With the grand opening of its first store in Monaco during the Grand Prix, Verge has announced a limited-edition bike — the TS Pro Signature Edition — designed by racing legend Mika Hakkinen. Is this an heirloom objet d’art or a shameless marketing ploy?
I’ll save you the read — it’s all fluff! But it’s stunning all the same. And, I want to ride one.
The Flying Finn
Mika was raised behind the wheel, karting at age 5. Affectionately known as the “Flying Finn” for the photo below, this is a man who enjoys the thrill of speed. He holds two F1 Championships and 20 stage wins. He might be Finland’s fastest icon, a perfect ambassador for Finnish company Verge.
When You No Longer Drive … Design?
Scroll past “F1 Legend” in Mika’s bio, you’ll find he also enjoys skiing, swimming, and listening to Phil Collins. What you won’t find is any mention of design talent or education save for his colorful and iconic helmet — varying shades of Nordic blue. Call me skeptical, but what does a driver know about design? I certainly don’t ask my surgeon to renovate my kitchen.
Mika might just have a natural eye for aesthetics (in my humble opinion). The Hakkinen Signature bike looks dapper in its 15-shades-of-gray suit, and I have to believe that the two-tone leather and carbon fiber textures are amazing in person. The “midnight” rear suspension look and signature panel add to its premium appearance.
Only 100 numbered examples of the Verge TS Pro Hakkinen Signature Edition will be produced — each going for $87,000.
Scandy Simplicity
Monochrome clothes do fit the TS’s simplistic design. No chains, sprockets, or gears between power and pavement. Only visceral torque delivery.
The TS Pro can quick-charge in just 35 minutes and has a range of “up to” 217 miles. Those specs plus rapid EV infrastructure improvements will make for a no-compromise experience. Electric simplicity means you never need to change the oil, tune carbs, or winterize your machine. Just check your tires, turn the key and rip!
Wearing a Super Suit Doesn’t Make You a Superhero
Building a new motorcycle brand is really hard. I’ve been a part of three companies that have tried and failed. It takes a massive amount of capital. So, if I had a way to sell just 100 motorcycles at $87,000 and skip the customers who preordered at $30,000 would I do it? Yes. Especially if I had Mika Hakkinen on my board of directors, which Verge does.
I would cut Verge some slack if there were any performance upgrades, but this Signature Edition is literally a Verge TS Pro with a wardrobe change.
The Pro is an impressive machine with 1,000 Nm of torque, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, and a top speed near 125 mph. But, the Pro isn’t even the top model! True racers would opt for the TS Ultra, which packs more torque and faster acceleration. Why Hakkinen would put his name on this bike is for only one reason — dolla bills, y’all.
I’m not about to lambaste Verge for smart business. Select super-fans will get a very premium and unique motorbike; money has to be spent somehow. I’m hoping Verge will use the profits to open the U.S. office they’ve announced, ASAP.
Verge Electric Motorcycles: When Can You Get Yours?
Verge is taking orders for the Hakkinen Signature Edition and all its other models on its website if you’re ready to reserve yours.
The TS starts at $26,900 and sports 107 horsepower, 700 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 112 mph. The TS Pro at $29,900 offers 137 horsepower, 1,000 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 137 mph. Both models are expected to land in early 2024.
I’m aching to try a Verge — and ready to book a ticket to the Bay when its San Francisco office opens for test rides. I’ve seen enough failed moto companies to keep my wallet in my pocket until the bikes are real.
With any new manufacturer, you’re taking a risk betting that Verge will survive and be able to support these bikes into the future. Even if that happens, the Hakkinen special will look mighty fine as an objet d’art in your Monaco villa!
