A local customer of Savic Motorcycles recently had the chance to experience the first production C-Series Alpha on the streets of Melbourne, marking a significant achievement for the company. This exciting milestone comes just before the start of deliveries to over 200 eagerly waiting customers, ushering in a new era of domestic electric motorcycle production.
Anticipation for the C-Series, a top-of-the-line electric motorcycle created by Melbourne’s Savic Motorcycles, has been growing since 2016. Despite facing manufacturing challenges, uncertain financial markets, and the Corona pandemic, this startup in West Melbourne has successfully delivered an exceptional electric motorcycle to the market.
Over the course of six years and through six different prototypes, Savic Motorcycles has gained recognition from riders, investors, and even the Australian Government. With a budget of less than A$4 million, the company successfully created its flagship motorcycle, showcasing the tremendous support from Australian riders. In fact, in May of 2023, a crowdfunding campaign attracted 411 new investors and raised A$1.22 million to finalize the production of the C-Series motorcycle.
Thanks to financial support from the Australian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and tax incentives from the Victorian Government, the C-Series has become a reality. And after achieving full ADR certification just last year, the C-Series has also received recognition for its design with two Australian Good Design Awards and the prestigious 2022 Victorian Premier’s Design Award of the Year.
Powerful specifications
Founded in 2016, Savic Motorcycles has created six prototypes of its flagship model, the C-Series Alpha. This impressive bike boasts an impressive 60kW of power and over 200Nm of torque, thanks to its advanced 16.2kWh lithium-ion battery system. In addition, the company has also introduced a lesser-powered version called the C-Series Delta, equipped with a 14.2kWh battery system that delivers 40kW and over 140Nm of torque. Both models are built on Savic’s SM1 production platform, which utilizes modular technology to accommodate different battery sizes and motor capabilities for two-wheelers of varying sizes and performance levels.
Dennis Savic, the founder of Savic Motorcycles, expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support received from investors and enthusiasts. “At a time of significant economic developments, the outpouring of support from individuals investing their hard-earned funds demonstrates the profound desire to champion Australian innovation,” says Dennis. “Our success is a testament to both our exceptional customers and the quality of our product.”
For customers like Marc Alexander, 53, an experienced rider with a history of owning a variety of motorcycles including the Ducati Streetfighter V4S and BMW R1200GS, his delivery day could not come soon enough. “I look forward to the super responsive instant torque, not filling up with fuel ever, and the brilliant riding experience that electric motorcycles offer,” says Marc.
“There’s something truly amazing about the quiet, responsive acceleration, and the focus it brings to your ride. I believe that electric is the future of propulsion, and I’m excited to be part of this journey with Savic Motorcycles. Putting money down as the first Victorian customer in 2018 was my way of supporting an innovative Australian company and getting to enjoy a class-leading electric motorbike.”
Expanding horizons
Savic Motorcycles, with a global perspective, has revealed plans to begin exporting to specific international markets in 2024-25. Their first targets will be New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as these markets have demonstrated potential for substantial expansion.
“The global appetite for electric motorcycles is growing, and we are thrilled to expand our reach overseas,” says Dennis Savic. “Taking our innovative products from Australia to New Zealand and the UK is the next logical step in fulfilling our vision for a more sustainable future in transportation. We believe our C-Series motorcycles and future products will resonate with international customers who value performance, design and sustainability, at a competitive price.”
With the C-Series Delta starting at A$19,990 (€12,113) ride-away and the top-spec Alpha from A$26,990 (€16,354) ride-away, the company is on a mission to democratise high-performance motorcycles by directly delivering competitively-priced vehicles to customers. The company’s audacious vision is to firmly establish Australia on the global electric motorcycle map.
Prices listed are Ride-Away prices. Options are at an additional cost. Ride-Away price includes Registration, Duties and CTP insurance where applicable.