Roehre Super Bike

The 2011 Roehre Super Bike marked a significant entry into the nascent electric motorcycle market, representing an early vision of high-performance electric two-wheelers. While not a direct successor to a long lineage, it built upon Roehre's focus on innovative design and electric propulsion. At its introduction, it faced a limited field of direct competitors, primarily the Zero S and Brammo Enertia, both attempting to carve out a niche in the developing electric segment. The Super Bike aimed to offer a more performance-oriented option compared to some of the more utilitarian electric bikes emerging at the time.

Powering the Roehre Super Bike 2011 was an electric drivetrain, a departure from traditional internal combustion engines. This unit propelled a motorcycle with a substantial curb weight of 226.8 kg (500.0 pounds), indicating a robust chassis designed to handle the demands of its power delivery. While electric, the Super Bike also featured a "fuel" capacity listed at 14.38 litres (3.80 US gallons), which, in an electric context, likely referred to a cooling system reservoir or perhaps a range-extender concept that ultimately didn't materialize in its final form. This specification highlights the transitional period of electric motorcycle development, where terminology sometimes overlapped with conventional bikes.

Riding characteristics of the Roehre Super Bike would have been defined by its electric motor's immediate torque delivery, offering a distinctly different feel from gasoline-powered sport bikes. The seat height, at a relatively accessible 800 mm (31.5 inches) at its lowest adjustable setting, suggests a design that considered rider comfort and accessibility, even within a performance-oriented package. Despite its weight, the electric powertrain would have contributed to a low center of gravity, potentially aiding handling and stability through corners, though the specific chassis geometry would dictate its true agility. Its design hinted at a sportier stance, likely featuring moderately rearset pegs and a forward-leaning riding position.

The Roehre Super Bike 2011 was aimed at early adopters and technology enthusiasts seeking a high-performance electric motorcycle experience. It appealed to riders interested in the environmental benefits and the unique riding dynamics offered by electric propulsion, who were also willing to embrace a new platform. For these riders, the Super Bike offered a glimpse into the future of sport motorcycling. Its specifications, particularly the weight and the unique "fuel" capacity, underscore its position as a pioneering, albeit sometimes unconventional, machine in the early days of electric performance bikes.