E-MTB Moto Parilla Tricolore: Carbon, Hemp and Plenty of Power

Traditionally, the EICMA, one of the most important two-wheeler trade fairs in Italy, celebrates the motorbike. For a few years now, there has also been an exhibition area for ebikes. At this year’s event, the Tricolore from Moto Parilla was a bike that fitted into this setting better than any other. Rarely has an ebike exuded more motorcross spirit than this one.

Moto Parilla, the small high-end manufacturer from the heart of Emilia Romagna, has always loved unusual designs and lives this passion to the full. The latest proof of love is an enduro e-mountain bike that comes across as almost brute. Its frame is reminiscent of a predator ready to pounce, and one wonders what films the developers may have watched during the two-year development phase. There are probably a few fans of cult director Ridley Scott among them.

Special in many ways

The Tricolore is defined by its massive curved main frame, which looks like the spine of the bicycle. The front wheel, rear wheel and seat post emerge from it as its extremities. The carbon monocoque encloses all the vital “organs” of the ebike, i.e. motor, battery, cables and the front headlight. In the upper part, which bends forward towards the handlebars, Moto Parilla has incorporated a completely lockable, waterproof storage compartment. It contains a medical emergency kit as standard. However, there is also room for a few tools, an emergency bar and similar small items.

Five large ribs are visible on the underside of the frame. They are intended to give the area additional stability. Parts of the casing have to withstand much lower forces. There, the manufacturer uses hemp fibres as an alternative frame material. Only natural resins are used in the moulding of these frame parts. That is why they can be completely recycled at the end of their service life.

Experimental and regional

A first glance at the Tricolore reveals that the geometry has almost nothing in common with that of a classic diamond frame. So, it fits in with the picture when Moto Parilla also takes unusual paths in the implementation of other details. For example, the single-sided swingarm is bolted to the frame via a few aluminium grid plates. Aluminium also reinforces the swingarm at the dropouts or where the brake caliper is mounted.

As with the single-sided swingarm, the shock and the part of the frame that holds the seatpost are bolted to the main frame as independent elements. Incidentally, all this is produced by suppliers located within a radius of around 50 kilometres from Reggio nell’Emilia, the headquarters of Moto Parilla. All in the spirit of environmentally friendly and resource-saving production.

Motor on a par with the competition

The motor of the Tricolore comes from not much further afield, and from Italy as well. In Germany, the Polini E-P3+ MX is probably relatively unknown. Among Italian ebike manufacturers, however, things are naturally different. In terms of technical parameters, the Polini power unit is absolutely competitive on an international scale. With an output that peaks at 600 watts, the torque is a whopping 90 Newton metres. You can choose the level of support via five riding modes. Three of them are preset: Touring, Dynamic and Race. Two can be set individually. In terms of pedalling frequency, the maximum is 120 revolutions per minute.

The motor, which weighs just under three kilograms, is supplemented by a removable battery. Its capacity is a considerable 880 watt hours. Accordingly, it sounds realistic when Moto Parilla promises ranges of more than 100 kilometres for the Tricolore. The accompanying 2.5-inch display with TFT screen can be positioned with a handlebar mount so that it sits to the left or right of the stem. Some people might prefer it directly on top. This way it looks somewhat bulky.

Surprising option

You don’t like this drive? Then you can ask Moto Parilla if you can ride a different motor. Theoretically, this is possible. The manufacturer has designed the bike to be modular. The frame has integrated mounts for a motor that can be used universally. According to the company, “almost any motor” can be mounted with the help of special plates. If you want, you can choose a mid-mounted motor from Bafang, for example, which has a peak output of 750 watts or even 1,000 watts. The matching battery is also available.

In comparison, other features of the E-MTB are hardly noticeable. However, the front and rear lights that are completely integrated into the frame or the flip-chip system for changing the geometry are extremely useful features.

Precious good

Moto Parilla offers three different versions of the Tricolore. Looking at the components and parts used, the Tricolore MX, the Tricolore MR and the Tricolore M can really only be classified somewhere between noble and “holy moly”. With a starting price of 11,990 euros for the Tricolore M as the cheapest model, this is not surprising. For the Tricolore MR you have to calculate 14,990 euros, while the Tricolore MX as the top model costs 17,990 euros.

Affordable is definitely different. But Moto Parilla hardly wants to be affordable either. Particularly light, by the way, is also different. At 23.5 kilograms, the Tricolore weighs quite a bit by today’s standards. Including your backpack, etc., you should not weigh more than 110 kilograms. If you want to ride this Italian delicacy, you should not overindulge in the country’s culinary delights.

Moto Parilla Tricolore at a glance:

• Variants: Tricolore MR, Tricolore MX, Tricolore M
• Frame: Carbon, Monocoque
• Suspension fork: Bright NEXT, Fox 38E 180 mm Kashima, Rock-Shox ZEB Select
• Motor: Polini E-P3+ MX
• Battery: Polini 880 Wh
• Display: Polini TFT, colour, 2.5″
• Brakes: BCA, Magura MT7 Pro, Magura MT5/MT7 Pro
• Drivetrain: Sram GX electronic
• Weight: 23.5 kg
• Maximum weight rider: 110 kg

 

Pictures: Motosuv S.R.L.