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[PWM]

Big turn-off for me on first encounter w/ the Energica brand was the straight cut-gear sound that everyone is familiar with...well, maybe I'm lucky or maybe I'm finally acclimated to riding a newly acquired Eva Ribelle but the sound is much more subtle than experienced on a dealer sampled Eva or what one hears on YouTube...

Depends on how one rides and some speeds there is resonance where motor will howl like a moose and all of it generally controllable as in proportional to twist of throttle applying the load...can be whisper quite too when tooling the neighborhood for instance at least mine exhibits these qualities.

Anyway, loving the Ribelle allot - the noise emitted was always something to think about and now recognized as character I wouldn't want to do without.

So, for those in a similar circumstance of wondering take this note to heart and don't let it stop you for one second - there's nothing like the sweet whine of riding an Energica particularly on twisty mountain roads.

[flynnstig82r]

I'll need to experience one in person. The Energica seems like a better bike and a company more attuned to its riders, but there are things I love about the Zero that would be hard to give up. The ability to filter through traffic and speed away without making a bunch of noise and looking like a hooligan, the lack of oil changes and other routine maintenance, no chain to clean and lube.

The Eva and SS9 have a lot going for them, but if I find them to be super noisy on a regular takeoff, that's a deal breaker for me. Regular takeoff means about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle on my Zero SR, just fast enough to get away from any dumb or aggressive drivers.

[PWM]

Understood and (previously) aligned on exact points made.

I failed to explain the benchmark is a Lemco D127 Axial Flux motor driving a lightly tensioned 40mm timing belt to OEM gear-train as in butter smooth and quiet (spelled correctly this time) for 12-years before jumping off to the commercial side.

Hard to call it a rationalization when the sibling ICE units are becoming irritating to ride for comparison e.g. vibration equals noise...?  Maybe just old goat syndrome on my part - thanks for engaging on this topic.

[MVetter]

I find that the motor is loudest at around 2500 rpm which seems to be 39mph on the speedometer. Too much wind noise to tell at 5000 rpm. I suppose I could put it on a rear stand and test but I don't care that much.

[Crissa]

That matches Sam's videos and listening to you guys on the street, Vetter.

It's not so bad, compared to what else is on the street.  It's not Zero quiet, sure, but it's got its own great sound

Has anyone looked at selecting a different geometry sprocket to turn the sound?

-Crissa

[MoneyFor]

For me that sound shouldn't have been there, but on the other hand, all my Harley's make a lot more noise than this, but my Goldwing is even quieter with the exception of my music  ...
but you get used to it and I don't even notice anymore only the surprised faces of the people you pass remain as if a UFO passes them 

[Hans2183]

also a huge difference between riding in urban or in sport mode. At least on my SS9

[DonTom]

And IIRC, Harley decided their LW  didn't make enough noise, so they made it louder.

Likewise, Harley decided my Road Glide was way too smooth when first designed. So they went from 100% engine balancing to 75% balancing so their riders would "know they are on a motorcycle".

It all comes down to personal preference.

But  I cannot say I care one way or the other.

-Don-   Auburn, CA

[MVetter]

And IIRC, Harley decided their LW  didn't make enough noise, so they made it louder.

No, they intentionally designed it with that helical gear to make a noise that's about halfway between Zero and Energica. It's what helical gears do. Then they bragged about it like it was some sort of amazing invention.

[reini]

also a huge difference between riding in urban or in sport mode. At least on my SS9

I honestly think that I had mine never out of sport mode so far

[PWM]

No, they intentionally designed it with that helical gear to make a noise that's about halfway between Zero and Energica. It's what helical gears do. Then they bragged about it like it was some sort of amazing invention.

The (helical cut) spiral bevel gearing on the Livewire reminds me of a Milwaukee power tool 'cept it's quieter than an Energica, true.  My only gripe when I test rode one was that it warbled when lightly loaded.  Me thinks Energica is holding some very tight tolerances for motor gear run-out because the sound is smooth and steady independent to loading.  Yes, sport-mode induces higher loads hence louder - I generally like riding in the more relaxed urban mode perhaps this (best) explains the perception.

[DonTom]

No, they intentionally designed it with that helical gear to make a noise that's about halfway between Zero and Energica. It's what helical gears do. Then they bragged about it like it was some sort of amazing invention.

OIC. I recall when it was being designed, they were talking about adding some artificial noise. But I guess they discovered a better way.

I did a test ride on a LW, and in-between the Zero and Energica seems a good way to put it. It sounded fine to me.

-Don-  Auburn, CA

[Crissa]

The Livewire seat throbs, Don.

-Crissa

[PVNRG]

Love the Energica overall, but it is way too loud. Used to be able to use the Sena for phone calls with the Zero with no background noise. People complain about the noise now.

[Crissa]

Weird, I can't hear my spouse's Ducati over the Packtalks except right at the beginning of a trip.  (It seems to tune it out based on ambience noise level)

-Crissa