The Verge Motorcycles firm is becoming increasingly well-known in the motorcycling world thanks to its revolutionary electric TS Ultra, which had a great role at CES 2023, one of the most important technology fairs in the world. Now, the Finnish start-up has teamed up with former Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen to design a spectacular high-performance electric motorcycle.
Nicknamed “the flying Finn” for three decades, Hakkinen is a racing legend, having won the Formula One World Championship twice (1998 and 1999). It must be remembered that, despite the fact that he retired from this competition in 2002, he has never abandoned his close relationship with speed.
After a long career on four wheels, now he has collaborated in the development of a two-wheel alternative. In fact, he is an investor in Verge and has even joined the brand’s Advisory Council. The impressive electric motorcycle that has been born from this relationship has been baptized as the Mika Hakkinen Signature Edition and is based on the platform of the Verge TS Pro.
The new limited edition is characterized by an avant-garde design combined with innovative technology. According to Hakkinen, who has been heavily involved in its design, the bike integrates the concepts of speed, precision and elegance. Each unit is numbered and features an exclusive signature of the former rider, which ensures that “this electric motorcycle represents the future of riding and is a testament to a life lived to the fullest.”
It should be noted that the Signature Edition is one of the most powerful and advanced electric motorcycles on the market. It is powered by a revolutionary motor invented by Verge and integrated inside the rear wheel. In addition to limiting the use of chains or other moving parts, its design contributes to a modern aesthetic with the rear wheel without a hub, and also reinforces the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
And not only that, because the fact that the engine is located in that area frees up space in the center of the motorcycle that is used to integrate additional battery cells. Said motor is capable of delivering no less than 1,000 Nm of maximum torque that allows the electric motorcycle to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. At maximum speed level, the vehicle can reach 200 km/h.
In addition, the Signature Edition offers an extraordinary range of 350 kilometers and a surprisingly fast recharge time, taking only 35 minutes to complete the process. In terms of materials, the highest quality offered by the market are used. It is necessary to highlight, for example, the carbon fiber fairings with ceramic coating to offer greater resistance.
Deep black shock absorbers, along with other gray and silver elements, complete the look of the bike, which seeks to resemble the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One single-seater that Hakkinen once drove.
Only 100 units of the Mika Hakkinen Signature Edition will be produced and each of them will cost 80,000 euros. To see it in full action, you just have to take a look at the video that accompanies this article.
