Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Motorcycles
Enter the rumormill: Vectrix to debut an electric Superbike?
Falling into the "maxiscooter" category, the Vectrix electric scooter has a top speed limited to 62 mph, allowing for a range of 68 miles from its 125 Volt NiMH battery. If the long-rumored all-electric Superbike from Vectrix does in fact make its first appearance on November 6th in Milan at the 2007 Eicma show, expect the speed and range to be a bit higher. Assuming that similar technology is used in the Superbike as in the scooter, the machine should feature regenerative braking by simply rolling the throttle backwards. When the bike is stationary, rolling the throttle back should move the bike slowly in reverse.
At this time, no details are available other than the teaser photo above. This machine is likely the work of ROBRADY Design, which worked with Vectrix on the design of the scooter. Vectrix has stated in the past that they plan on using lithium ion technology in the future, which would make sense in the Superbike since it will carry a higher price point than the scooter. Using lithium-based batteries would allow for higher speeds and greater range, potentially making for a very exciting all-electric sportbike indeed.
[Source: Motoblog, Vectrix]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
^FourthDimensionGod^ 5:00PM (10/14/2007)
No thanks. Bad idea.
going around blind corners on the bike the engines noise is the only indicator to someone going the opposite way that youre nearby.
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Ric Kaysen 5:13PM (10/14/2007)
Having the ability to accidentally send the rear wheel into reverse by rolling the throttle backwards sounds really, really dangerous.
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ryan 5:14PM (10/14/2007)
Yep, it's Robrady. A friend of mine did that rendering a couple years ago.
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RWD fan 6:04PM (10/14/2007)
Looks like fun, I wonder how it stuntz?
;-)
But seriously, I don't think this should be called a Superbike. That name should be reserved for bikes that are AMA SBK , or WSBK type accepted machines.
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Scott Eaton 8:56PM (10/14/2007)
I don't think it can be a "superbike" at all when it tops out at 62 mph. :-) Love the design though.
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Alex 9:31PM (10/14/2007)
superbike? I think i bike would need to do well above 68 not just a bit higher.
but thats just me.
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antarctic74 11:13PM (10/14/2007)
@Scott:
62 mph is the top speed of the currently available Vectrix scooter. The bike will likely be faster.
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mk 11:27PM (10/14/2007)
sleek looking machine.
Don't know if I buy an electric bike with a speed limit, and reverse, though.
A real bike that looks like that would be cool.
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CMDR 12:04AM (10/15/2007)
SBKs shouldn't be the focus of fuel saving technology, they already have above par consumption rates.
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MikeInNC 8:51AM (10/15/2007)
I think this is a great idea. Of course they aren't going to make a super bike that only does 62 mph (read the article people). That being said, the Kawasaki 250 Ninja doesn't do 180mph but it's a total blast to ride. The bottom line is that this is somewhat like Tesla in that they are opening a new market for electric bikes. If you don't want one, don't buy one. At least it's another choice and the more choices available the better.
Don't forget how torquey electric motors can be. Imagine a short track with a light electric bike. It could be a real animal. right now the biggest hurdle will be weight. I guess we shall see.
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