UPDATE: READ THE TEST

Mental strength is part of character, it cannot be studied at the table. You are strong in the head if you manage to remain calm and have fun even when things don't go well, and if you manage to never lose faith in yourself and in teamwork - Valentino Rossi

Source: press release

Here comes the officialization of the VR46 e-bike, which we had already previewed at EICMA 2022, but now everything is ready for the market launch. Platum and VR46 present an electric bike designed to satisfy the most demanding bikers thanks to the Made in Italy design quality and the care in the choice of components. In fact, important players in bike and electric components such as Bosch, Pirelli, Sram/Rock Shox, Fulcrum, Ohlins, Crankbrothers, Technomousse and Ochain are participating in the project.

The project was developed by Platum's research and development team, which dealt with the engineering and design of the frame and the bike, working in the Italian Motor Valley, the industrial and cultural district of Emilia-Romagna known internationally as cradle of some of the most renowned automotive brands in the world.

VR46 E-MTB GEOMETRY

It will be produced only in 2 sizes, M and L, with a travel of 160mm. The format is 29″. The geometries are not extreme but in line for even competitive enduro use: steering angle at 65,5° (possibility of bringing it to 64,5°).

VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS

VR46 E-MTB is launched on the market in two versions:
• VR46 E-MTB Limited, production in 46 numbered pieces and signed by Valentino Rossi
• VR46 E-MTB Pro

FULL ASSEMBLY PRO MODEL: LINK
LIMITED MODEL COMPLETE ASSEMBLY: LINK

The assembly includes BOSCH Performance Line CX engine with 750wh battery (Kiox 300 display). The Limited version has some differences in assembly such as the use of Ohlins suspension instead of Rockshox, the use of Ochain and other top of the range components.

Each version will be available in two sizes, M and L. Prices have not yet been made official.

THE CHASSIS

The heart of the project is the 6061 – T6 hydroformed aluminum frame entirely studied and designed in Italy, following a careful prototyping phase, divided into three moments:
• 3D printing in plastic material;
• Aluminum CNC, with first field test;
• hydroformed production piping.

The frame thus developed was then subjected to structural tests to verify its resistance to mechanical stress. Thanks to the flipchip system positioned on the lower fulcrum of the shock absorber, it is possible to transform the geometry of the bike, passing from a performing All-Mountain to a competitive E-Enduro. It is in fact possible to vary the steering angle from 65.5° to 64.5°, as well as lowering the bottom bracket by a good 12mm to the full advantage of downhill performance.

Some elements of the frame, such as the boxed engine attachment plate, have been designed by taking up typical solutions from the world of motorcycles. It was also chosen to use large bearings together with oversized through axles to the full advantage of the torsional rigidity of the whole frame.

THE DESIGN

The genesis of the VR46 E-MTB design narrates the natural transition of the VR|46 brand towards a high-tech and sustainable future, as well as one well anchored to an unrepeatable history of sporting successes and a human heritage of great depth.

The shapes of the frame and elements are extended forward without however being elusive. The section of the triangle contracts strongly near the fork tube, as if to suggest the menacing silhouette of a centaur ready to spring forward. The alignment of the triangle profile with the wagon is perceptible in its entirety from the handlebar to the rear wheel hub, thanks also to an exceptionally short and tight seat tube which contributes to the general tension of the lines.

The enlargement of the triangle in the portion close to the steering head is especially appreciable if observed from above and therefore from the driver's seat, the position where the greatest emotions are felt. The shape, obtained through a play on edges and surfaces, is a reference to the typical shape of the motorcycle tank. The connecting rod has been the subject of particular stylistic attention, the play of taut nerves is also emphasized on this structural element.

In VR|46 Racing Apparel we have already embarked on an evolutionary path for some time which will see the birth of projects that have as their objective the creation of performance oriented products – comments Carlo Alberto Tebaldi, CEO of VR|46 -. We have been wanting to expand our offer for some time and enter the world of cycling, especially off-road, and in fact the first project with which we begin this journey is the one with MT Distribution, a partner with the characteristics and know-how necessary to face a project that reflects our expectations. So from next season we will be able to offer two VR46 bike models engineered by MT Distribution using high-level components – Carlo Alberto Tebaldi, managing director of VR46

We are thrilled to have given life to an all-Italian project with VR|46 that involves the leaders of the e-bike sector. Performance and passion are the values ​​that guide this collaboration, in which our Group confirms itself as a research and development platform, thanks to the engineering and design skills in the field of e-mobility. We strongly believe in the ever-increasing importance of the e-bike market in Italy and in the world, and in the opportunity that our company and the brands represented can seize, reaffirming also in the electric sector the centrality that Italy holds in the production of high-end muscle bikes. high range, by virtue of that know-how and style that distinguish our country and the Italian spirit in the world – Alessandro Summa, CEO of Platum

More technical information is available on the site www.vr46e-mtb.com

If you are interested in becoming an authorized reseller or have information on purchasing, visit the contact page on the site www.platum.com