This Relatively Unheard Electric Motorcycle From Istanbul Has Speakers In Its Exhausts

We are seeing a generational and technological shift with electric motorcycles. Many automakers use this transition from ICEs to EVs to introduce cool features. One notable and innovative one is the hubless rear wheel with an integrated motor on the Verge TS motorcycles. But then there are gimmicks, too, with the most popular one being using speakers to mimic an “exhaust” note in electric motorcycles.

An example is the Super Soco CS, which came with a sound generator that could be tuned to recreate the sound of any bike, including an inline-4 screamer. But a new electric motorcycle maker in town takes things a notch above and puts speakers in fake mufflers. It sure sounds cool, but it’s as gimmicky as it gets.

The Balistron TS 16.12 Has Speakers In Its “Exhausts”

Balistron is an Istanbul-based EV start-up that makes electric motorcycles and plans to diversify into electric ATVs. The most buzz-worthy EV in its current line-up is the Sport TS, a fully faired sports bike. This buzz is because of the dual underseat exhaust muffler setup similar to the one on the Ducati Monster 1200 R. But it isn’t connected to anything!

These mufflers, instead, have speakers to mimic the sound of an ICE engine exhaust. Because of the location of these speakers, they create a mirage of this being an actual inline-4 sports bike. This idea would have worked wonders in a PC game, but it sure is cringeworthy on “wanna-be” motorcycles. What do you guys think of this trend of fake exhaust sounds, not just on motorcycles but also on cars? The “Engine Sound Simulator” is standard here, but Balistron does give the option to toggle it on and off.

A Silver Lining: Cool Looking Electric Sports Bike

With Integrated Winglets

While the design does look like a mash-up of a Ducati and a Kawasaki sports bike, the Balistron TS 16.12 does look cool. It has a sharp design language, proportionate body, and front-heavy layout. The four-projector assembly housed in a Ducati SuperSport-esque headlamp design with an “angry” DRL is menacing nonetheless. It also gets a single-sided swingarm to flaunt its star-shaped five-spoke rear wheel. Also, elevating its visual aura are integrated winglets bolted onto the side fairings. This electric sports bike has seven vibrant (Matte and Metallic) color options to spice things up further.

Balistron TS Produces Over 160 Pound-Feet Of Torque

Power-wise, this electric motorcycle is equivalent to an entry-level sports bike. It is powered by a hub motor that produces 20 horsepower. But as with all electric motorcycles, the torque is instant and huge, with the Balistron TS 16.12 producing a meaty 166 pound-feet of torque—even more torque than the monstrous Triumph Rocket 3 Storm.

Juice is provided by an 11.52 kWh Li-Ion battery pack that can be charged using a 30 Ah gun charger in 4 hours. It also supports fast charging and takes under 2 hours to fully charge. This electric sports bike has a maximum riding range of 143 miles and hits a restricted top speed of 81 mph. Technology features are loaded here, including some cool ones (either standard or optional only on the top-spec “Premium” trim) like front and rear safety cameras, Rear Blind Spot Monitoring, On-board Video Recorder, and Voice Command Control.

Standard Features:

• 5-inch TFT Screen
• Three Ride Modes
• Keyless Start/Stop
• Cruise Control
• USB Port
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Heated Grips And Rider Seat
• Engine Sound Simulator (Dual Speakers)

Balistron TS 16.12 Specs