The electric motorcycle segment sees the addition of a new entrant player, the Orxa Mantis, which bridges the gap between the commuter segment EVs like the Ober Rorr and the Tork Kratos, and the performance-oriented Ultraviolette F77. Aimed at the 250cc segment, the Mantis has a lot to stand up to, given the ICE motorcycles in the segment such as the KTM 250 Duke, Gixxer 250, Bajaj Pulsar, and others.
So the question is, does the Mantis live up to its intention, and more importantly, does it deliver? Here’s our first ride review of the all-electric Mantis to answer the question.
Design and platform
Orxa Energies has used its know-how in the defence and aerospace field to develop the Mantis, and the motorcycle features an aerospace-grade aluminium alloy frame that uses the battery pack as a stressed member of the motorcycle. Wrapped around the structure is a sculpted tank, minimal bodywork, clip-on bars, and a unique headlight design that looks like an insect ready for the hunt.
The tiny pillion seat, bodywork with creases, sharp tank shrouds, and the short tail section all come together well to give the Mantis a sporty look. Motorcycles in the segment need to find the right balance between practicality and appeal, and the mantis does this well.
Ride and handling
Swing a leg over and the first thing one would notice is that the motorcycle is wide between the legs. Once used to the seating, the Mantis offers a fairy-neutral riding triangle, with enough space to slide behind and tuck down if necessary. The rider feels he’s sat ‘on’ the motorcycle, giving a sense of confidence.
The 8.9kWh battery pack of the Mantis is rated for an IDC range of 221km, while the company claims acceleration of 0 to 100kmph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 135kmph. While none of the figures could be tested on our short ride at the race track, the Mantis’ acceleration from a standstill to about 90kmph is linear.
Show it some corners and the Mantis happily takes it in its stride, thanks to the battery pack’s role as a stressed structural member and the 50-50 weight distribution. Braking also inspires confidence and the single-channel ABS does a good job, however, the Ceat tyres on a wet track were a limiting factor.
So, should you buy the Mantis?
Let’s get a few things out of the way first. The Mantis has no riding modes, and on a personal note, that was okay. The digital dash offers connectivity options, however, it was unresponsive at times, and the brake lever could have adjustability for reach. Apart from these, the fit and finish could be better, and that will be seen on the customer’s motorcycles when deliveries begin in April.
From our short ride on the track, the Mantis seems to deliver what it promises, however, there were thermal throttling issues when the Mantis started cutting power despite having a liquid-cooled motor. These issues are expected to be fixed soon and we will be testing the Mantis out in the real world, so stay tuned for more.
