This the final production version of the Empulse. It now has Liquid Cooling and a 6 speed gearbox and clutch system which is unusual on an EV which are usually direct-drive.

Dowside is the the absurd cost of $17k USD

sounds like an RC aka shite

At $17K you would the engine life span far exceeds the average for petrol engine bikes.

I couldn't imagine anything worse... something with a sports bike feel/speed but NO SOUND...

I imagine the first few riders will have a number of 'close encounters' with cars as it's difficult enough to be heard with stock exhausts on these days (I was nearly wiped off the road less than an hour ago for that very reason).