Maverick dreamed it, Eyelights and Energica did it. All you need are wings to make Rocket One a fighter jet. This machine with futuristic lines is the work of the French startup Eyelights, which became known with Eyeride, an accessory that transforms any motorcycle helmet into a head-up display system, like those used by fighter racing pilots.
This motorcycle and its helmet were designed by Romain Duflot, founder of Eyelights, who has two passions: motorcycles and fighter planes. A prototype was first presented in November 2023 in Milan, at the EICMA fair. It caught the attention of the leaders of Energica, a manufacturer of high-performance electric motorcycles that transformed the dream into reality.
Together, they developed what they call a “demonstrator” (a term used in the arms industry to refer to functional prototypes). It is presented on the occasion of the 19th edition of Top Marques, the event dedicated to exceptional machines that will be held until June 9 in Monaco.
The Rocket One clearly pays homage to aviators by taking inspiration from elements of iconic aircraft.
The design of the headlight is inspired by the turbines of the F-16, the line of the fairing is that of a fighter, the creation of the helmet is influenced by that of the F-35 pilots.
As for the color, it is that of the P-51 Mustang, an American fighter plane from World War II. Finally, the lights that adorn Rocket One are a nod to the movie tron. However, the motorcycle does not have a dashboard or instrumentation system.
“It’s all in the visor of the helmet that comes with it,” explains Romain Duflot to BFM Business.
0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds
Without taking his eyes off the road, the driver sees all the information he needs: speed, battery level, remaining range, driving mode, time and outside temperature. It can even display a route in augmented reality that has been programmed on a smartphone. A high-quality audio system will also lead the way.
When it comes to performance, the Rocket One does not disappoint. This supercar is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 132 kW (180 HP) that offers a torque of 1,200 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. The icing on the cake is that this roadster has a range of 400 kilometers.
“Of course I tried it. The acceleration is dazzling,” the Eyelights founder told us.
Thanks to this power, driving safety has been optimized. Through the helmet visor, the driver will be able to see other vehicles, but also nearby obstacles. This motorcycle is equipped with sensors capable of assisting driving, for example with a blind spot detection system.
Ultra-limited series at more than 100,000 euros
The Rocket One is not intended to be a mass production motorcycle. It will be a collector’s motorcycle.
“It will be an ultra-limited edition of about fifty copies,” specifies Romain Duflot, adding that deliveries will begin this year.
The price remains. To afford this technological gem, you will have to spend more than 100,000 euros. Those who do not have this budget are not forgotten. Eyelights is preparing connected headphones almost identical to those of the Rocket One.
“We are currently working with a market leader and we intend to present it at the next edition of EICMA,” reveals Romain Duflot.
Will there be success? The Eyelights team is convinced of this. This optimism is based on Eyeride sales. Since its launch, the Toulouse start-up has sold more than 20,000 copies thanks to a collection of 20 million euros.
Source: BFM TV
