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[AlexFIA]

New member eyeing a US model 2020 SS9. I test rode a showroom model (old battery) over the weekend and liked it. Comfortable, decent but not great handling. Felt a little awkward at low speeds and heavy handling at higher speeds. I never checked but it almost felt like low tire pressure.

I like the looks and comfort of the SS9, but prefer the lower bars of the EVA107, although I have not ridden one and only sat on it at the show last year. I actually like the headlight on the EVA but I’m drawn to the Retro looks of the SS9 too. The other big issue is the lower power and torque on SS9.

Local dealer has an EGO, but it is a 2018 and just feels too stretched out for me. Although shorter range, the SS9 price right now is very appealing. I do have two other bikes, so this one would be for (shorter) weekend rides and for commuting...once commuting comes back.

So for you SS9 and EVA107 owners, why one over the other, and would you have made a different choice? I also wanted to confirm that both bikes have the same frame, geometry, suspension, and handling.

[MVetter]

The bikes have identical frames and powertrains. The difference between the SS9 and EVA107 is the 107 has the full uncapped torque/power of 107kW and the SS9 is limited to 80kW. Additionally the SS9 has the most comfy seat, lowest pegs, highest bars, and a big friendly round headlight. It is the most comfortable and relaxed of all the models.

The EVA107 is slightly more aggressive, higher pegs, perched a little more on the tank, and lower bars. I grew up with dirt bikes and KLRs so when it came time to decide I naturally went for the SS9, and I love mine dearly. However I did ride an EVA80 for a week and was very surprised to find myself enjoying the feeling of control in twisties that the position of the EVA offered. To be clear, I have absolutely no regrets about the SS9, but I think if I was given a choice between an SS9+ and an EVA Ribelle, I suspect I'd go the Ribelle route.

[BigPoppa]

I test rode both the SS9 and the Eva107 last year and ended up going with the SS9 for the following reasons:
1) Despite what the numbers may say, the two bikes aren’t that different. While the differences are noticeable, they aren’t a night and day difference.
2) The SS9 was noticeably more comfortable. Since I was looking for a commuter, the difference was enough that I felt I would notice it on my daily commute.
3) The Eva107 was noticeably more powerful but again, it wasn’t a drastic difference.
4) While I liked the thought of the Eva107, my particular SS9 had the blue ergal bolt set to compliment the blue “tank” and everything just “popped” more than the Eva107 which didn’t have any extras.
5) While I initially felt the Eva107 headlights looked cooler, I now like the SS9 round LED light better. There are nice touches like the outer ring animating while charging.

While I have zero regrets about getting the SS9 I did immediately order a new Ribelle late last year so now I’ll have both the 13kw SS9 and the 21kw Ribelle. I intend on using the Ribelle for commuting since it should have enough range to allow me to get to work and back home on a single charge. The SS9 can only do it if I stick strictly to surface streets and adhere to posted speed limits. If the riding position causes me too much discomfort, I can always switch back to the SS9 for commuting and leave the Ribelle for pleasure riding.

[octopusenvy]

Power, plain and simple. And if you were deciding between the SS9+ or Ribelle, I still prefer the more aggressive styling and look of the Eva. Love my 107, 2020 and just prefer it to the more 'evoke' looking SS9...they are a nice bike, and certainly more comfortable for a pillion, but these bikes have a range that suggests pillions stay home, ride something else, or only come on shorter trips.

[MoneyFor]

For me too, just knowing that there was more power in the Ribelle than in the SS9 the choise was easy, if my body still allowed it, I would have bought the Ego anyway,
because it have a higher speed limit.

[ultrarnr]

Another vote for power. When the Eva first came out it was only offered with 80kw, same as the Esse. Only the Ego had the 107 kw motor. Wasn't interested in a sport bike so had no interest in the Ego. Once Energica offered the Eva with the 107 motor was when I took another look at the Eva. Still wonder why the Esse isn't offered with the 107 motor at least as an option.

[MVetter]

I think they held back at first before they added traction control, but I see no reason now why the SS9 shouldn't have full power. But I don't make those decisions. *shrug*

[DonTom]

I think they held back at first before they added traction control, but I see no reason now why the SS9 shouldn't have full power. But I don't make those decisions. *shrug*

I find the SS9 to be scary fast as it is. Why would anybody feel they want more power than that, away from a race track?

-Don-  Auburn, CA

[dryhte]

I think they held back at first before they added traction control, but I see no reason now why the SS9 shouldn't have full power. But I don't make those decisions. *shrug*

I find the SS9 to be scary fast as it is. Why would anybody feel they want more power than that, away from a race track?

-Don-  Auburn, CA

Yeah me too, my Esseesse9 is much more powerful than any of my previous bikes, Wee Strom DL650 and CB500X

I test rode the Eva and went with the Esseesse9 for looks and comfort.

[DonTom]

Yeah me too, my Esseesse9 is much more powerful than any of my previous bikes, Wee Strom DL650 and CB500X. I test rode the Eva and went with the Esseesse9 for looks and comfort.

Out of my ten bikes, it seems  to me the Energica  Esse Esse9 is the fastest of them all, and by quite a bit. And so smooth. For most of my rides, it's my favorite of them all.

If it could only make it between charge stations when out in the middle of nowhere. . . But that is improving fairy fast these days.

-Don-  Auburn, CA

[NEW2elec]

I think they held back at first before they added traction control, but I see no reason now why the SS9 shouldn't have full power. But I don't make those decisions. *shrug*

Well the Eva might still be under powered and over priced but maybe they were reading comments on here from 2016.

Quote
 "I'm shocked that it's the same price as the Ego.  Why would you get a nurtured Sport bike for the same money?  I get the more upright seating and a bit lighter and thinner with no fairings but less horse power and less torque for the same money?  How about $34 for the Ego and $28 for Eva."

Oh wait that's right it was from me.   
The VERY unofficial director of marketing for Energica circa 2016.

[octopusenvy]

considering it's just the controller, all they need to do is offer it as an option i suppose? but then i suppose offering a lower-power choice is another form of option? personally i reckon the 'option' should be the look and design, but power should be available at different price points.

[AlexFIA]

Thanks to all that replied. I think the power is my biggest hang up. I just wish there was a way to “unlock” the higher power on the SS9 if it truly has the same motor and battery. I rode my S1000XR when I visited the dealer but it is sometimes hard to compare power and acceleration between an ICE bike and an electric. It also took half way through my test ride to figure out how to get into Sport mode. They are just different...and quiet. As for pillion work, I have the XR for that.

[Goetzuwe]

There are already clear differences where the individual priorities of motorcyclists are.
I bought the Esseesse9 + because of the range and the comfortable sitting. I don't care about the maximum performance if I can accelerate quickly (actually only briefly) up to 100 miles/ h.
Did not even use the sport mode after 4000 km and missed nothing (although I live in mountainous terrain where no road leads straight 1 km and I do not ride a motorcycle on an "Autobahn").

[togo]

For me, the seat, the headlight and the price.  The Eva Ribelle and the Ego are faster, but I don't like their noses from a cager visibility point of view and I don't like to lift nose, so 80kW 18.9kWh Eva SS9+ is plenty good. Love being able up go 100mi without worrying about speed.