The Super73 S2 did something that most other manufacturers could only hope to achieve: combining the effects of a motorcycle and an electric bike into the same build.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say the brand was trying to appeal to both markets with a crossover unit like this. Big fat tires with great carving and performance.
Table of Contents
Super 73 S2 Specs
| MODEL: 2021
MOTOR & TOP SPEED
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BATTERY & RANGE
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CONTROLLER & RIDING MODES
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FRAME
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DRIVE-TRAIN SYSTEM
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BRAKING SYSTEM
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OVERALL WEIGHT & CARRYING CAPACITY
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TIRES AND SUSPENSION
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FEATURES
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How Does Riding the S2 Feel Like?
In many ways, it rides and feels the way I would expect of a premium bike from a manufacturer of this standing.
Perhaps the best thing I found about this e-bike is the comfort of the thick saddle.
The Battery and Possible Range
It has a 960Wh battery, which is a lot for an e-bike; however, considering its weight (32 kg), it is important to have enough juice for the motor.
As far as I can tell, this battery’s average range on a full charge is 40 – 75 miles (64 – 120 km), based on ideal conditions.
If you were doing more off-road than city riding, don’t expect to get the same mileage from a single charge in both cases. Likewise, situations such as going uphill take more power than you would need coming downhill.
The average charge time for the bike is between 6-7 hours.
Read More: eBike Batteries – The Beginner’s Guide
The Speed
When the Super 73 S1 was launched, its 20mph top speed provided by the 750 w Bafang motor was loved, but people wanted more after a while.
The trade-off was between ensuring the bikes stayed within safe speed limits and not breaking the laws either.
Read More: Electric Bike Laws: Know Them Before Riding
Thus, the brand went back to the drawing board and adjusted the top speed to 25-30mph on this new model.
Some users have noted that one of the best things about this version is how easily it reaches the top speed.
Now, the top speed mentioned above can be surpassed in some instances, which we will discuss later in this review.
Other Facts to Discuss
The fat tires’ performance
Before anything else, the BDGR tires that come on the rear and front of this unit need mentioning.
First impressions could make you think that these tires might not live up to the stress that you will take them through. That could not be more wrong.
I think the tires are fat enough (5″ wide by 20″) gave me sturdiness of the ride and improved grip, leading to better safety and ease of handling.
I noticed that the S1 model before this one had better ease of turning the front wheel.
Responsiveness and metrics
I found the handlebar on this model easier to reach and more responsive, which allowed me to have smoother rides and make better split-second decisions.
I actually liked the Bafang controller as it provided lots of metrics to play with and do adjust. I really felt I was riding a motor bike with the big display.
How Safety Has Been Integrated?
When I said that the brand improved a lot, safety was one of the factors that they considered.
The width of the BDRG wheels gave more stability to the Super73 S2 e-bike, making it safer than most other non-electric bikes on the market.
Still, the tires’ exterior is surprisingly hard enough to protect the inner tube against glass shards, nails, and other sharp objects that you might encounter on city tours.
I thought the brand brought in knobby tires for premium protection, but this one works just fine.
Suspension system
Looking elsewhere, the manufacturer added a front suspension system for an easier and more comfortable riding experience.
Unfortunately, this model’s rear suspension still needs some work. I felt stiffer, and it gave me a sense of unbalance when taking corners at high speed.
NOTE
Those who will be going off-road more frequently might want to look at the Super 73 RX model instead. It comes with a rear spring support system that makes it better for comfortable riding on rough terrain. However, it gets the same power and common specs as this model reviewed here, so there is not much that you are trading up for there.
The brakes
I’ll admit that I thought the brake rotors on this fat tire electric bike were small; however, they worked much better than expected.
I noted, though, that there was a squeaking sound when engaging the brakes (especially the rear brakes), but there was nothing to worry about, as the braking felt smooth.
How does the S2 fit according to e-Bike regulations?
The model is legal under Class 1 standards in the US, EU, and AU, provided that you are riding on bike paths and do not exceed the 20mph speed limit.
That said, the bikes are also considered Class 2 legal in the same areas.
Even though the speed limit (20mph max) remains the same across both classes, the way the motor kicks in is different.
So, if the motor assists you when pedaling or not, you can still ride it legally under that speed limit in these areas.
When you start to move into the Class 3 rating, where you can attain speeds of up to 28mph, things start getting a little dicier.
While this can reach and blast through such speeds (even without going into the Unlimited Mode yet), it is recommended that you never unlock those settings when on bike paths or public lanes.
Keep the Class 3 settings and unlimited mode experience for when you are alone on private property or away from other public places.
Is it worth buying it?
The first thing that stood out here was the retro design, mimicking the 1970s bike.
A vintage body design, bringing back the bike tech of the future, could not be more appropriate at this stage. However, I feel like the brand could have done better with the design element—more aerodynamic, I’d say.
If you are like most people who modify their e-bikes, all that negative space gives you room to add extra gear and spice things up.
For handling, ease of use, safety, and quality of build, I believe this fat electric bike could be a lot of fun and cool. Swapping out the steel (as seen on the S1 model) for aluminum here makes the bike feel more appealing to me.
Connecting to a smartphone with a dedicated app to offer even more functionality, the Super73 S2 has something for everyone, be it a beginner or expert bicycle user.
