It was in January last year when we returned impressed from the media ride of the F77 electric motorcycle. Fast forward to mid-2024, and Ultraviolette has already updated the F77, aptly naming it the Mach 2. We spent a day with the newest and only performance electric motorcycle in town, riding to the Melagiri hills in Tamil Nadu.
What’s new in terms of styling?
The F77 has always been a stunning motorcycle, and the team at UV has made it even more appealing with a range of new shades. The aero surfaces, named Laser, Shadow, and Airstrike, now come in themes offering three hues each, resulting in nine shades to choose from. These new color options significantly elevate the motorcycle’s styling. We chose the Supersonic Silver shade, which you can see here. Additionally, the themes now include subtle decals different from before, and the swingarm and triple-tree clamp are finished in silver or black depending on the shade. The overall silhouette of the motorcycle remains unchanged, maintaining its streamlined body with large surfaces on the sides, free of exposed bolts and nuts. If you ride the first-gen F77, UV offers the Mach 2 body panels at a discounted price too.
What else does the Mach 2 offer over its predecessor?
The F77 is a highly advanced machine, claimed to be the most advanced electric motorcycle in Asia—a remarkable feat for a motorcycle entirely developed and made in India. The Mach 2 comes with several upgrades, the most significant being the addition of 10 levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted on the move using toggle switches. The regen is now more effective, and UV claims the power generated surpasses that of the most powerful electric scooters in the country. On the road, this helps avoid unnecessary braking and becomes quite handy once you get used to it. Another addition is Traction Control, with three modes (T1, T2, and T3) for regular, sportier, or rainy and slippery conditions. These features can also be updated in the first-gen F77.
Ultraviolette also offers DSC on the F77, a patented tech developed in-house and claimed to be a first for any electric motorcycle. This system combines regen with ABS to offer better control and stability in sticky situations. There’s also a hill-hold function, automatically activated on inclined surfaces. We tested this feature, and it worked flawlessly, proving very handy even on slippery surfaces. A simple tap on the brake deactivates the hill-hold instantly.
What about range and performance?
While the motor and battery pack remain the same, the refinement has improved over the previous model, enhancing performance and increasing range. The 7.1kWh battery pack model, now called the F77 Mach 2, delivers 36.7PS and 90Nm of peak torque. The claimed top speed is 155km/h, with 0-60km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. The IDC estimated range is 211km. The 10.3kWh battery model, or Mach 2 Recon, produces 40.8PS and 100Nm of torque. Although the top speed remains the same, it is slightly quicker, with 0-60km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds. The Recon variant offers a higher IDC estimated range of 323km. Both variants support quick charging using the Boost charger, and the Mach 2 also offers even faster charging with the Supernova Plus 12KW DC fast charging network, allowing a 20-80 percent charge in just 45-60 minutes, depending on the variant. In comparison, the standard charger takes 3-5 hours to achieve the same.
On the road, the riding modes—Glide, Combat, and Ballistic—are vastly different. Glide is perfect for crowded cities and traffic jams, offering maximum range. Combat mode provides more power on demand, keeping you smiling all day long. However, what truly makes the F77 a performance electric motorcycle is the Ballistic mode. Twist the throttle, and you’ll feel an instant rush of power, reaching triple-digit speeds effortlessly. The mid-range performance is addictive, tapering off only after about 130km/h.
Has the ride and handling changed?
Despite its higher kerb weight (197kg/207kg depending on the variant), the trellis chassis and battery placement make the F77 a good handler as always. The ride and handling remain similar, and the weight isn’t noticeable. We rode to the Melagiri hills through narrow roads and twisties, and the F77 stayed planted throughout, making the ride great fun. The MRF Steel Brace tyres complement the F77’s character, holding the line well even when pushed hard. The suspension is well set up to absorb undulations and broken roads. Braking is impressive, with a strong bite from the brakes.
What else does the Mach 2 offer?
In addition to a long list of features, the Mach 2 also gets an optional Violette A.I., a system that monitors your F77 when you’re not around. The motorcycle features a gyroscope and remains connected to UV servers even when turned off, detecting movement and falls and alerting the owner via phone. It can also sound an alarm to alert others nearby. The system can detect if the motorcycle is being towed away, informing the owner with a combination of hazard lights and sounds that vary based on whether the F77 has fallen or is being towed.
Conclusion
The F77 Mach 2 is the only performance electric motorcycle in the country. Despite having no competition, the folks at Ultraviolette have updated the F77 to make it even more capable and interesting. With a host of added safety features and a cooler look, the starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh makes it an enticing option for those looking for a modern electric motorcycle that can do it all. The bigger battery and other optional extras do increase the price, but all variants offer similar performance, which is a good thing. Ultraviolette also offers an unprecedented optional 8-year or 8,00,000km warranty, showcasing the company’s confidence in their product. If you’re looking for a performance electric motorcycle or an addition to your fun garage as a daily ride, the F77 is a great choice, now better than ever.
