RGNT Classic No.1 Review: Electric with Style

This page is translated from the original post "Essai RGNT Classic No.1 : l’électrique avec style" in French.

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RGNT Classic No1 Essai couverture

Good performance, over 100 km of range, and an attractive look: the RGNT Classic No.1 is an interesting proposal on paper.

Founded in 2019, the RGNT brand (pronounced Regent) is based in Sweden. This makes it similar to Cake, another electric two-wheel manufacturer that is starting to make a name for itself here. The two entities are otherwise quite different: while Cake seeks to stand out with a minimalist and very Swedish design, RGNT motorcycles cultivate a vintage and dandy style reminiscent of the 1960s.

Targeting a high-end niche, RGNT focuses on the segment of equivalent 125 cc. The No.1 Classic, which was entrusted to us by Maze Electric Garage, is therefore accessible with a Category B license and the 7-hour training.

Beneath its appearance of a large-displacement bike, the Classic No.1 remains an equivalent 125 cc model.

Style and presentation

Combining the innovative look of electric propulsion with a retro style: this is the gamble RGNT has taken. From a distance, the Classic No.1 could almost pass for a thermal motorcycle. The unprotected electrical cables give a rough, unpolished feel that may appeal to some, but they can also suggest neglect in finishing. However, that’s not entirely the case: while not perfect, the bike appears solid overall. We would have just preferred more polished controls and a thinner, better-integrated color screen. Additionally, it has another surprise: it displays a map in the background but is unable to guide you along a route. A pity, as this could have been a real asset for the Classic No.1.

With its imposing size for a 125, the RGNT will appeal to taller riders. The wide handlebars, seat at 830 mm from the ground, and low footpegs guarantee a comfortable riding position, sitting quite upright on the motorcycle.

The map on the instrumentation screen suggests that the motorcycle has an onboard navigation system. However, this is not the case.

Driving

The RGNT starts quietly in the first meters, neither sluggish nor as aggressive as one might expect from an electric motorcycle. This moderate acceleration makes it easier to handle and encourages a fairly calm riding style. However, the RGNT can also change character if asked. The awakening occurs around 20/25 km/h, at which point the electric motor begins to wake up. The strong, continuous push then provides exhilarating sensations for the rider. It gradually loses intensity as it approaches the maximum speed of 125 km/h.

Controlled with two levers on the handlebars, like on a scooter, the disc braking system does not impress with its bite or power. Nonetheless, this lack of efficiency doesn’t seem particularly dangerous at moderate speeds.

The motor is directly integrated into the rear wheel. No belt interferes with the silence of the electric drivetrain.

Ultimately, the most impressive aspect of the RGNT is its comfort. The front and rear suspensions filter out road irregularities very effectively. One could almost describe it as a “flying carpet” effect, as the motorcycle smooths out cobblestones, holes, and all other roughness of the asphalt perfectly. With the silence of the electric motor, this remarkable damping quality makes for an unusual yet truly enjoyable experience.

Range and charging

Located at the center of the bike, the fixed 7.7 kWh battery theoretically guarantees a range of 120 km. This figure will likely be difficult to reach in real conditions, especially if traveling on highways. In any case, you should prefer the Range mode to maximize the range. Although it slightly degrades performance, it remains sufficient for urban use.

RGNT is currently launching a new model year of the No.1 Classic, featuring, among other updates, a Type 2 socket on the faux fuel tank. Since our model is too old to have this feature, the only way to charge it is by plugging it into a household socket with the supplied charger. Not very practical, and very slow: it takes about 7.5 hours to fully recharge the battery.

The charger of the motorcycle connects to this socket. Full recharge from 0 to 100% takes about 7.5 hours.

Price and equipment

Priced at €12,520 (with a €900 national bonus not deducted), the RGNT Classic No.1 targets an affluent clientele. An overall high price, but partly justified by the presence of a large battery. The fact that the motorcycle is made in Sweden also explains the price difference compared to Chinese productions.

The Classic No.1 comes standard with spoked wheels and LED lighting. The color screen is also part of the basic configuration. The paid options are quite rare: limited to a bottle-green paint option for the bodywork and various seat coverings.

RGNT has recently improved the Classic No.1 in several areas. In addition to the Type 2 socket mentioned earlier, the new model now sports a larger-capacity battery (+1.8 kWh), bringing the official range to 148 km. The Swedish bike also enhances performance with a slightly more powerful motor (+0.5 kW) and a new Boost mode that temporarily provides up to 21 kW peak power. Lastly, RGNT has changed the instrument panel and incorporated a built-in navigation system. This update should enhance an already well-made model. However, it also results in a higher minimum price of €13,495.

Test summary: 13 / 20

When you spend a little more than €12,000 on an electric 125 cc motorcycle, you can reasonably expect almost flawless quality. The Classic No.1, which is performance-oriented and very comfortable, delivers on important points. Unfortunately, the model we tested, in the final phase of its cycle, neglects the charging aspect a bit too much, as it lacks a Type 2 port. For this and some other small details, it narrowly misses a “good” rating.

Also read: Test Ray 7.7: a healthy electric scooter

Test gallery

Technical data sheet RGNT No.1 Classic

Power8 kW
Weight156 kilos
Battery capacity7.7 kWh
Range120 km
Charging time 7 hours from 0 to 100%
Maximum speed125 km/h
Dimensions2110 x 835 x 1056 mm
Seat height830 mm
Warranty2 years or 30,000 km
Price€12,520
National bonus€900

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