Image Credit: Verge.
The Finns and Estonians… They always seem to be off in a corner somewhere, quietly inventing things that look like they belong in a very stylish sci-fi movie. Case in point: the Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle. When they first rolled out their hubless wonder back in '22, it was truly something to behold. It looked as if someone had misplaced the middle of the back wheel, but honestly - that missing bit was the point. Now, the darling of Helsinki has returned with a revamped TS Pro, and it's lighter, smarter, and ready to remind us that electric bikes make great statement jewelry.
I adore the electric revolution - because who doesn't love the sweet smell of nothing… - but I maintain a healthy skepticism. The folks at Verge, however, are making it quite hard to maintain my composure. They've updated their bestselling bike and basically declared war on unnecessary weight, starting right in the middle of that gorgeous, gaping rear wheel.
Image Credit: Verge.
The real star of this show, the whole reason we're here, is what they call the Donut Motor. It's a patented, hubless power unit that looks like a round portal to another dimension. The original Donut was powerful, but apparently, it was also a bit on the heavier side of things. So, what did the engineers do for this second generation? They put it on a crash diet! The new motor sheds 50% of its heft while keeping its monstrous performance figures completely intact.
This magical shrinking act drops the bike's overall weight to 507 pounds - the old bike wasn't exactly a Clydesdale at 540 pounds, but every pound counts when you're cornering, right? Less weight should, theoretically, mean better control, more giddy acceleration, and maybe even enough energy saved to light a small village. Speaking of giddy, this machine is still a proper little rocket ship, capable of launching from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.5 seconds.
Image Credit: Verge.
Of course, what's a fantastic electric motor without a battery that can keep up? A fancy paperweight, that's what. Fortunately, Verge has boosted the battery capacity to 20.2 kWh. This new juice box offers a seriously impressive maximum range of up to 217 miles. That's a lovely figure, especially when you compare it to rivals like the Zero SR/S, and it means you can actually ride for a good, long while before the dreaded range anxiety starts to whisper in your ear.
And when you eventually run out of electrons, the charging speed is so quick, it's almost rude. Verge claims that thanks to ultra-fast charging, you can add about 60 miles of range in just 15 minutes. That's just enough time to order a lukewarm latte, realize you forgot your wallet, find your wallet, and then remember you're on a bike that already charges in a blink. A full charge takes less than 35 minutes. It's also thoughtful enough to support both the European CCS standard and the new NACS in the U.S., which means you have options.
Image Credit: Verge.
There's no hiding the fact that the TS Pro is a techie. It runs on the "Starmatter" platform, which is what I assume they call the little brain inside that uses AI and sensors to constantly customize your ride. It even gets over-the-air updates, which is brilliant, because who needs a mechanic when the bike can simply improve itself while you sleep? I love the idea of my bike getting smarter than me overnight. I'd love it even more if it cleaned my garage.
The human-machine interface has also been upgraded, and you now get a larger, clearer display. They've also tweaked the ergonomics, giving riders a new 25-degree posture angle. Why 25 degrees? Because apparently, 24 was too slouchy and 26 was too aggressive. Who knew? What I do know is that a better posture angle is always a win, especially if you plan on actually enjoying that long range.
Image Credit: Verge.
With all the upgrades, has the price been tweaked as well? This bike is built with all the good stuff: carbon-fiber bits, serious Brembo brakes, Öhlins/Wilbers suspension - a veritable list of high-end parts that sound like the guest list at a very exclusive party. It's a premium product, and you know what they say: if you have to ask, you probably don't own it.
The Verge TS Pro starts at $29,900. Yes, close to thirty grand for a two-wheeler. When you compare the raw specs - that ludicrous 737 pound-feet of torque and that superior range - it outshines the Zero SR/S and even the LiveWire One. But those are bikes you can actually find in America without having to send a diplomatic telegram to Scandinavia. The price point alone tells you this isn't for the average commuter; it's a niche machine, a collector's item, or as I like to call it, a piece of kinetic art that you're too terrified to ride in the rain.
Image Credit: Verge.
Deliveries are expected in the first quarter of next year, so you have plenty of time to save your pennies, or perhaps, sell a kidney. It's expensive, sure, but it's an utterly gorgeous, lightning-quick piece of Finnish-Estonian genius that will inevitably turn every single head on your block. It's a statement, and statements always cost money.
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