EBR 1190RX (2014 - on) Review

American exotica powered by a powerful 185bhp V-twin with over 100ftpb of torque. Deceptively quick and not to be underestimated with 20 stage traction control for back-up.

Well balanced, the Showa big piston front forks and Showa rear shock work really well in a wide scope of conditions. Sweet handling but the looks maybe not for everyone’s taste and low down fuelling isn’t perfect.

The wheelbase is short and the rake and trail is very aggressive, yet it’s stable and planted. The EBR has excellent mechanical grip and, for such a powerful sports bike, is easy to ride. The front gives excellent feedback, has a lovely feel to it, and is not too harsh yet not too soft when the pace hots up. It’s a similar story for the rear.

On the road the handling is impressive straight out of the box.

The new engine is built in-house by EBR. They have opted for a 72-degree V-twin and 1190 capacity, with fuel injection. The resut is a quoted 185bhp and 101.6ftlb.

Power is linear, very smooth but the fuelling is incositant low down in the first few gears. 

EBR are new to the market and even though historically they have very strong links to Buell, (EBR stands for Erik Buell Racing) it’s hard to predict reliablity.

Quality-wise it’s not on par with Ducati, but not far behind.

Just short of £14,000 is a lot of money to ask for an unproven superbike. But in today’s market it is comparable to KTM’s RC8R and cheaper than a Panigale.

For a modern day sports bike the EBR is fairly low spec: 20-stage traction control comes as standard but can’t be changed on the move!

There’s no option for ABS at the moment, no rider modes or quick-shifter unlike the compeition from Ducati.

The perimiter 8-piston brakes look impressive and are strong on the road but not as strong as conventional Brembo items.