First Ride: My 72V Super73 Z “Force 1” Feels Like a Whole New Bike
August 5, 2021
I’ve ridden a lot of different EVs, but there’s something especially satisfying about taking a humble base-model e-bike and turning it into a legitimately polished power bike.
This is my 72V Super73 Z “Force 1” build—starting life as a Z1 and evolving through multiple stages until it finally landed in this smooth, refined, deceptively quick setup. The first real ride on this final form was one of those moments where you immediately forget what the bike used to be.
Below is how it feels in the real world: throttle response, comfort, control, and the little details that make it feel less “DIY project” and more “purpose-built machine.”
The vibe: it doesn’t look like a base-model anymore
The first thing that hits you is how complete the bike feels.
The brushed-metal look in the center isn’t raw aluminum—it’s vinyl—but from a few feet away it reads like a clean factory panel. It sits in the frame naturally and makes the whole middle of the bike look intentional instead of “I added a box.”
Up front, the Grom-style headlight and updated fenders push the styling into a dual-sport/moto-adjacent direction. Add the aggressive Shinko tires and it stops looking like a small e-bike and starts looking like something that wants to get ridden hard.
The seat is another huge part of it. The stitching is clean, it matches the bike’s lines, and it’s the kind of detail that quietly tells you the build has moved past the rough-and-ready phase.
What changed the ride most: smooth power delivery
The standout impression on the first ride is how smooth the bike is—especially for something running 72V.
I can slam the throttle and instead of an abrupt hit, it ramps in with this controlled “ease into it… then blast off” feeling. It’s the kind of tuning that makes the bike feel faster because you’re not fighting it. It just builds speed confidently and predictably.
That smoothness also makes it feel more premium. A lot of high-power builds feel exciting but slightly chaotic. This one feels exciting but composed.
Speed feels effortless (and a little mischievous)
On a quick run, I watched it climb past typical bike speeds like it wasn’t even trying—cruising into the 30s with the kind of stability that makes you look down and go, “Wait… what?”
The wild part is how light the platform still feels. You get this power-bike acceleration without the heavy, motorcycle-like mass. That combo—real speed in a lightweight package—is a big part of the thrill.
Handling: surprisingly easy to place in turns
For a small-frame e-bike with serious power, it feels natural to lean and carve. Even just guiding it through gentle corners and quick direction changes, the bike doesn’t feel awkward or top-heavy.
That “light but powerful” thing shows up again here. It’s easy to put the bike where you want it.
Comfort: it doesn’t beat you up
I ran it through bumpy pavement and rougher patches and it stayed comfortable. Between the seating position, the seat itself, and the general setup, I wasn’t getting jostled around the way I expected for a compact bike.
Comfort matters more than people think on builds like this, because once you have the power, you start riding farther and faster—and little annoyances become big ones.
Control and braking confidence (including regen feel)
With power like this, braking and control are non-negotiable.
Coming into turns and stop signs at higher speed, I felt in control the whole time. The regen braking feel was predictable, and it helped the bike feel planted instead of sketchy. When you’re pushing a build beyond “stock e-bike” performance, that confidence is everything.
The small quality-of-life details I appreciate
A few touches make it feel like a real daily machine and not just a weekend experiment:
A clean USB power solution integrated into the build (it feels like “fueling up” a device)
The center enclosure looks finished and intentional
The overall aesthetic is cohesive—headlight, fenders, tires, and cockpit all feel like they belong together
This is the difference between a fast bike and a bike you actually want to live with.
What We Like
Extremely smooth throttle ramp with serious speed behind it
Lightweight feel makes the power more fun, not more intimidating
Comfortable over rough pavement for a compact platform
Confident control at speed, including predictable regen feel
Looks finished and cohesive—more “production” than “project”
Seat quality and fit elevate the whole ride
Things To Consider
72V power demands strong braking, smart tuning, and a safety-first mindset
Cooling and controller placement matter when you start pushing higher power
This kind of build is a system: motor, controller tuning, battery, tires, and touchpoints all have to match
If you’re expecting an aggressive, punchy hit like some heavier power bikes, this build prioritizes smoothness and control over instant jerk
Final Thoughts
This 72V Super73 Z “Force 1” doesn’t feel like a modified Z1 anymore. It feels like its own platform.
The biggest win is the character of the power delivery: smooth, controlled, and confidence-inspiring—right up until it’s suddenly doing speeds that make you laugh inside your helmet.
If you’re into the idea of a compact, lightweight e-bike that rides like a refined power bike, this is the kind of build direction I’d recommend: prioritize tuning, control, and finish quality—not just raw voltage.
Links
Want a discount on your Super73? Use my promo code here: https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/