Page 40 - Sharp Winter 2024

GOING BEYOND
WITH FORMULA ONE CHAMP MIKA HÄKKINEN JOINING THE COMPANY, VERGE IS SPEEDING TOWARD A BRIGHT FUTURE
By Justin Mastine-Frost
A GGRESSIVE, ANGULAR DESIGN. HUBLESS ELECTRIC RIM
motors. Astonishing performance specs. Expect all this and more from Verge Motorcycles when the brand arrives in North America in early 2024. One of still very few entries in the electric motorcycle category, Verge has further amplified the excitement surrounding its expansion by appointing Mika Häkkinen to the brand’s advisory board.
The Finnish Formula One legend grew up on motorcycles, and has fond memories of helping his uncle fix machines of all shapes and sizes. It’s a passion for riding that has stayed with Häkkinen throughout his life, and saw him eager to get involved with the Scandinavian startup.
“I got to know the founding team a while ago,” Häkkinen tells SHARP, “and I got really interested in their vision and how they approach and overcome problems. If I look back on my days as a racing driver, they were filled with problems; not enough power or downforce, problems with tires, wings, chassis. You name it. So, it’s about teamwork — how you present yourself, how you communicate, listen, and work together to find a solution.”
However, the former racer’s involvement doesn’t begin and end with guiding brand direction. A run of 100 limited edition motorcycles he helped co-design is also currently in production. And, while the Verge TS Pro Mika Häkkinen Edition may not be a completely new model, it goes far beyond simply slapping on a new paint colour. The design swaps
various elements from the base bike for more rigid and durable carbon fibre counterparts. There’s a thin film ceramic coating applied, a new custom leather seat, and black suspension components to deliver a slick aesthetic package. That said, when the idea was first broached, Häkkinen’s mind didn’t immediately jump to design.
“My first question was: where and how am I using it?” he says. “As I know myself, as a casual driver who appreciates convenience and performance at the same time, I wanted to have a superbike which is very easy and convenient to use. It must be accessible when I need it, and put a smile on my face even during short trips across Monaco, [where Häkkinen now lives].”
Thankfully, the Verge TS Pro platform was already well-aligned with this twin need for comfort and performance, and the integration of the motor in its rear wheel opens up a healthy amount of space for a battery pack, allowing for a riding range of up to 350 kilometres. Granted, with 137 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque on tap — yes, you read that correctly — your range is likely to come up a little short. But, even if real-world riding sees those specs dip a little, the Häkkinen Edition is still comfortably comparable to any gas-powered motorcycle.
Verge has also been working on upping the convenience credentials of the electrification process, ensuring reasonable charging times for its motorcycles. At present, a boost up to 80% of a full charge takes roughly 35 minutes, and the manufacturer’s systems have been developed with room to shorten that time — without any change in hardware.
Talking to a man with such a rich racing background leaves us with but one question about these bikes: what does the future hold for Verge in the world of motorsport? “This is an interesting question,” Häkkinen says. “Actually, I haven’t discussed with the team on their plans, but why not! I’m sure we will see a growing number of electric motorsport series and, from a performance point of view, these bikes are capable of serious wheel-to-wheel racing.”
It’s an exciting prospect, but likely some way off. Still, at the pace Verge is currently moving, who’s to say?
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