Recently, the Jowillshop team embarked on an exciting adventure: a road trip in Italy with three iconic electric motorcycles – the Stark Varg, the Ultra Bee, and the Light Bee. Our destination? The famous tracks of Dorno and Ottobiano, known for their challenge and quality. Get ready for a story full of emotions, discoveries, and adrenaline, all set against the backdrop of electric engines.
L'Idée Folle: A Tribute to Electric Motorcycles Before Their Departure
The idea for this trip stemmed from a simple observation: our electric motorcycles, notably the Stark and the Ultra Bee, were about to leave our fleet for new owners. Before their departure, we decided to pay them one last tribute by taking them to the Italian terrains, a renowned place for motocross.
This road trip was also an opportunity to test our electric motorcycles outside of our usual environment, to assess the challenges related to charging, and to share our impressions with our community.
Dorno and Ottobiano: Two Worlds, Two Challenges
Our journey began with our arrival at a charming B&B, located near the tracks. From the start, we were welcomed by the passionate spirit of the owner, Césare, himself a fervent motocross enthusiast. His B&B, specially designed for riders, was a testament to his devotion to the sport.
The first circuit visited, Ottobiano, turned out to be a huge complex, a true Disneyland for motocross enthusiasts. With its multiple tracks (karting, drift, supermoto), its restaurant, its workshops, and its rental points, Ottobiano offers a complete experience for all motocross riders. Dorno, our second stop, immersed us in a different atmosphere. A more compact but very technical circuit.
The Electric Socket Challenge: An Unexpected Test
One of the major challenges of this road trip was managing the charging. The Italian power outlets, with their specific configuration, posed some initial problems. Fortunately, we managed to adapt, thanks to our Ampérion batteries that saved the day, even though we found that while roaming, charging takes a lot of time.
In Ottobiano, we were surprised to find a parking lot equipped with numerous charging stations, which made it easier for us to recharge. In Dorno, however, we had to juggle with a limited power charging station, which forced us to adjust our schedule.
On the Tracks: Electric vs. Thermal
Ottobiano: An Amazing First Experience
Our first laps at Ottobiano were on the national track. The terrain was a mix of sand and dirt, a surprising texture, both soft and tricky. The electric bikes excelled on this surface, providing a unique riding experience, where drifting was king.
We also encountered the enthusiasm and curiosity of thermal pilots, often intrigued by the silence of our machines and by the Ultra Bee which attracted a lot of attention. Unfortunately, we were unable to test the GoPro Track, rented for the weekend, which was a bit of a disappointment.
Dorno: The Trial by Fire
Dorno, for its part, offered us a more intense experience. The atmosphere was much more competitive, with a gladiator arena at the entrance of the main circuit. The jumps were impressive, especially the "big jump" at the exit of the toilets, which served as a benchmark for the drivers.
We were able to test the versatility of the Light Bee, the agility of the Ultra Bee, and the power of the Stark Varg, each bringing its share of sensations and challenges. The Light Bee surprised us with its ability to compete with larger displacements on certain terrains, offering a feeling of total power. The Ultra Bee, for its part, showed us its capabilities in terms of absorption and overcoming obstacles. The Stark demonstrated an unsettling ease and confidence on jumps.
The Challenges and Surprises of Electric Mobility
This journey has not been without its hurdles. We faced issues with charging, breakdowns, and the need to adapt to the specifics of local infrastructures. These challenges, far from being discouraging, allowed us to better understand the stakes of electric mobility in motocross.
We also discovered cultural peculiarities, such as the absence of technical inspections and sound level meters on Italian circuits, a striking contrast with French regulations.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Experience Rich in Lessons
This road trip in Italy was much more than just an outing among electric motorcycle enthusiasts. It was an opportunity to test our machines on legendary terrains, meet fellow enthusiasts, push our limits, and better understand the challenges of electric mobility in motocross. We returned from this trip with memorable memories, valuable lessons, and the desire to repeat the experience, perhaps on the GoPro Track in Ottobiano.
If you want to learn more about our motorcycles, or how to prepare your bike to handle like ours, feel free to check out our online store or contact us for a complete setup in our workshop. The electric adventure is just beginning!