At this year’s EICMA in Milan, Yadea, the world’s leading brand in electric two-wheelers, unveiled their latest lineup of electric vehicles tailored for the European market. One that immediately caught my attention was the Kemper (Oh man, that version with black and gold …) – a powerful naked electric motorbike, and also the most high-performance model in the global brand Yadea’s lineup. And the best part was, I had a little test ride with it. Yadea had constructed an outdoor test track next to their booth, allowing enthousiasts as myself to try out their models.

Similar to the Yadea Keeness (but this motorbike has removable batteries), the Kemper is a naked streetfighter in appearance. However, it’s evident that this machine is more focused on performance, with advanced battery technology and a powerful motor.

One of the standout features of the Kemper is its 320V 20Ah lithium iron phosphate battery, which can charge at an incredibly fast rate. In just ten minutes, it can reach up to 80% capacity. This type of technology will greatly accelerate the adoption of light electric vehicles. If you have access to fast chargers on your route, a brief 10-minute stop every so often would be a welcome break. That’s barely enough time to order and finish your (non-alcoholic) drink, making range anxiety less of a concern. Additionally, it boasts a mere 18-minute recharge time. However, achieving that speed would likely require specialized quick charging infrastructure, as using a regular household outlet would result in significantly another charging time.

The battery is already incredibly impressive, but the motor is even more so. With unmatched electrical power, the Kemper delivers exceptional performance. Its peak power 40 kW mid-drive motor and highly efficient IGBT controller with up to 98% efficiency make it capable of achieving a maximum wheel torque of 570 N·m. This allows the Yadea KEMPER to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. It also boasts a top speed of 160 km/h. Unfortunately, our test track was too short to fully assess its capabilities. However, I can confirm that the bike took off very fast.

And the Kemper boasts Brembo brakes, which I found to be very reliable and gave me a great sense of assurance when it came to stopping the bike quickly and safely (especially on this short test track). The motorbike comes with a dual ABS+TCS system, allowing for optimal handling. The highly regarded Brembo high-performance calipers provide exceptional braking power, as we all know, while the KYB high-performance suspension absorbs shocks and maintains stability for a comfortable ride.

The rear-wheel drive functions in the traditional way using a chain. Although I typically enjoy a quieter belt drive, I was pleasantly surprised by how the Kemper runs with minimal noise. Unlike other bikes that may make a ‘rattling’ mechanic sound, the Kemper operates smoothly and almost silently. Also a nice feature, when you are in the city and have to park or to maneuver, you can also shift into slow “gears” for both forward and reverse.

The Yadea Kemper comes with all the latest and greatest features. LED lights from Osram and a cutting-edge 7-inch (17.78 cm) TFT color display are just a few of its modern components. The scooter also includes smartphone connectivity, tire pressure monitoring, and GPS capabilities for tracking routes and battery status. For added convenience, the smartphone can also serve as a remote key and be controlled by voice commands if desired. Additionally, the app and GPS are integrated into the alarm system for enhanced security measures.

Specifications:

• Battery: 320 V 20 Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
• Motor: Mid-drive Motor
• 30-minute Max. Continuous-rated Power: 23 kW
• Peak Motor Power: 40 kW
• Max. Wheel Torque: 570 N·m
• Max. Speed: 160 km/h
• Acceleration（0-100 km/h）< 4.9 s Climbing Angle > 30°
• Front Brake System: ABS+TCS, Brembo Caliper (4 Pistons Radial Caliper)
• Rear Brake System: ABS+TCS, Brembo Caliper (2 Pistons Caliper)
• Size: 2080×860×1100-1440 mm
• Front Wheel: 110/70ZR17
• Rear Wheel: 150/60ZR17
• Front Suspension System: KYB Inverted Shock Absorption
• Rear Suspension System: KYB Mid-mounted Shock Absorption
• Unlocking System: Remote / Bluetooth / Voice
• Mobile Control: YADEA APP Control
• Dashboard: 7-inch TFT Smart Dashboard
• Headlights: Class D LED Lamp
• Brightness: 50.000 cd
• Homologation: L3e-A2

Conclusion THE PACK

Guy Salens: “I was immediately taken aback by the design of the Kemper. The naked bike style and bad boy attitude caught my attention, especially the black version I saw at EICMA. And most importantly, the proportions were just right, which isn’t always the case with motorcycles from the East. Being 1m82 tall, everything seemed to fit perfectly for me. One of the main features that makes the Yadea Kemper stand out is its ability to charge quickly using a Type 2 and CCS Combo 2 connection. Range anxiety is still always a recurring problem for a lot of riders.

The bike was simple to start and incredibly easy to control. It provided a stable and smooth ride, with quick acceleration. The sitting position was comfortable and upright, making it effortless to maneuver through the sharp curves of the test track. The Kemper responded perfectly to my every command (laughs).” Yadea is dedicated to promoting a more environmentally friendly way of commuting, and the KEMPER truly embodies this commitment. It boasts rapid charging, exceptional performance, intelligent controls, and remarkable stability, providing riders with a top-of-the-line electric motorcycle experience like no other.

Kemper’s availability in the European market is expected in the near future, but the exact date is uncertain. Yadea is working diligently to expedite the process for European consumers. I will keep you informed on any updates regarding this matter.”

Pictures: © Marco Ghezzi