I’ve been riding motorcycles in Dubai for years, weaving through the city’s glassy skyline and tearing across its desert highways. When I first laid eyes on the Sharmax GP 881 Ultra, something clicked. This isn’t just another superbike—it’s a machine that feels like it was built for someone like me, a rider who craves precision, power, and a bit of swagger. This is my full review of Sharmax GP 881 Ultra, a 1500-word journey into what makes this bike a standout in Dubai’s vibrant motorcycle scene. I’m not a tech wizard or an engineer, just a guy who’s put enough kilometers on this beast to know it inside out. Let’s break it down.
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ToggleThe Sharmax GP 881 Ultra’s 778cc inline four-cylinder, four-stroke engine is the core of its identity. It pumps out 95 horsepower at 9,800 RPM, with a torque curve peaking at 72 Nm around 7,500 RPM. What does that mean on the road? It’s not just raw power—it’s usable power. The throttle response is razor-sharp yet forgiving, letting you carve through Sheikh Zayed Road’s traffic or blast past 200 km/h on a clear stretch of Al Ain-Dubai highway.
Tip. If you’re new to superbikes, the A2 license-compliant 47 hp restriction mode is a godsend. It’s smooth enough for learning but doesn’t feel like a neutered machine.
The engine’s liquid-oil cooling system keeps things stable during Dubai’s brutal summer heat, where I’ve ridden in 45°C without the bike breaking a sweat. The titanium exhaust isn’t just for show—it gives a throaty growl that turns heads in Downtown Dubai. Fuel efficiency surprised me: I’m getting about 4.8L/100 km in mixed city and highway riding, which is better than some 600cc competitors.
The GP 881 Ultra’s chassis is a lightweight aluminum twin-spar frame, weighing in at just 18.2 kg. It’s stiff where it needs to be but doesn’t punish you on longer rides. The bike’s 198 kg wet weight feels balanced, whether you’re leaning into tight corners on Jebel Hafeet or cruising through Jumeirah.
The suspension setup—fully adjustable 43mm inverted front forks and a rear monoshock with hydraulic preload—lets you dial in your ride. I tweaked the rebound damping for sharper handling on twisty roads, and it felt like the bike was reading my mind. The Brembo brakes (dual 320mm front discs, 260mm rear) with ABS are a lifesaver when a distracted driver cuts you off on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Info. The slipper clutch makes downshifting at high RPMs buttery smooth, reducing rear wheel hop during aggressive corner exits.
The GP 881 Ultra isn’t just a mechanical marvel—it’s packed with tech that makes riding intuitive. The 5-inch TFT display is crisp even under Dubai’s glaring sun, showing everything from gear position to real-time fuel consumption. The bike’s ride-by-wire system offers three modes: Urban, Sport, and Track. I stick to Urban for city commutes, but Sport mode transforms the bike into a snarling beast on open roads.
Tip Pair your phone via Bluetooth for hands-free navigation, but don’t expect seamless music streaming—the system can lag with some devices.
The bike’s aerodynamics deserve a shoutout. The fairings and side winglets cut drag, and I’ve hit 240 km/h on a closed track without feeling like I’m fighting the wind. For Sharmax for sale in Dubai, this level of tech at a price point of AED 33,900 (or €7,700 in Spain) feels like a steal compared to pricier Japanese rivals.
Riding the GP 881 Ultra in Dubai is an experience. The city’s mix of congested streets, sweeping highways, and occasional desert runs tests a bike’s versatility. In traffic, the bike’s upright ergonomics and adjustable levers keep you comfortable. On highways, the 6-speed gearbox is slick, with a quick-shifter that’s flawless above 4,000 RPM. I’ve taken it on a 300-km round trip to Fujairah, and the seat padding held up better than expected, though my back was begging for a break after three hours.
The bike’s cornering ability shines on routes like the Al Qudra cycling track’s adjacent roads. The Michelin Road 5 tires grip like glue, even when the asphalt is scorching. I’ve pushed it to a 45° lean angle, and the chassis feedback was confidence-inspiring.
Owning a superbike in Dubai isn’t just about the ride—it’s about keeping it running. Sharmax’s dealer network in the UAE is solid, with service centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I’ve had my bike serviced twice at their Business Bay showroom, and parts like air filters and brake pads are reasonably priced (AED 150-300). The first service at 1,000 km was free, which is a nice touch.
Component |
Service Interval |
Cost (AED) |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Oil Change |
Every 6,000 km |
200-250 |
Use 10W-40 synthetic oil |
Air Filter |
Every 12,000 km |
150 |
Easy to replace, DIY-friendly |
Brake Pads |
Every 15,000 km |
300 (front) |
Brembo pads, high durability |
Chain Maintenance |
Every 1,000 km |
50-80 |
Clean and lube regularly |
Major Service |
Every 24,000 km |
1,200-1,500 |
Includes valve clearance check |
Info Check the chain tension every 500 km in Dubai’s dusty conditions to avoid premature wear.
The bike comes with a 2-year warranty, which covers most components except wear-and-tear items. My only gripe is that the UAE’s sand and heat can clog the air filter faster than advertised, so I clean it every 8,000 km instead of 12,000.
The GP 881 Ultra isn’t alone in the 700-800cc superbike segment. Compared to the Yamaha R7 (689cc, 73 hp, AED 35,000) and Kawasaki Ninja 650 (649cc, 68 hp, AED 29,500), the Sharmax offers more power and better tech for the price. The Honda CBR650R (649cc, 94 hp, AED 36,500) is a close rival, but its higher price and less aggressive styling make the Sharmax feel like better value.
Bike | Engine | Power | Price (AED) | Key Advantage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sharmax GP 881 Ultra | 778cc | 95 hp | 33,900 | Best tech-to-price ratio |
Yamaha R7 | 689cc | 73 hp | 35,000 | Lightweight, agile handling |
Kawasaki Ninja 650 | 649cc | 68 hp | 29,500 | Beginner-friendly, low seat |
Honda CBR650R | 649cc | 94 hp | 36,500 | Refined engine, premium feel |
The Sharmax’s edge lies in its balance of performance and affordability, making it a compelling choice for riders who want a superbike without breaking the bank.For motorcycles for sale in Dubai, the GP 881 Ultra stands out for its ability to handle both daily commutes and weekend thrills.
After 6,000 km on the GP 881 Ultra, I’m hooked. It’s not perfect—the Bluetooth can be finicky, and the seat isn’t ideal for long-distance touring. But for a rider in Dubai, where style and performance matter as much as practicality, this bike delivers. The full review of Sharmax GP 881 Ultra reveals a machine that’s as thrilling on a racetrack as it is practical for a daily commute. At AED 33,900, it’s a bargain for what you get.
The bike’s ability to switch from a docile urban ride to a corner-carving monster makes it special. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about how it makes you feel when you twist the throttle and hear that titanium exhaust roar. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone eyeing their first superbike, the GP 881 Ultra is worth a test ride.
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