Dat Bike Weaver 200 – Incredible Power with Room for Improvement

 

A Desire for a Better Vietnam

Motorbikes dominate the streets of urban Vietnam, causing noise, pollution, and discomfort. Nguyen Ba Canh Son, a computer science engineer, dreamed of changing the way Vietnamese people commute. With this goal in mind, Son returned to Vietnam from Silicon Valley and founded his own electric motorcycle brand.

After appearing on Shark Tank Vietnam in 2019, Dat Bike secured an investment of $60,000 to commercialize their electric motorcycles. These motorcycles were recognized by the Ministry of Transport as the first electric vehicles made in Vietnam. In the summer of 2021, Dat Bike received a capital infusion of $2.6 million from investors to further their mission.

Now, the second-generation Dat Bike Weaver 200 motorcycles have been released to the public, priced at VND 55 million (including tax and battery costs), with the aim of revolutionizing how Vietnamese people commute.

Modern Design with a Classic Twist

The Dat Bike Weaver 200 retains the eye-catching classic design of its predecessor, appealing to young people who like to stand out. The motorcycle features a rugged and angular look, reminiscent of underground rap culture, which is gaining popularity among the youth.

The motorcycle’s front is highlighted by a classic round LED headlight, wide clip-on handlebars, and tall, wide tires. The rear of the motorcycle features a brown leather-wrapped bread seat and an eye-catching matte black electrostatic paint. The LED brake light is sleek and modern, giving the motorcycle a minimalist and stylish appearance.

An outstanding detail of the second-generation Dat Bike is the orange-colored battery pack with the prominent white number 200 and the dark-colored striped pattern. This battery pack has a significantly increased capacity compared to the previous model, making the motorcycle heavier.

In addition, the motorcycle features a storage box with a faux fuel tank design, which houses the charger. This update is commendable and sets Dat Bike apart from its competitors.

The Weaver 200 motorcycles do not have fairings or fenders, revealing many pleasing exterior details. For example, the rough-looking cable ties give the motorcycle a unique charm. However, some aspects, such as the rear forks being painted with a glossy black layer that doesn’t match the matte black layer on the front suspension, could be improved.

The motorcycle also features a functional button cluster on the left handlebar, reminiscent of the Honda Wave from the early 2000s. However, the plastic quality and feel of the buttons could be improved.

While the exterior of the Weaver 200 motorcycles may have some rough edges, these issues are expected to be addressed in the commercial version of the motorcycle.

Impressive Performance with Room for Improvement

The Dat Bike Weaver 200 offers a unique and powerful riding experience compared to conventional gasoline motorcycles and other electric motorcycles on the Vietnamese market.

Powered by a direct-drive motor with 6kW (equivalent to about 8 horsepower), the Weaver 200 may seem inferior to other motorcycles on paper. However, its maximum torque of 38.7 Nm surpasses many gasoline-powered motorcycles. The Weaver 200 offers impressive acceleration without the jerky feeling commonly found in electric motorcycles.

While the Weaver 200 has a powerful motor, its top speed is electronically limited to 80-90 km/h, complying with traffic conditions and laws in Vietnam.

The motorcycle features a 72V 68Ah Lithium-Ion battery pack, twice the size of the previous model. With this battery pack, users can travel up to 200km or 130km at an average speed of 70 km/h after each full charge. The battery pack can be fully charged in just 3 hours and offers a 10-year warranty or 100,000 km.

The Dat Bike Weaver 200 is designed to meet IP65 water resistance standards, allowing users to confidently ride through flooded roads. The motorcycle also features advanced technology, such as the ability to unlock the motorcycle with a key card or iPhone and upgrade software through the Dat Bike app.

The motorcycle’s Regen brake technology helps recharge the battery when the rider releases the throttle or applies the brakes, allowing for longer travel distances. The Weaver 200 also features a dynamic braking system, providing a unique braking experience.

While the Dat Bike Weaver 200 offers impressive performance and advanced features, there are some areas for improvement. The loose throttle response and slightly heavy weight may pose challenges for some riders, especially those with a height under 1.60m. However, these issues can be addressed in future iterations of the motorcycle.

In Conclusion

Dat Bike is committed to changing the way Vietnamese people commute with their Weaver 200 motorcycles. While there are some areas that need improvement, such as the motorcycle’s design and weight, the powerful electric motor and large battery pack make the Weaver 200 worth considering.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)