The latest edition of EICMA in Milan, Italy is proving to be an enthralling exhibition of exotic machines on two wheels. Among the many Indian two-wheeler brands taking part in the annual motorcycle show, Ultraviolette Automotive is also one of the few that has grabbed the spotlight with its all-electric F99 race bike.
Months after revealing a concept of F99 at the 2023 edition of Indian Auto Expo, the Bengaluru-based EV startup displayed a pre-production prototype of the electric sports bike at EICMA 2023. Ultraviolette claims that some minor yet critical changes have been made to the F99 prototype such as a liquid-cooling setup, active aerodynamics and much more.
F99 Factory racing platform: Styling updates
Styling tweaks made to the F99 prototype include larger winglets and ‘99’ branding on the side fairings. Other visual highlights include a signature Ultraviolette light encased within the front apron, a single-rider’s seat with a thin foam padding, a floating tail section, and a sleek taillight with a centrally-mounted LED. Overall, the design looks sharp and sporty thanks to the triple tone paint scheme with snazzy graphics and the fighter jet-inspired styling.
Another significant addition is the aerodynamics package, which comprises an air windshield and an Air Blade. The former relies on two front cowl ducts to channel air to a motor compressing and releasing it through vanes. This creates a ‘barrier of high-velocity air molecules’ to smoothen airflow over the rider’s helmet and reduce drag.
On the other hand, the ‘Air-Blade’ is an electronically-actuated side panel section that automatically adapts according to the lean angle achieved in a bid to boost downforce in the corners. The ergonomics of the bike is focussed on track usage with a low-set clip-on handlebar and a rear-set that offers a very committed riding posture.
F99 Factory racing platform: Powertrain, hardware specs
Powering the F99 electric race bike is a 90kW liquid-cooled electric motor that derives its energy from an air-cooled battery pack. Ultraviolette hasn’t disclosed battery specs or the full-charge range offered but Ultraviolette claims a top speed of 265 kmph, which puts it around the same ballpark as some of the Japanese 500-600cc sports bikes. Further, 0 to 100 kmph acceleration time is claimed to be under 3 seconds.
There are three ride modes on offer– Glide, Combat, and Ballistic, in increasing order of performance. Ultraviolette has also upgraded the battery architecture from a 60V unit to a 400V setup. As a result charging is now a lot quicker.
In terms of hardware, the F99 sits on a steel hybrid construction suspended on an Ohlins-sourced setup comprising USD front forks and a monoshock unit in the rear. The motorcycle tips the weighing scale at 178 kg, making it 29 kilos lighter than F77. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends with Brembo mono-bloc callipers.
F99 Factory racing platform: Expected launch, price
It remains to be seen if Ultraviolette intends to keep the F99 racing platform as a track-only project or bring out a road-biased version of the same as well. Meanwhile, the company has said that the global commercial launch of F99 will take place in 2025 and is expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 8.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
In related developments, Ultraviolette also announced the launch of the F77 electric sports bike in Europe which will be priced between 9,000 and 11,000 Euros (equivalent to around Rs. 8 lakh to Rs 9.20 lakh). The international spec variant is similar to the F77 space edition that was launched in August of this year. Ultraviolette says bookings for the same will happen from 15th of November 2023.