Tag Archives: Electric motorcycles

Motorcycle News, News

Solutions to electric vehicle charging

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One of the biggest hurdles in the coming revolution of the electric vehicle is finding enough charging stations so motorists can ride and drive beyond the city limits.

Taiwanese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer has a unique idea for private charging stations that can be owned by individuals.

It could be a good way to earn some extra money.

Kymco is really thinking outside the box on electric vehicles with their plan last year for swappable batteries in vending machines.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter hybrid smart desert electric vehicle
Kymco proposes battery swap vending machines

Now they have launched a range of charging stations called NOODOE (pronounced “new dough”) which can be privately owned by individuals.

No, it’s not an April Fool’s Day prank.Kymco Noodoe electric vehicle charging

The cloud-based systems could actually be a viable alternative to the inaction on the part of big business and governments to supply suitable infrastructure for the nascent electric vehicle industry.

Kymco Noodoe electric vehicle charging
Noodoe chargers

Obviously business will be involved once EVs reach a significant proportion of traffic.

And surely governments and businesses will have final say over the placement of such infrastructure.

Electric vehicle infrastructure

Kymco Noodoe electric vehicle charging
Noodoe charging

In Australia, businesses and governments are working together to build charging EV infrastructure.

Chargefox is building Australia’s first ultra-fast charging stations powered by renewable energy on interstate highways connecting capital cities. 

It will cost $15m with $6m from the Federal Government and $1m from the Victorian Government.

The sites will be no more than 200km apart.

Chargefox charging app electric vehicle
Chargefox charging app

However, most electric motorcycles have highway range shorter than 200km, so they would be virtually useless to riders.

In Queensland, the state government is spending $2.5m to build an “Electric Super Highway” with 17 fast-charging stations along 1800km of highway from Coolangatta to Cairns and from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

That’s a charging station roughly every 105km, which is much more achievable for an electric motorcycle.

Fast chargers have a power output of 150kW and take about 15 minutes to charge an electric bike.

However, they only charge to 80% of a battery’s capacity and frequent use of fast charging depletes a battery’s life.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric Lightning Strike strikes out

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Electric motorcycles may be poised to become the next big thing, but the much-anticipated Lightning Strike strikes out three times as a big disappointment.

There was much anticipation that Californian electric startup Lightning Motorcycles would make an attractive and affordable version of its $US38,888 LS-218 which at 350km/h (218mph) is the world’s fastest electric motorcycle.

Instead, the Strike strikes out as a disappointment in style, price and specifications.

Style strikes out

After all, it’s just another sports bike in a world where sports bikes are on a fast downhill slide in popularity.

We expected it might be a more utilitarian bike with an upright riding stance and styling that would appeal to a mass market.

The Strike just looks like any petrol-powered sports bike. It’s ok, but nothing spectacular or appealing to a wider group of buyers that might consider an electric alternative.

Price strikes out

Granted, it is more affordable than the LS-218 and the $US29,990 (about $A42,300) Harley-Davidson LiveWire due in the US and Europe in September and Australia next year.

Harley-Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle specs strikes
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Prices start at $US12,998 ($A18,300) and rise to $19,998 ($A28,200). Those prices do not include on-road costs.

The basic model sounds like a reasonable price and it’s comparable to some of the Zero models which ranged from $A18,000 to $A25,000 on the road when they were last available in Australia in 2017.

However, the devil is in the detail of the specifications.

Spec strikes out

The base model costs around the same as the base model Zero, but only has range up to about 160km while the Zero has about 275km.

Zero SR/F strikes
Zero SR/F

If you want better range, you have to buy the Strike Carbon Edition which has up to 320km of range.

That surpasses the flagship Zero SR/F with 130km highway range and 260km city range and a top speed of 200km/h.

The Strike has higher top speeds of 217-240km/h.

But top speeds are beside the point. You can’t do those speeds on our highways and we can guarantee that if you did them on the race track, range would be dramatically reduced to just a few laps of your favourite circuit.

Then it would be time to recharge the bike.

Once again, the Strike strikes out.

The standard bike’s 10kWh battery takes up to three hours to charge with the 3.6kW onboard charger.

You can drop that time by about an hour if you buy the $US1500 ($A2100) 6.6kW onboard charger.Lightning Strike strikes out

The Strike Carbon Edition has a 20kWh battery and standard 6.6 kW charger and you can buy a Level 3 DC fast charger to bring charging time down to about 35 minutes.

There is no word on how much the charger would cost, but it’s probably about double the 6.6kW charger.

However, fast charging is not good for the life of your battery and should only be done occasionally.

Fast charging will also only charge a battery to 80% of its capacity. To completely charge a battery, you need to do a full charging cycle.

Conclusion: 3 strikes – you’re out!

Lightning Strike strikes out
Lightning Strike scores third strike

Lightning Motorcycles plans to release the Strike for sale in the US in July with no announcement yet for the rest of the world.

It will not become a big player in the market and it will not be the spark that ignites the electric revolution.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Lightning Strike Electric Motorcycle First Look

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After months of teasing out aspects of its new model, the day has finally arrived. Lightning Motorcycles officially launched the Strike, an electric sportbike with a variety of configurations to match both budget and ride style.

The standard Strike will start at $12,998 and features a 10-kWh battery and AC induction motor which promises 90 hp, 180 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 135 mph. This battery will offer a range of 70/100 miles highway/city and come with Level 1 and Level 2 charging options. Level 1 provides a full charge overnight from a standard 110-volt outlet at home, while Level 2 offers a full charge in two to three hours at any J1772 public charging station. Level 3 fast-charging and a more efficient onboard charger (from 3.3 kilowatts to 6.6 kilowatts) are options for the standard strike, but each upgrade will cost $1,500 a piece.

There will also be a midrange Strike that packs a larger, 15-kWh battery. It’s power output and charging inlet configuration are the same as the standard Strike, but its range is increased to 105/150 miles highway/city. Weight goes up slightly as well, with the midrange Strike weighing 465 pounds. The standard Strike tips the scales at 455 pounds. The Level 3 charging upgrade and onboard charger upgrade are options here too. A midrange Strike will start at $16,998.

The Strike Carbon is the best of the best, with a 20-kWh battery capable of 150/200 miles highway/city. It’s got 120 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, all three charging inlets, and the 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger. Regarding other elements of its build, the Strike Carbon will also come with the Lightning Performance Package. That means Öhlins suspension throughout, Brembo braking kit, and an AIM Strada racing dash. It weighs 485 pounds, will price at $19,998, and be the first version of Strike to be delivered to customers starting July 2019.

The standard Strike can be upgraded with some or all of the performance parts included on the Carbon.

RELATED: Zero SR/F Electric Motorcycle First Look

Engineers sought to make the Strike as aerodynamically efficient as possible, so devised its sportbike look through wind tunnel testing to help reduce drag and thereby improve range. The rider triangle was developed more for street riding, with an emphasis on comfort and broader usability. It’s more open and natural than the ergos of Lightning’s LS-218 superbike, which provided inspiration for the Strike.

To help keep people from looping the Strike and its 180 pound-feet of torque when the light turns green, Lightning refined throttle response to provide predictable and manageable power. There’s no specifics as to exactly how power delivery will be managed in today’s news, however.

Will the appeal of this Silicon Valley-engineered sportbike part you with your hard-earned cash? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Motorcycle News, News

Kawasaki and Triumph patent electric bikes?

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Kawasaki and Triumph are the latest motorcycle companies rumoured to be working on electric motorcycles, based on recent patent and trademark filings.

Kawasaki patent

The Kawasaki lecture motorcycle rumour looks interesting because the patent filings show the big has a substantial cooling element with a radiator.

Heat is one of the biggest impediments to performance and battery life.

I drove an early Tesla Roadster around Queensland Motorway and the instruments flashed red alerts for the battery heat after just four “hot laps.

electric Kawasaki patent
Patent drawings of the motor, battery and radiator

The oil-and-liquid cooling system in the Kawasaki patent drawings are certainly more substantial than we have seen on any other electric motorcycle so far.

That would not only provide more range, but also greater performance.

Triumph Trident

Triumph Trident patent
Triumph Trident

The rumours about Triumph developing an electric motorcycle are a little more sketchy.

They are based on trademark and supposed patent filings.

We couldn’t find any details of a patent filing, but the trademark filing for the name “Trident” does spark interest.

The trademark would be used for “all possible classes”.

That includes motorcycling gear, accessories and even clothing.

But there is also a mention of electric machines which could be a motorcycle or an e-bike.

Given the enormous growth in e-bikes in Europe, that is the more likely.

Aussie Triples Rally

We can imagine the folk at the 10th annual Aussie Triples Rally at Evans Head in August wouldn’t be too impressed with a Trident e-bike!

The Triumph Trident was originally made from 1968 to 1975 and the same powerful and sophisticated triples were also sold as the BSA Rocket 3.

The Trident name was reborn in the 1990s with three- and four-cylinder bikes in various engine sizes from 750cc to 1200cc.

Meanwhile, the Aussie Triples Rally is always held on the third weekend in August.

For more information on the rally, email Col McAndrew or contact him on 0428 869889.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Fly Free opens electric motorcycle orders

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Californian electric motorcycle company Fly Free has opened up pre-orders for their retro bikes starting at just $4159 (about $A5870) through an Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign.

Backers will not get a refund if the bikes do not go into production and there is no guarantee they will.

However, the Long Beach company have already raised about 50% of their $US50,000 ($A70,650) “flexible goal” with a month still to go.

So it seems likely they will achieve enough funds to start production.

Backers get up to 35% off of the retail prices.

Fly Free hope to deliver the Chinese-made bikes in December but there is no word yet on exports to markets outside North America.

Models and range

There are three models in the range and they come in single or double battery configurations.

The single battery provides range of 80km and a top speed of 65km/h.

If you buy a second battery at $US899 (about $A1270) through their Indiegogo campaign, it doubles range with a maximum speed of 80km/h.

Retail price for the extra battery after the crowd-funding campaign will be $US1299 (about $A1835).

So they are obviously targeted at city riders only.

However, you can double the range by buying an extra battery order as they holds two removable lithium batteries.

Perhaps they are looking at a battery swap solution as suggested by Taiwanese scooter company Kymco.

Range will also be varied depending on the mode you select: Eco, City and Speed.

Their claimed range is calculated on riding in Eco mode. Click here for details on the electric range “hoax”.

They feature a smartphone app that acts as a smart key to unlock and start the bike.

It also warns the rider when the bike’s battery drops below 50% and if someone is trying to steal it, but only if the rider is within about 50m!

All bikes feature LED lighting, twin rear shocks and disc brakes, although there is no mention of ABS.

Fly Free Smart Desert

Fly Free Smart Desert

The cheapest model is the Fly Free Smart Desert, inspired by the “Desert Sled” Triumph that Hollywood and motorcycle legend used to race in the Californian desert.

Steve McQueen’s 1963 Triumph Bonnveille “Desert Sled” smart desert
McQueen’s Desert Sled

It comes with retro knobbies and will be available in red, black-and-white camouflage, grey or beige from $US4159 through the Indiegogo campaign.

After that, it will cost $US6399 (about $5875) and extra for the second battery.

Fly Free Smart Old

fly free smart electric motorcycle

This brat bike features low bars, retro road tyres, bar-end mirrors and over-sized round headlight.

It comes in white, black, blue, or silver starting at $US4679 (about $A6600) for Indiegogo backers.

Retail price will be $US7199 (about $A6610).

Fly Free Smart Classic

fly free smart electric motorcycle

This is also a cafe racer, but with solo seat, rear cowl, fly screen and two-tone paint options at starting $US5329 (about $A7500) for Indiegogo backers.

Retail price will be $US8199 (about $A7530).

Fly Free are pledging to donate 4% of net profits to a (yet to be selected) non-profit that will focus on cleaner air and water.

All Fly Free motorcycles have a range of options and accessories such as side plates, seats and luggage.

You can even buy racks to mount a surfboard, snowboard or skateboard.fly free electric motorcycle

Fly Free tech specs

  • Motor: 3kW continuous, 7kW peak
  • Torque: 200Nm (147lb-ft)
  • Top speed: 80km/h (50mph)
  • Battery capacity: 72V 25.2Ah (1.8 kWh)
  • Range: 80km (50 miles) in ECO mode with one battery; double with two batteries
  • Charge time: 5-8 hours
  • Riding modes: ECO, CITY, & SPEED
  • Max climb grade: 36%
  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Suspension: Hydraulic fork and dual rear hydraulic coilover shocks

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Erik Buell unveils Fuell electric bikes

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Innovative motorcycle engineer Erik Buell has unveiled his first electric machines, the Fuell Fluid e-bike and Flow electric motorcycle.

Erik has had a rags-to-riches-to-rags story in motorcycling that keeps on surprising.

The former Harley-Davidson engineer developed the Buell brand in 1983, sold 49% to Harley in 1993 and Harley took over in 2003.

Erik Buell and MotorBikeWriter predictions ebr
MBW with Erik Buell in happier times

Harley axed the brand in October 2009 when the GFC hit, but Erik relaunched as Erik Buell Racing (EBR) just a month later.

EBR ceased production in April 2015 and was bought by Michigan company Liquid Asset Partners in February 2016.

It returned to small-scale production in March 2017 and went into liquidation in June 2017.

New beginningsFuell Flow and Fluid electric motorcycle

In April last year, Erik joined new electric motorcycle company, Vanguard Spark, which had just partnered with Monday Motorbikes.

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”.

FlowFuell Flow City electric motorcycle

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.Fuell Flow City electric motorcycle

It has conventional upside-down forks, a mono shock rear and no clutch lever.

That means it will be twist-and-go like a scooter or the coming Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle.

FluidFuell Flow and Fluid electric motorcycle

In a smart move, the company is also producing an e-bike called Fluid.

E-bikes are rapidly growing in popularity, particularly in Europe.

This pedal-assisted e-bike can be ridden a total of 200km without paddling thanks to its two removable batteries with a total of 1000Wh.

Fuell Flow and Fluid electric motorcycle

It has 100Nm of torque and is virtually maintenance-free with its carbon belt and internal hub gears.

Fluid will be offered as a Pedelec with a maximum speed of 32km/h (20mph) or S-Pedelec (45km/h-28mph).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

2020 Zero SR/F | First Look Review

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2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Boardwalk Red.

Zero Motorcycles has released its first new model since 2016, the 2020 SR/F, and with its streetfighter look and steel trellis frame it’s blurring the styling lines between gas and electric motorcycles.

The SR/F, powered by a new ZF75-10 IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery, delivers a claimed 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. Go ahead and read that again. Yes, that’s more torque than any of today’s top-of-the-line 1,000cc superbikes, and it beats Zero’s own personal best of 116 lb-ft and 70 horsepower, as seen on the 2019 DSR we reviewed last November.

With twist-and-go operation and no transmission, Zero’s controller quickly doles out power in a smooth, linear fashion all the way up to the peak, with response, power and regen (battery regeneration and “engine braking” function) regulated via Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to ten additional custom riding modes. The SR/F is also the first electric motorcycle to be integrated with a Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system, which works with the SR/F’s Cypher III operating system to optimize cornering ABS, traction control and drag torque control.

2020 Zero SR/F
The brains behind the SR/F is the new Cypher III operating system, which now allows for four pre-programmed riding modes plus up to ten user-customizable ones.

Read our Best Bikes for Smaller Riders (and Budgets) list here!

Zero says the SR/F is the first fully “smart” motorcycle thanks to the Cypher III system, which now offers comprehensive rider connectivity. SR/F owners can monitor the bike in four ways:

  • Bike Status and Alerts – This includes tip-overs or unexpected motion notifications, plus interruptions in charging. In addition, the “Find my Bike” function allows the rider to keep tabs on the SR/F at all times.
  • Charging – The rider can remotely set charging parameters, including targeted charge levels, charge time scheduling, charge tracking and more.
  • Ride Data Sharing – The SR/F records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, charge level and energy used/regenerated, and riders can replay and share the experience via the app. Riders also have the option to keep this data anonymous.
  • System Upgrades and Notifications – Riders can remotely download Cypher III OS updates to stay up to date and ensure optimal performance.
2020 Zero SR/F
The SR/F is the first Zero to come standard with a Level 2 Rapid Charger built in. It can still be plugged into a standard wall outlet using the included EVSE cable.

Battery life and charging time are two of the most important concerns in this early stage of electric motorcycle development, and as the newest Zero product the SR/F seems to be showing steady improvement. Despite the massive increases in power and torque, claimed range from the standard battery (without the optional Power Tank installed) is 161 miles (city), 82 miles (highway, 70 mph) and 109 miles (combined). This is roughly equivalent to the less-powerful DSR we tested in November.

Harley just announced pricing and details on its LiveWire electric motorcycle. Read more about it here!

The SR/F, like all Zero electric motorcycles, can be plugged into a standard 110V wall outlet to charge the battery, but it’s the first to come standard with a Level 2 Rapid Charger. So while you could plug it into a wall, using a Level 2 station will net serious reductions in charge time.

The standard SR/F, which retails for $18,995, comes with a 3.0 kW Rapid Charger that Zero says will charge to 95 percent in 4 hours, and to 100 percent in 4.5 hours. The premium SR/F, which also comes with heated grips, a fly screen and aluminum bar ends, is equipped with a 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that charges to 95 percent in 2 hours, and to 100 percent in 2.5 hours. It retails for $20,995. Both models can also be upgraded with another 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that drops charge time (to 95 percent) to as little as one hour.

Both SR/F models are available in two colors, Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red, and will be available in dealers this spring.

For more information, visit zeromotorcycles.com.

Keep scrolling for more pictures….

2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.
2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.
2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

News

Zero SR/F is a Harley LiveWire lookalike

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Zero Motorcycles has pulled the rug out from underneath the coming Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric sports bike with its new Zero SR/F that looks uncannily like the Milwaukee product.

However, the Zero SR/F has better performance and range but costs about $US11,000 less than the LiveWire. The Harley is due in September at $US29,799 and will arrive in Australia next year at more than $US40,000.

Zero Motorcycles pulled the plug on exporting to Australia and New Zealand in 2017 with no hint of a return just yet. So, although the Californian company’s new ZR/F looks the goods, we most likely won’t be getting it here.

Zero’s SR/F comes in a standard model at $US18,990 and a premium model with a faster-charging battery and heated grips.

It has 82kW of power, 190Nm of torque and a top speed of 200km/h.

Range is said to be about 130km on the highway and up to 260km in the city. See the comprehensive “range” specifications at the end of this article.

A more robust “Power Tank” battery capable of 320km of range will be available in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Harley LiveWire has 177km of range and a 190km/h top speed.

Zero’s SR/F will also be able to update its Cypher III software via a link to a mobile phone connection just like a Tesla electric car.

A dedicated app will allow riders to track their trips, share rides, monitor battery level, find charging stations and even receive alerts if someone is trying to steal their bike.

Zero SR/F
SR/F has a fully customisable dashboard

Meanwhile, the makers of the world’s fastest electric bike, Lightning Motorcycles, will next month release a more affordable bike called Strike.

It will start at $US12,998 (about $A18,000) to challenge both the Zero SR/F and Harley LiveWire.

Zero SR/F tech specs

Range PREMIUM STANDARD
City 259km 259km
Highway, 89km/h 159km 159km
Combined 198km 198km
Highway, 113km/h 132km 132km
Combined 175km 175km
Range (based on EU standard) 157km 158km
Motor PREMIUM STANDARD
Peak torque 190Nm 190Nm
Peak power 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm
Top speed (max) 200km/h 200km/h
Top speed (sustained) 177km/h 177km/h
Continuous power 40kW (54hp) @ 5.000 rpm 40kW (54hp) @ 5000rpm
Licensing Requirement A Licence A Licence
Type Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor
Controller? High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration
Power system PREMIUM STANDARD
Power pack Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity 14.4kWh 14.4kWh
Nominal capacity 12.6kWh 12.6kWh
Charger type 6kW, integrated 3kW, integrated
Charge time (standard) 2.5 hours (100% charged) / 2 hours (95% charged) 4.5 hours (100% charged) / 4 hours (95% charged)
With 6kW Rapid Charge option 1.5 hours (100% charged) / 1 hour (95% charged) 1.8 hours (100% charged) / 1.3 hours (95% charged)
Drivetrain PREMIUM STANDARD
Transmission Clutchless direct drive Clutchless direct drive
Final drive 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes PREMIUM STANDARD
Front suspension Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front suspension travel 120mm 120mm
Rear suspension travel 140mm 140mm
Front brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs
Rear brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc
Front tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17
Rear tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17
Front wheel 3.50 x 17 3.50 x 17
Rear wheel 5.50 x 17 5.50 x 17
Dimensions PREMIUM STANDARD
Wheelbase? 1450mm 1450mm
Seat height? 787mm 787mm
Accessory, low 770mm 770mm
Accessory, tall 810mm 810mm
Rake? 24.5° 24.5°
Trail? 94mm 94mm
Weight PREMIUM STANDARD
Curb weight 226kg 220kg
Carrying capacity 228kg 234kg
Economy PREMIUM STANDARD
Equivalent fuel economy (city) 0.55 l/100km 0.55 l/100km
Equivalent fuel economy (highway) 1.08 l/100km 1.08 l/100km
Typical cost to recharge €2.96 €2.96
Warranty PREMIUM STANDARD
Standard motorcycle warranty 2 years 2 years
Power pack warranty 5 years/unlimited km 5 years/unlimited km

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Are eco-friendly motorbikes the future, or the now?

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(Contributed post for our eco-friendly UK readers)

With air pollution responsible for some 50,000 deaths a year in Britain, electric vehicles may just be the future. However, their expensive price tags and charging mishaps mean that many people avoid them completely.

Electric cars may be well-known, but electric motorcycles are now enjoying their day and come with all of the torque and speed of your typical petrol or diesel motorcycle. The future is as exciting as it is eco-efficient!

Current laws

UK law currently states that, should an electric motorbike be limited to 15mph, include a motor with an output of 250 watts or less and have pedals, the vehicle is legally an electric bicycle. Therefore, anyone aged 14 and over can ride it.

However, if an electric motorcycle is instead restricted to 30mph, UK law deems this vehicle a 30mph 50cc petrol scooter. This means that, while riding it on motorways would be legally out of the question, anyone aged 16 or over can ride it if they have a Provisional moped licence. Electric motorbikes capable of topping 30pmh are treated as small motorcycles, and riders must hold a valid CBT certificate.

In 2015, the UK government agreed to align electric motorcycles with cars in regards to grants. This meant that, in total, £7.5 million was made available to slash 20% off the purchase price – capped at £1,500 – of an electric bike.

Electric motorbikes of the now

Kalashnikov electric motorcycle
Kalashnikov electric motorcycle

There are several impressive electric motorcycles on the current market. The Kalashnikov IZH boasts a range of almost 100 miles from just one charge with a maximum power of 15kW; the vehicle was even utilised by Russian police during last year’s World Cup. The vehicle will now be used for police duties at mass-participation events.

For now, vehicles such as the Kalashnikov and those similar may be aimed at police duties – but, as with electric cars, electric motorcycles are available in various shapes and sizes.

What the future holds

Electric vehicles still suffer from a huge amount of depreciation – but, with air pollution levels rising, action needs to be taken. For this reason, it’s likely that we’ll see an influx of electric motorcycles on our roads in the foreseeable future.

Such models, still with all of the speed of a traditional motorcycle, include the Vectrix Electric VX1 model. This award-winning e-scooter is capable of 100mph and has a range of 280km from a single charge. Furthermore, as the motorcycle can be purchased with different-sized batteries, you can purchase the ideal size for you and so lessen the impact on the environment.

The Italian city of Modena has also created its own range of eco-friendly, electronic bikes, with Energica’s EsseEsse9 being one of the best. This model is capable of speeds up to 125mph and can be fully charged in 30 minutes.

If you’re considering investing in an electric motorcycle for business use, keep in mind that this kind of vehicle can be worthwhile for solo trips and shorter journeys while you save your car for more ambitious journeys where its use is strictly necessary.

As a business owner, you can find the best prices for fleet insurance to put your traditional vehicle and eco-friendly motorbike on a shared premium. In doing this, you can save money on not only fuel but also time.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Is an electric Triumph around the corner?

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Triumph Motorcycles is surveying customers with an email asking if they’ve ridden an electric motorcycle and whether the British company should make an electric Triumph.

It’s not the first time Triumph has surveyed its customers about an electric bike. They launched a short online survey as far back as 2012.

The new email survey asks questions such as:

  • Have you ever ridden an electric motorcycle?
  • How do you rate the experience on a scale of 1-10?
  • Do you own an electric motorcycle?
  • What might prevent you from buying an electric motorcycle?
  • How would you feel about felt Triumph building an electric motorcycle?

Electric TriumphElectric Triumph

It comes as no surprise that Triumph is considering an electric motorcycle at some stage.

All manufacturers must be considering adding an electric model to their fleet. It’s inevitable.

It’s refreshing that Triumph is asking their customers what they want before jumping in at the deep end and building one – although we expect they have already been doing some development work.

However, the questions they should be asking their supporters are:

  • How much would you be prepared to pay for an electric Triumph?
  • What is the minimum range you would require?
  • How soon should we launch an electric motorcycle?
  • What is the maximum charging time you would be prepared to put up with?

Harley’s error

Harley electric LiveWire Harley and Indian announce 2018 sales results Electric Triumph
LiveWire

The last thing they would want to do is follow Harley-Davidson’s example with their electric LiveWire.

It is now open for pre-orders with delivery in North America and Europe in August this year and Australia next year.

We’re not sure how many orders Harley have received, but we suspect they will be minimal.

Why? Because the price is extraordinarily high and the range too low.

At almost $US30,000 (more than $A40,000), it would be the second most expensive motorcycle in their fleet, yet it has only about 180km of range. There are no details yet about charging times.

It’s a huge miss by Harley when there are already similar electric motorcycles that cost less than half its price with almost double the range.

Triumph last year was voted the most satisfying brand by Australian customers.

Is it any wonder when they consider their customers first before making the same mistake as Harley!

But since they have been surveying customers since 2012, we don’t expect they will jump into electric motorcycles too soon!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com