle. The SP7 recorded a respectable mean velocity of 93.5 miles per hour on the challenging Isle of Man circuit, narrowly missing a podium finish by just 0.4 seconds. By 2015, further refinements to the SP7 yielded a mean velocity of 106.51 mph, with the brothers securing a respectable fifth-place finish against top-tier manufacturers like Honda and Victory.
While there was no uncertainty that Saroléa had the adaptability to develop a successful podium race bike, their ultimate goal was to design a 100% electric superbike for the road. To bring the vehicle up to road-ready standards, they may start with their SP7 design and subsequently refine it to meet necessary requirements for highway use. The consequence was the Manx7.
The Manx7 exploits the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of lightweight carbon fibre to achieve unparalleled performance. The entire bike’s bodywork is built from the same material, which also comprises the monocoque chassis and rear swingarm, all of which have been designed to meet Formula One specifications. Underneath the sleek design lies a state-of-the-art battery system comprising advanced lithium-ion cells, honed through Saroléa’s extensive experience in TT Zero racing. This cutting-edge technology enables a remarkable range of approximately 300 kilometers in everyday driving conditions. Uniquely mirroring the character of Saroléa motorcycles, each bespoke Manx7 is crafted by hand to guarantee an unwavering standard of excellence; yet, it’s far from being the sole defining feature of these exceptional cycles. Each component of the Manx7 was carefully designed and built by Saroléa. In fact, E-Ride, the Belgian company, stands out as the sole motorcycle manufacturer globally that designs and manufactures its own engines. And what an engine it is!
The new motor boasts a staggering output of 245 horsepower and an incredible 900 Nm of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 320 km/h. With a single-velocity gearbox and chain drive delivering energy directly to the rear wheel, riders can simply twist the throttle and enjoy effortless cruising throughout their riding life.
The quick rundown of the Manx7’s components not manufactured in-house by Saroléa includes a pair of Beringer 4-piston front calipers and a single twin-piston rear caliper. The suspension system features Öhlins’ 43mm FGR 300 forks and TTX mono shock, carefully calibrated to provide optimal handling and control. The lightweight wheels feature high-performance OZ Racing Piega R forged aluminum constructions, paired with grippy Bridgestone Battlax tires designed for optimal handling and traction.
As an electric motorcycle, cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated beneath the surface, empowering a wealth of innovative features. The advanced regenerative braking system enables optimal battery preservation, while the customizable management unit, equipped with 4G capabilities, facilitates seamless WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Despite its cutting-edge technology, the bike still exudes a distinctively retro charm. The Robben brothers’ passion for vintage street and racing bikes from the 1950s to the 1970s inspired them to craft a “timeless type” that harmoniously blends nostalgic aesthetics with modern technology.
As predictions suggest that this technology will revolutionize our daily commutes within the next few years, it’s high time we started getting genuinely thrilled about the possibilities.
In 1850, Joseph Saroléa, a prominent Belgian arms manufacturer, shifted his focus to motorcycle production. His skilled hands crafted bespoke bicycles that demonstrated their prowess through rigorous participation in grueling events like long-distance racing, reliability tests, and hill climbs. By the early 1920s, his sons’ entrepreneurial endeavors had propelled the company forward, illuminating a bright and promising future for Saroléa Motorbike. During World War II, the German occupation of Belgium led to the forced closure of the Saroléa manufacturing facility. Despite efforts to revitalize the brand in the late 1950s, the company ultimately suspended all production activities.
