It looks as though the electric motorcycle is well and truly up there now with various studies indicating that by 2022 they will be on the point of reaching a level where ordinary people can afford them, so they can become a real viable option.

Invented in 1919 by Ricardo Soriano, the Soriano racing engine and design was ahead of its time and today, descendant Marco Soriano is building on this legacy, founding the Soriano Motori Corporation to develop electric versions of the Soriano motorcycle.

Heading for limited production in 2021, the three new all electric motorcycles in the family have a power-train with two electric motors sharing a common five speed gearbox. The headlight is a nod to it's 1940s ancestors and the frame is aluminium, graced with sleek fairings. Modern Soriano electric engines major on strong performance, building on the legacy of the original Soriano company, which used to produce cool scooters, outboard engines and other equipment back in the 1930s and 40s.

The new CEO Marco Soriano has created three limited production motorcycles the V1-R, V1-S and the V1-Gara which are variants of the Giaguaro platform employing the unique new power-train. The engines are apparently in a 'boxer' formation but there isn't much more information about this design at the moment – I guess we'll have to wait for it to go into production to find out more.

The V1-R and S twins give an output of 58kW, with the V1-Gara producing 62kW which allows it to cruise at up to 120mph with a max speed of 140mph. The motorcycles' output can be combined in different ratios for different types of performance and economy mode, but again details are a bit sketchy at the moment. Apparently the transmission will give the rider the ability to accelerate and decelerate rapidly if required, much like a petrol motorcycle. The twin engine is a tribute to their ancestors and the bike gives riders a gearbox with even a reverse gear unlike most other electric motorcycles. The electric Soriano boasts a low curb weight of 550lb achieved by the use of composites and a new battery design combined with an aircraft grade frame for strength and light weight. Keeping to the speed limit, the battery can provide a range of 200 km and takes 6 hours to charge – not bad. 30% of these new motorcycles are already sold by pre order, so they seem to be hitting the spot as we glide inexorably towards electric power. Check them out further on the Soriano website.

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