In 2008, the Saroléa name resurrected when it was bought by twin brothers, Torsten and Bjorn Robbens who wanted to develop and build high-performance 100% electric race machines. A new production facility was established in Belgium, near Ghent.
Acquiring the Saroléa brand was not at all a coincidence. Since their youngest years, the twin brothers were immersed in the Saroléa’s racing universe as their grand uncle was André Van Heuverzwijn – the well-known and victorious motocross factory rider of the 1950s.
In 2010, the first version of the SP7 race bike was built by hand at their workshop in Belgium. All components were designed and engineered by Torsten Robbens, who has an impressive motorsport background – McLaren F1, Porsche and Audi world endurance, aerospace (ExoMars, Proba-V, Solar sat) and also in military engineering.
During the next three years, the prototypes underwent continuous improvement and, in 2014, Saroléa competed in the Isle of Man TT Zero. Skilled road racer, Robert Wilson took the all-carbon SP7 to an amazing 4th place, at an average speed of 93.50 mph, just 0.4 seconds off the podium.
There were significant technical improvements for the 2015 IOM TT Zero, which resulted in an increase in the average speed to 106.51 and a solid 5th place overall.
For 2015, the SP7 race machine moved from the track to the road and a 100% electric street-legal super-bike saw the light – the Saroléa MANX7.
At the 2016 IOM TT Zero, Saroléa riders Dean Harrison and Lee Johnston raced a completely new machine which was built on the steady progress of the past two seasons. Practice and qualifying went well and the team were optimistic of getting on to the podium. However, just before the start, some unforeseen technical problems surfaced. So, rather than compromise rider safety, the difficult decision was made to withdraw from the race.
In 2017, the company launched a limited series of their street legal super bike. The MANX7 is based on the same technology and performance as its SP7 TT race bikes.
In keeping with the brand’s heritage, all Saroléa bikes are built by hand in-house.
Everything, from the full carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and bodywork to the motor has been designed, developed and manufactured in-house.
No other current motorcycle manufacturer works this way.
Specifications
- Frame Full carbon fiber monocoque built in-house
- Engine Brushless DC 3-phase electric motor, built in-house
- Transmission Chain, single speed
- Front brake Beringer 4-pistons Radial Aerotec©
- Rear brake Beringer 2-pistons Radial Aerotec©
- Front wheel OZ Racing, Piega R forged aluminium 3.50” x 17”
- Rear wheel OZ Racing, Piega R forged aluminium 6.50” x 17”
- Front suspension Öhlins Ø 43 mm Superbike Telegabel FGR 300
- Rear suspension Öhlins monoshock TTX
- Swing arm Carbon fiber, built in-house
- Battery Lithium-ion
- Charge system Quick charge capabilities
- Front tyre Bridgestone Battlax RS10 120/70 ZR17
- Rear tyre Bridgestone Battlax RS10 195/55 ZR17
- Proprietary Vehicle Control Unit
- 4G, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Customisable Regenerative braking
- Rated output 100 to 180 KW (134 to 245 HP)
- Maximum torque 600 to 900 Nm
- Acceleration 0-100Kph, 2,8 sec
- Maximum speed 320 Kph
- CO2 emission 0 gr/km
- Range 300 Km Combined cycle
- Quick charge time (90%) 25 min
Source & pictures: Saroléa Motorcycles