Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Entry Level Electric Bikes Battle It Out

Both bikes are actually pretty competitively priced as well.

• At 140kg, the Tork Kratos is a massive 32kg heavier than the Revolt
• That said, its 715mm seat height is nearly 30mm lower than the Revolt RV400’s
• And the Tork Kratos also boasts a higher top speed and more range 

The Revolt RV400 made its debut on our shores in September 2019, establishing itself as one of the early EVs to retain a more traditional motorbike appearance, aiming to captivate the mass-market consumers. Initially, the options were limited, but Revolt has since expanded its presence to 19 dealerships nationwide. And even more importantly, it has now gotten a new variant, the RV400 BRZ. 

Originating as a Super Soco EV from China, Revolt now faces competition from the long-awaited Tork Kratos, which pledges to offer a genuinely designed and manufactured alternative within India. With a third-place achievement in the Isle of Man (2009) and a first-place victory in the TTXGP (2010), Tork Motors boasts a notable motorsport track record.

Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Design & Features

The RV400 BRZ boasts a digital display instrument console, featuring a speedometer, battery level indicator, three riding modes, and temperature gauge. Notably, the bike is equipped with a side stand sensor for added convenience. Braking functionality is efficiently managed by a Combination Braking System (CBS). Despite being Revolt's most budget-friendly electric bike, the RV400 lacks smartphone connectivity.

Revolt partnered with Super Soco as its platform collaborator, resulting in the Revolt RV400 electric bike bearing a remarkable resemblance to the Super Soco TS. Prioritizing rider comfort, the bike is designed with a sleek LED headlight at the front and easily accessible wide handlebars. The side panels are fully enclosed, and the fuel tank is equipped with a lid.

The bike houses a removable lithium-ion battery within a lockable compartment, providing the option to swap out the rider's foot pegs for a mid or rear-set footpeg position. Dominating the rear is a long wing, which also serves as a license plate holder, integrated with LED indicators.

Offering three riding modes, accessible via a slider button on the right, the bike embraces keyless start technology, enabling riders to keep the key in their pocket and simply press the power button located behind the handlebar. The display, while lacking touch functionality, is a simple black-and-white unit. Switching between trip modes necessitates the use of the high-beam switch, which can be a bit fiddly.

 Additionally, there's an artificial exhaust note feature, activated by a button on the right switchgear, which, although gimmicky, can be deactivated for a more authentic riding experience.

The styling of the Tork Kratos strongly resembles what one would expect from a conventional ICE motorcycle. It features a muscular "tank" that doubles as a storage box, LED DRLs flanking the headlight, and sizable tank shrouds extending to the belly.

Packed with numerous features, the Tork Kratos offers multiple riding modes, reverse assist, regenerative braking, USB charging, a storage box, and a digital instrument dashboard with communication capabilities. Additionally, Tork provides a dedicated mobile app that offers functionalities such as geofencing, ride telemetry, charging status updates, and even the locations of nearby charging stations.

Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Powertrains

The RV400 BRZ is powered by a 3.24kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a claimed range of up to 150km in Eco mode, 100km in Normal mode, and 80km in Sport mode, mirroring the specifications of the Revolt RV400. Charging speed remains consistent, with 0 to 75 percent achieved in 3 hours and 1 to 100 percent in 4.5 hours. The electric bike features a 3kW motor and incorporates a regenerative braking system.

Displaying impressive speed, the RV400's riding modes progressively enhance performance and response from Mode 1 to Mode 3. In Mode 3, it attains nearly the same level of swiftness as an Ather 450X, allowing it to reach a straightforward top speed of 85kph on the streets.

Driven by a 3kW frame-mounted motor, the RV400 maintains the instantaneous response typical of electric vehicles. However, there's room for improvement in smoothing out the noise and mild vibrations generated by the motor.

While the refinement levels are satisfactory, the accelerator's response could be refined further to offer a smoother riding experience, particularly in heavy traffic. Notably, the abrupt power delivery and the accelerator being disabled when applying brakes limit certain manoeuvres depicted in Revolt's advertisements.

Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The RV400 is equipped with an aluminium subframe and swingarm, along with an inverted fork and a monoshock with preload adjustability. It features 240mm disc brakes at both ends, complemented by CBS, and rides on a 90-section front tyre and a 120-section rear tyre. With a seat height of 814mm, a generous 215mm ground clearance, and a kerb weight of 108kg, the RV400 delivers a well-balanced riding experience.

Sporting a front inverted fork and a rear preload-adjustable monoshock, the RV400 demonstrates its ride quality on a go-kart track. The stiffer setup resulted in some bouncing when encountering a small speed breaker at speed, but overall, the bike handled it admirably. Even on slightly bumpy corners, the suspension maintained composure, even in leaned-over positions.

Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Dimensions

The RV400 doesn't present itself as a large bike in terms of size, but it exudes a stable and confident feel in corners. However, pushing it too hard reveals the intended purpose of the soft suspension: commuting rather than aggressive corner-carving.

Revolt RV400 BRZ vs Tork Kratos: Price

The Revolt RV400 BRZ is available at a starting price of Rs 1,37,950 (ex-showroom) and comes in five colours: Lunar Green, Pacific Blue, Dark Silver, Rebel Red, and Cosmic Black, all priced the same. Competing with models such as the Ather 450X, TVS iQube Electric, and Bajaj Chetak Electric, the RV400 BRZ also faces competition from the more powerful Tork Kratos.

Verdict 

What sets the Revolt RV400 apart is its unassuming nature. Rather than being a critique, this aspect highlights its seamless transition from a traditional gasoline-powered bike to an electric model. While it may not excel in long highway rides or spirited weekend outings, it presents a practical choice for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly transportation.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the RV400's simplicity, user-friendly design, and straightforward approach make it a cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered bikes. Despite its unremarkable appearance, it holds the potential for a significant impact on daily commuting, providing a green and budget-friendly option for navigating city streets.

Despite its higher cost, the Tork Kratos appears to be the more enticing option. However, all of this remains theoretical. The motorcycle still needs to be tested on the road, and Tork Motors faces the challenging task of bringing it to market. If you're in the market for an electric motorbike in this price range, based on the current information available, it might be worth waiting for.

What's most remarkable about the Revolt RV400 is its unremarkable feel. It's important to note that this is not meant as criticism. However, the fact remains that transitioning from a petrol-engine motorcycle to an electric one requires minimal mental adjustment. For many urban commuters, this alone is reason enough to opt for a green alternative, even if it may not be the best choice for long-distance highway rides or weekend enjoyment. 

And this isn't solely due to environmental considerations. Rather, this motorcycle's simplicity, user-friendliness, and straightforwardness make it a far more cost-effective option to operate than any petrol-powered bike.