Ultraviolette recently launched its F77 in 10 European cities, and the company has now created an update based on feedback from bikes being used there. As it turns out, average speeds in Europe – particularly for those who regularly use Autobahn-style roads – are vastly higher than in India. With constant high-speed riding and regular acceleration at triple-digit speeds to make overtakes, riders were facing thermal-related performance throttling, which was not a known issue in India.
To address the root of the problem, Ultraviolette needed a clear understanding of the temperature levels within the electric motor. This is easily achieved by a sensor in the motor stator, but it is harder to do so within the rotor, which, as the name suggests, is a rotating component. Advanced calculations and test simulations gave the company a better understanding of not only the temperatures within these components but also of how fast they ramp up and down. That latter measurement is just as important, and different materials gain and lose heat at different rates.
Armed with a better understanding of what’s happening within the electric motor and motor controller, Ultraviolette was able to redefine the thermal safety thresholds across its bespoke powertrain platform. In simple terms, raising the limits at which thermal safety protocols kick in has allowed the company to liberate more immediately available torque from the powertrain for longer periods.
What’s fascinating is that this has been achieved with no physical changes, and that the peak power and torque outputs remain the same as before. If you hadn’t told me that, I’d have been sure that Ultraviolette had increased the output after riding the updated F77 back-to-back with a current-gen one. Accelerator response is noticeably sharper, and the bike pulls with more gusto every time you open the throttle.
The top speed hasn’t changed, but the way the bike responds has been spiced up, and anyone used to riding the F77 will immediately notice a clear difference. Ultraviolette claims that there is no change in the claimed range figures, but I assume that this would be the case if you ride cautiously with the intention of maximising range.
The best news of all is that this isn’t just an update for new F77 buyers, but all existing F77 owners across the globe will get an update to their motorcycles that brings in these improvements. The future is fascinating.
