Vanguard Spark was formed by Alfa Romeo F1 principal Francois-Xavier Terny of Vanguard Motorcycles and Frédéric Vasseur, founder of electric Formula E race car company Spark Racing Technology.
Now they have changed their name to Fuell, which is a clever reference to Buell, even though their machines have no fuel!
We could have expected the founders’ racing genes to flow through to their products.
However, they have unveiled the Flow “urban mobility” electric motorcycle and the Fluid pedal-assisted e-bike.
The bikes are not available for test ride until they are fully revealed on April 23, but will be on show in New York for a month to investors, journalists and “influencers”.
Flow
Flow is an electric motorcycle available in 11kW (125cc equivalent) or 35kW versions.
There is no pricing information or technical details available yet such as range, but they keep referring to it as a “city” bike.
As expected from Erik whose Buell motorcycles had innovative features such as oil in the swingarm, fuel in the frame and peripheral brake discs, the Flow does have technical innovations.
Fuell say it has a proprietary wheel-motor1, connected dashboard and a low centre of gravity.
It has conventional upside-down forks, a mono shock rear and no clutch lever.
Alongside the further details announced on the LiveWire model overnight, Harley-Davidson also revealed two new concepts in its next generation of two-wheeled transportation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts
These two concepts are a nod towards a new electrified chapter of Harley-Davidson’s story that will continue with innovative approaches to transportation and technology, wrapped up in evocative styling and design.
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts
While I don’t think either of these designs really pushes any boundaries visually, I do see this as a justified attempt for the brand to gradually align itself to the kimchi & kale generation.
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts
Kudos to Harley for becoming a little more environmentally and socially aware as they look towards a future of trying to win new young customers on to their iconic brand.
Husqvarna Australia currently plan to bring this new electric entry level competition off-roader to Australia at some point late in 2019.
Husqvarna EE 5
The EE 5 is Husqvarna Motorcycles’ first step in electric mobility and draws on the brand’s rich motocross history. The number 5 represents the kilowatt output and while CC refers to cubic centimeters on fuel-driven bikes, EE stands for ‘Electric Engine’ on this model.
The EE 5 is a fully-fledged competition machine that Husqvarna say is capable of rivaling its 50cc fuel-powered counterparts, offering more for young riders starting out in the world of dirt biking. Fully adaptable and adjustable, it is an easy to use motorcycle with the ability to evolve with a rider as he grows in size and ability.
It features the latest high-quality componentry and a design that clearly identifies with Husqvarna values. Apart from being environmentally friendly, the low noise emission makes the motorcycle less intimidating to younger riders and offers the possibility to learn in the comfort of a familiar environment, like at home.
Husqvarna EE 5
Husqvarna EE 5 features
Six different ride modes, easy to select
907 Wh lithium-ion battery
Quick charging
High-end chassis with race proven technology
Modern, Swedish inspired design
Ergonomic bodywork & adjustable seat height
WP suspension – XACT air fork and a WP rear shock
Drivetrain & Motor
Producing a peak power of 5 kW, the permanent magnet motor features an extremely compact and slim design that is well suited to the smaller chassis. Due to its dust and waterproof layout the aircooled motor is wear and maintenance-free.
The motor is powered by 84 Li-Ion cells, which provide a capacity of 907 Wh in a low 48V configuration, good enough for more than two hours of riding for a beginner, and 25 minutes for the fastest riders, depending on the terrain and conditions. The integrated battery management system (BMS) ensures the safety and longevity of the battery pack.
A state-of-the-art control unit is integrated within the package and guarantees a spontaneous, but controllable power delivery. The use of an electric motor means there is one permanent drive, eliminating the need for a clutch or gearbox. This results in a simple and uncomplicated riding experience for young riders.
Husqvarna EE 5
The EE 5 is fitted with 84 modern lithium-ion cells, in a robust die-cast aluminium casing mounted just above the motor.
Husqvarna EE 5
EE 5 Technology
A multi-functional instrument panel located between the steering head and seat allows the user to select six different ride modes, with different power characteristics available to suit pure beginners and experienced racers alike. In addition, the instrument panel displays the remaining charge of the battery.
Husqvarna EE 5
The external worldwide charger supplying up to 900W can be connected to any 110 or 230 Volt socket and plugs directly into the battery pack for easy charging. The charging time of 45 minutes will provide 80%, while a full charge requires 70 minutes.
The EE 5 is also fitted with a roll-over sensor kill-switch that cuts off the power when needed. A lanyard attached between the rider’s wrist and the kill switch stops the motor when removed, or in the event of an unexpected fall by the rider. The ride modes can be saved with a dongle located below the seat, which prevents younger riders from changing to more powerful ride modes on their own.
Husqvarna EE 5
Styling & Chassis
The bodywork of the EE 5 is modelled on the successful full-size motocross range. This allows smaller riders to experience the same ergonomic feelings, instilling confidence and comfort in all riding conditions.
The high strength chromoly steel frame is slightly adapted to house the electric drivetrain and integrates carefully calculated parameters of longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity to benefit handling and suspension functionality. It guarantees easy handling and precise cornering, along with outstanding stability.
Husqvarna EE 5
Featuring the latest in suspension technology, the EE 5 is fitted with WP XACT forks. Besides being very light weight, the 35mm USD air forks feature exceptional damping and comfort characteristics, allowing the rider to push their limits with complete confidence. With 205mm of wheel travel, the air unit in the left fork leg can also be adjusted easily with the use of an air pump. This allows for quick adjustment due to rider preferences, weight or track conditions.
Linked directly to the swingarm, the WP monoshock is matched to the front forks for the balance and damping characteristics. Additionally, the rear shock offers 185 mm of suspension travel, is fully adjustable and can be tailored to rider preferences or track conditions.
Featuring the same level of technology offered on the full-size motocross range, the EE 5 is fitted with hydraulically operated brake callipers and waved front and rear brake discs, alongside lightweight, black anodised, aluminium rims that provide the highest levels of strength and reliability. The standard MAXXIS tyres ensure progressive grip on a variety of different terrain.
Husqvarna EE 5
Modelled on the full-size motocross bikes, the EE 5 features striking graphics in white and yellow, with light blue to differentiate its electric drive. Additionally, the graphics are applied using an in-mould process to ensure the best durability and quality.
Ergonomics
The EE 5 allows the seat height to be adjusted at multiple levels. The standard model comes with a seat height of 698mm, which can be easily reduced in two steps to 653mm. This is done by lowering the bodywork/seat and then mounting the rear shock in an alternative position, together with lowering the front forks in the triple clamps.
In addition, with a Suspension Lowering Kit from the Husqvarna Motorcycles Accessories catalogue, the suspension units can be further lowered for a minimum seat height of just 556mm, which accommodates four-year-old riders, or younger.
Husqvarna EE 5
The tapered NEKEN handlebars are made of high-quality aluminium alloy for strength and safety. From a central diameter of 28mm to 18mm at the ends, the bars are fitted with a lock-on ODI left side grip, while a newly developed throttle assembly for the electronic drive, with a volcanized ODI grip, is mounted on the right side. The thinner diameter of both grips increases control and reduces fatigue for younger riders with smaller hands. A new handlebar pad offers chest protection.
Kymco announced their SuperNEX concept electric motorcycle at EICMA, ushering in a superbike themed offering that the brand boasts will include a gearbox to try and retain the familiar characteristic for motorcyclists interested in going electric.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
Allen Ko – KYMCO Chairman
“While people have no doubt that the next era of personal transportation is electric. Many are still pondering over the profound implications of electric in the world of supersport motorcycles. The quiet nature of the electric motor troubles motorcycle enthusiasts and without the gratification of gear shifting, the simple twist-and-go interaction feels more utility-oriented, and sometimes even toy-like. Also, most electric motorcycles today lack the sustaining thrill of acceleration to the top-end after the initial rush. As a result, many sportbike lovers fear that supersport might lose its charm in the impending new electric era.”
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
These design philosophies built around Kymco’s rider insights in this segment come to life in five tangible approaches: that shifting is an important part of motorbike riding, the best acceleration feels like a completion of a thought; excitement comes from exploring limits with confidence; sound is part of the character of the machine; and a great vehicle elevates the rider’s every occasion.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
Electric Motor – Sport Transmission
The SuperNEX was designed around the philosophy that shifting is an integral part of motorbike riding, which is a fair assumption since almost any machine without gears is a scooter. Hence, Kymco’s electric supersport machine will feature a six-speed transmission that allows riders to more fully engage with their motorcycle. The SuperNEX also comes with a clutch-less upshift and downshift feature however, in true modern supersport form, while a slipper clutch further helps smooth out the ride on aggressive downshifting.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
Interesting power delivery
Kymco also claim that an unfortunate shortcoming of today’s electric motorcycles is that the inherent characteristic of the electric motor has a power curve that reaches maximum horsepower at midrange and then declines thereafter.
As a result, on a single gear electric motorcycle, once it reaches a certain speed the surge of acceleration starts to fade noticeably. Moreover, this lack of power is most often felt at high-speed riding, which supersport riders enjoy the most.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
To combat that they present the SuperNEX as featuring the six-speed transmission to allows riders to make use of the more traditional optimal ‘power band’ of the motor to extract a more engaging experience.
The gearbox helps improve not only the efficiency and responsiveness, but also the acceleration and top speed. As a result, the SuperNEX can go from 0 to 100km/hr in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 200km/hr in 7.5 seconds and from 0 to 250km/hr in 10.9 seconds.
Rider Aides
The capabilities of today’s supersport motorcycles exceed the skills of most riders, with electronics often being used to reign in the incredible performance on offer. To allow sportsbike lovers to confidently engage with the SuperNEX, Kymco created Kymco FEP – Kymco Full Engagement Performance – a performance management system that allows the rider to explore the limits with the benefit of rider aides.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
During hard acceleration, FEP ensures there is no wheelie or wheel slippage. During hard braking, FEP prevents rear wheel lifting. When riding through uneven or wet surfaces, FEP also provides maximum traction. Moreover, the degree of FEP engagement can be adjusted to riders’ preference.
Kymco Active Acoustic Motor
Electric motor are quiet by nature, and this becomes an issue on a supersport bike because without sound, the character, sensation, and passion of the machine are lost. The SuperNEX, on the other hand, offers the Active Acoustic Motor, which is designed to convey the heartbeat of the machine.
The motor has a multi-frequency acoustics generator that reconstructs the dynamic sounds of the motor with great authenticity. It delivers the iconic supersport thrills and messages that sportbike riders seek. The sound can be further tuned to rider’s liking for its character and volume.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
“Adaptive Machine Personalities”
Today’s supersport motorcycles let riders set certain electronic functions, and in a departure from the conventional electric motorcycles, SuperNEX offers four modes of vehicle ‘personality’, which they describe as:
Poised
Assertive
Bold
Extreme
These ride modes or ‘personalities’ will offer sportbike riders a variety of different motorcycle characteristics, making for a more dynamic experience, whether that means picking the mode that suits them as a rider, or just their day to day mood.
Kymco SuperNEX Concept Superbike
Allen Ko
“With SuperNEX, Kymco marks the beginning of the next era of supersport, we believe electric opens up a new era of boundless opportunities to win the hearts of the most discerning riders all over the world.”
Urban Moto to bring Super SOCO electric motorcycles to Australia
Urban Moto Imports will be the new distributor for Super SOCO electric motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand heading into 2019.
Super SOCO TS
Super SOCO have already made a name for themselves with their award winning SOCO TS and SOCO TC, and a focus on intelligent design in transportation.
Super SOCO TC
Starting out in early 2015 with ambitions to introduce new electric motorcycles to the world, Super SOCO now exports to 54 countries from a state of the art manufacturing facility with a goal of achieving 300,000 production units annually. Super SOCO is managed by manufacturing and distribution group, Vmoto Limited, which now specialises in electric powered two wheel vehicles.
Charles Chen – Vmoto CEO
“We are very delighted to reached agreement with Urban Moto Imports, a very successful Australian premium motorcycle distribution company, to distribute Vmoto’s Super SOCO electric vehicle products in Australia and New Zealand markets. With Urban Moto Imports’ strong dealership network in Australia and New Zealand and its professionalism in the motorcycle industry, we are very excited and confident that the exceptional quality and design of Super SOCO electric motorcycles will be embraced and celebrated by consumers in Australian and New Zealand.”
Since day one of operations, Super SOCO has brought its products into the spotlight of major partnerships and investors such as Bosch, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, Shunwei, Jiufu and Weigao. The company based in Nanjing China now holds over of 205 patents, and has received a number of international awards, including Germany’s “iF Product Design Award”, Japan’s “G-MARK Excellent Design” and “Good Design Award”
Super SOCO TS1200R cockpit
Urban Moto Imports added that it is excited to embrace the new era electric motorcycles and strongly believes Super SOCO will become a strong brand in Australia.
Joseph Elasmar – Urban Moto Imports CEO
“We are forever in a changing landscape for both motorcycles, motorcycle culture and transport for the general public. Electric powered vehicles are already beginning to become the norm and for many reasons including their practicality of being less expensive to run, their low environmental impact and affordability for high quality. In congested built up cities, Super SOCO electric motorcycles offer the general non-driving community, the chance to own an affordable and economical form of transport that is light, practical and good looking at the same time. Commuting just became that little bit more special with the Super SOCO and we are very confident it will lead the way in the electric motorcycles space.”
Super SOCO Australia & NZ have also announced the model lineup to include Super SOCO TS, TC and the C-UX scooter variants.
Super SOCO TS
The Super SOCO ‘TS’ TS1200R is an electric ‘moped’ as the brand describes it, and is developed in co-operation with Bosch, and designed to meet the needs of modern riders.
Super SOCO TS
The Super SOCO TS boasts a range of up to 160km, with 120Nm of torque and features two Li-Ion batteries of 26Ah each. Charge time is approximately five hours, with the brand claiming a running weight of just 78kg including the batteries.
Super SOCO TS
The two-seat e-bike features a wheelbase of 1320mm and will accelerate up an incline of 15-degrees from a standstill.
An LED headlight and taillights, smartphone connectivity, an electronic braking system (EBS) with two disc brakes, front and rear, recovers power into the batteries.
A light weight aluminium and steel alloy frame assists in keeping weight down and the peg position can be changed to suit various rider heights.
Super SOCO TS
A FOC or field orientated control system is used as an ECU and brain of the e-bike, with a large LCD display featuring three different modes and keyless locking system.
Super SOCO TC
The Super SOCO TC is a cafe racer styled option with a higher torque output than the TS – 150Nm compared to 120Nm – and also features a three-speed proportional drive system, working similarly to a gearbox or ride modes. Styling features include the retro headlight, heightened ‘bars, leather clad flat seat and eight-split-spoke wheels.
Super SOCO TC
A Bosch 17-in magnetic power motor is featured and delivers that strong torque figure thanks to two Lithium battery packs with overcharge protection, over discharge protection and temperature protection. Like the TS, the TC offers up to a 160km range.
Super SOCO TC
The three gear options further provide differing levels of performance from energy effecient through to maximised performance. The CBS brake system features a 240mm disc brake with twin-piston floating caliper on the front, and 180mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper.
Super SOCO TC
Instruments are a single dash with LCD display with automatic contrast adjustment to the conditions, lighting is full LED, and the BMOS intelligent interactive system syncs with your mobile phone to for information on the TC. Foot-pegs are also six-position adjustable.
Super SOCO C-UX Scooter
Super SOCO also have the CU-X electric scooter, featuring a 115Nm electric powerplant, and a max range of 80km at a testing speed of 45km/h, as well as a climbing ability of 15-degrees from stop. The scooter itself weighs 70kg and runs 12-inch wheels with 180mm disc brakes.
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters
Other features include a multi-function LCD display with 150-degree viewing angle. An integrated camera also allows recording of trips. LED tail-lights also feature along with an electronic braking system.
The all-new FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will kick off in 2019. The series will be the first motorcycle World Championship where motorcycles are powered by electric motors.
All competing motorcycles will all be identical in the Cup and supplied exclusively by Energica Motor. In line with the sustainability objectives, all the energy stored in the batteries that powers the motorcycles will be produced from renewable resources, a commitment from Enel, the sponsor of the series.
The Motorcycle
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high performance electric motorcycles, and the manufacturer of the Energica Ego Corsa on which MotoE riders will compete.
All competing motorcycles will be identical although for some parts, like for example the suspension springs and valving, the teams will be allowed to choose between a range of different springs with varying stiffness’ depending on the rider’s specific needs.
Motorcycles will be kept together in a dedicated E-paddock structure, in which each team will have its own box.
Energica – Enel – MotoE
The chargers and the Solar Panels
Enel X, the official smart charging partner of the series, will provide a mobile charging solution, the JuiceRoll, composed of a semi mobile unit and a mobile unit per motorcycle:
The Semi Mobile Unit will be placed in the E-paddock and will be used to recharge the motorcycle batteries between the sessions
The Mobile Unit will follow the motorcycle on the grid and will be used to top up the motorcycle battery and to energize the tyre blankets
Solar panels will be coupled with smart meters, that are measuring equipment to constantly track the electrical energy use of the event.
Enel will provide a distribution system that will connect JuiceRolls and the MotoE paddock auxiliary’s loads to the grid, integrating Solar Panels. The result is the complete electrification of the Moto E event, from the grid to the motorcycle.
Teams, Riders & Crew
The grid will be composed of 18 riders, including the presence of female rider, Maria Herrera. Split up into 12 different Teams there will be ten different nationalities lining up in the FIM Enel MotoE world cup, from Australia to Brazil including many European countries. Four former MotoGP riders including Sete Gibernau (twice MotoGP runner up), two former FIM Moto3 World Champions Nico Terol (2011) from Spain and Mike Di Meglio (2008) from France, two FIM Endurance World Champions like Josh Hook (2017) and Kenny Foray (2014), and a former European Moto2 Champion, Eric Granado from Brazil.
Motorcycle racing welcomes a new era with the launch of the MotoE Championship (officially the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup) in 2019 and the LCR Team is pleased to announce its participation in the series with Randy De Puniet and Niccolò Canepa as official riders for the LCR E-Team.
Lucio Cecchinello (LCR Team Principal)
“This project is a new challenge in my career and I am very proud to be part of it with the brand-new LCR E-Team because this new series represents a part of racing’s future. I am also very happy to be back working with my former Chief Technician, Paolo Cordioli (who helped me to set up the LCR Team in 1996) and also Luciano and Thomas Betti, both former international champions of previous electric bike competitions. When Randy (De Puniet) accepted our proposal to be part of this new project, I was very happy because he lined up for the LCR Team for five years in the past (2003/2004 in the 250cc class and 2008/2009/2010 in the MotoGP class) achieving amazing results (18 times on the podium, including 4 victories in LCR colours). Niccolò has a very impressive career record also, including the 2007 Superstock World Title and the 2016/2017 FIM World Endurance Title, and is keen to start this new challenge aboard the MotoE”.
The new championship, which will run alongside MotoGP, will feature low-noise, zero-emission motorcycles that are powered by renewable energy sources.
The inaugural calendar consists of five rounds that will take place during MotoGP events (Jerez de la Frontera, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano) and a first test on November 23-25 at Jerez.
The LCR E-Team is ready embrace the new challenge with a strong line-up that features highly-respected technical staff, talented former LCR rider De Puniet and the 2017 Endurance Champion, Canepa.
Randy De Puniet
“Of course I am very happy to be part of the first MotoE Championship and for me it is even better because I return to the LCR Team where I raced for 5 years in my MotoGP career. I had my best racing memories with this team so it’s amazing to be back with Lucio and his squad. Regarding MotoE World Cup, everything will be new for everybody, but thanks to this test in November in Jerez we will gather more information on the bike and the riding style. I think it’s going to be fun with 18 identical bikes using the same tyres, so I cannot wait to start this new challenge”.
Randy De Puniet
Niccolò Canepa
“I am very happy to be part of this new project in its debut season and, most of all, doing it in LCR colours. I think this is one of the most high-level teams in the paddock and I have a very good relationship with Lucio. Now I can’t wait to try this bike for the first time in Jerez. I am actually training a lot to get ready for the start of the season and this first test in November will give us important information on the bike configuration. Lucio has put together a very professional crew and, from my side, I will do my best to reward the team with good results”.
Harley-Davidson has been working on electric motorcycles for a long time now, and MCNews.com.au had a brief ride on a LiveWire prototype in Malaysia almost four years ago. The machine had plenty of get up and go, and due to straight cut gears in the transmission system it even sounded pretty good.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Since then Harley have not only continued electric motorcycle development by themselves, but have also partnered with other companies. The most promising partnership came about early this year with Harley making an investment in cutting-edge San Francisco based electric motorcycle maker Alta. Alas, that partnership must have ended in tears as Harley exited the agreement six months later.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
A now seemingly production ready Harley-Davidson LiveWire made its European debut at a press conference held at the EICMA show in Milan this week with confirmation that the LiveWire will go on sale next year in many markets. Australia and New Zealand are currently slated for a 2020 release.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Propelled by the immediate torque of an all-electric motor, Harley claim;
‘LiveWire motorcycle is capable of astounding acceleration with just a twist of the throttle – no clutching or gear shifting required.’
‘A low centre of gravity, rigid aluminum frame and premium adjustable suspension components give the LiveWire dynamic handling.’
‘Performance and range are optimised for the urban street-rider.’
That last sentence suggests that it will be primarily designed as a short range commuter machine, as one would expect as we all wait for battery technology to become compact enough for a touring machine.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The LiveWire motorcycle is powered by a permanent magnet electric motor that produces instant torque the moment that throttle is twisted resulting in incredible acceleration performance for a thrilling ride.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The motor is located low in the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds as well as making it easy to control when stationary.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The LiveWire model is designed to produce a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed – a new sound that represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Powertrain performance is maximised by a chassis designed to deliver nimble, agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. Combining the powertrain as a stressed member within the aluminium frame to increase rigidity, the LiveWire features high-performance fully adjustable Showa suspension.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The Showa BFRC-lite (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) mono-shock rear suspension is complimented by Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) up front, balanced to match the performance and adjustability of the rear shock and deliver exceptional low-speed damping control – ideal for composed control in typical urban riding conditions.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
To improve the control and performance of the motorcycle further, LiveWire is fitted with Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers gripping dual 300 mm-diameter discs to deliver outstanding power with a crisp feel for confident braking performance.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Confidence when riding is enhanced with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) – both of which are standard features on the LiveWire model – and co-branded H-D/Michelin Scorcher tyres (180mm rear/120mm front).
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The rider can also tailor the performance of LiveWire with seven selectable riding modes – four of which are set as standard from the factory and a further three modes that can be defined by the user.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
A colour touch screen TFT display (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast) located above the handlebar offers the rider a wide range of information on a screen that’s bright and easy to read. The display unit is tilt-adjustable to afford most riders a perfect viewing angle. The TFT screen also allows the rider to access the interface for Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music and more.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The LiveWire motorcycle features a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System, or the main battery) composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing. The LiveWire motorcycle is also equipped with a small 12-volt lithium-ion battery that powers the lights, controls, horn and instrument display. Charging can be completed using an on-board Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household outlet with a power cord that stores below the motorcycle seat.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
LiveWire can also be charged with a Level 2 and Level 3, or DC Fast Charge (DCFC), through a SAE J1772 connector, (USA), or CCS2 – IEC type 2 charging connector in international markets. All Harley-Davidson dealers who sell the LiveWire motorcycle will offer a public charging station.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The LiveWire’s style is just as stunning as the performance and follows a key Harley-Davidson styling dictum: the focus is on the motor. Just as the V-Twin engine is the most eye-catching element – the crown jewel – of every previous Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the electric motor is the first-look focus of the LiveWire motorcycle. Its bright case and mechanical, muscular shape is meant to convey the power it contains.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
In addition, the cast-aluminum case for the RESS has been styled with functional cooling fins the bodywork, finished utilizing advanced paint technology to give the look of anodized metal, flows from a battery cover through to a high, wasp-like contoured tail section, with a rear fender that hugs the wheel so tightly that is almost disappears from sight.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The all-new Harley-Davidson LiveWire will be on sale in select markets next year. For Australia and New Zealand Livewire will be released in late 2020.
Recently announced motorcycle maker Arc has launched its first model, the Vector, at Milan’s EICMA Motorcycle show today with the company claiming that the Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market. With a price-tag starting at £90,000, that is about $165,000 AUD, it bloody well should be too!
Arc Vector
The hand-built Vector has a lightweight carbon-composite structure and battery-module monocoque. Its lighter weight solves one of the headaches normally attributed to brick battery EVs, and ARC are claiming MotoGP levels of chassis stiffness.
Arc Vector
The Samsung battery cells are cutting-edge and Arc claim to be the first motorcycle manufacturer with access to this technology. The battery packaging has been developed to be completely modular, flexible, and legacy-free, maximised for simplicity, space and mass-reduction. Arc’s batteries are the only motorcycle batteries tested to Reg100 standards – a test normally only undertaken by automotive OEMs.
Arc Vector
The powercell produces 399 units of voltage, giving a realistic range of around 320 kilometres in urban use and 200 kilometres on the highway. The NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) showed a 600+ kilometre urban range, which is the drive-cycle often quoted by companies
Arc Vector
Vector utilises carbon-fibre swingarms front and rear with suspension via custom-made Ohlins dampers. Brembo supply the brakes while the wheels are from BST.
Arc Vector
The entire package tips the scales at 220kg, which is almost 60kg lighter than comparable machines. Vector has the best power-to-weight ratio of any electric motorcycle of its class by a considerable margin.
Arc Vector
In raw pace, Vector rivals regular sporting motorcycles, sprinting from standstill to 60mph in 3.1 seconds and carrying on to 120mph.
Arc Vector
Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been taken to a new level, comprising an intelligent rider jacket packed with haptic sensory technology and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) helmet inspired by those of fighter pilots, giving the user important information and enhancing the freedom and wellbeing of their riding experience.
Arc Vector
The key to the bike is the Zenith helmet, which has been designed in collaboration with Hedon. Its connected HUD projects speedo, sat-nav and ancillary graphics onto the rider’s visor so they can keep their eyes affixed to the road, Iron Man-style. A live rear-view camera is encased in the calfskin-trimmed helmet, giving the user the ability to see what’s behind them.
Arc Vector
The bespoke jacket, Origin, represents a game-changing advance in intelligent technology, making motorcycling even more immersive. HMI has been applied to the armoured ride-wear by packing the jacket with audio-type haptic amplifiers – like a smart phone’s vibration notifications, but a lot more advanced. These may vibrate to alert of a potential hazard, provide dynamic performance-based feedback, or enhance the senses when on a stimulating ride.
Arc Vector
The Origin jacket, which is tailored in collaboration with style gurus Knox, has three settings. Urban Mode focuses on safety, alerting the rider to dangers such as vehicles in their blind spot with a polite tap on the shoulder. Sports Mode gives the rider feedback on the bike’s dynamic position and parameters by taking G-Force related data from the Vector’s carefully nuanced sensors and providing a graduated level of feedback. This tells the rider how close to the limit of the motorcycle’s capabilities the rider is. For example, the harder you brake the more feedback you receive.
Arc Vector
Euphoric Mode lets you play music through the haptics as you ride and simulates the bass through the jacket’s amplifiers, making your hairs stand on end. It communicates with the Vector bike and the Zenith helmet wirelessly, emboldening freedom by enhancing the senses.
Financial backing has been obtained from a number of blue-chip beneficiaries, including Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund InMotion Ventures, Mercia Fund Managers and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
Mark Truman, Founder and CEO, Arc Vehicle Ltd
“We felt that there was more one could get out of motorcycling which no one was tapping into. This is about using technology to strip back the experience of riding a bike, through the use of haptics and HUD. The helmet and jacket work in tandem with the Vector to remove distractions and emphasise the joy of riding.
“With Vector, we’ve set out to build the best performance electric motorcycle. With electric vehicles in general, the powertrain weighs a lot. This really can’t be avoided if you want capacity, distance and performance. So, it was about stripping everything back and using a lot of exotic, lightweight materials, such as carbon-fibre. The chassis and battery module had to be one, and because of this approach we’ve been able to reduce the weight as much as possible to achieve the performance we wanted. The design brief was; if the term ‘cafe racer’ was going to be coined in ten years’ time, what would that look like?
“Arc Vector satisfies those of us who are rarely satisfied, who are always looking for a different road, a different view. We understand the need to be different, to be better, and challenge the norm.”
Arc Vector
Arc Vector Specifications
Build Volume – 399 in first year
Maximum Power 103 kW
Maximum Torque 85 Nm at Motor, 397 Nm at Gearbox Output Sprocket
Brakes Brembo Stylema 4-piston monobloc calipers with 320mm floating front discs, Brembo 2-piston caliper with 240mm rear disc, Continental Advanced ABS with IMU
Front Wheel BST Black Diamond 5 carbon fibre wheel 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
Rear Wheel BST Black Diamond 5 carbon fibre wheel 180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
Seat Height 840mm
Wheelbase 1438 mm
Rake 18.5°
Trail 100mm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocol across motorcycle, cell phone, helmet and jacket
Haptics ARC ORIGIN JACKET (co-engineered with KNOX), with 8x high-definition haptic transmitters HUD ARC ZENITH HELMET (co-engineered with HEDON), with wave-guide projection HUD
Riding Modes Road, Rain, Sport, Track, Eco and Euphoric
Zero-60mph Under 3.1 seconds
Price Starts at £90,000
Arc Vector
Based in Coventry, in the centre of the UK’s automotive high-tech industry, Arc aims to be a transformative vehicle that will challenge the rider’s way of seeing and thinking.
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