Autoblog

Translogic goes two-wheeling with the electric Brammo Empulse R motorcycle

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Motorcycle, Electric

The Translogic crew has trekked northward to Ashland, OR, to ride the epically electrified Brammo Empulse R motorcycle. With a six-speed transmission that enables both huge accelerative potential and 100+ mile per hour top speeds, as well as a maximum range of 121 miles, the Empulse R case on paper is pretty solid.

As it turns out, the case the EV bike makes for itself on the street is rock solid, too - at least that's the impression we're given from the huge smiles in the video below. Translogic also chats with Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher, and catches up with the progress of the racing team. Check it out.

Continue reading Translogic goes two-wheeling with the electric Brammo Empulse R motorcycle

Translogic goes two-wheeling with the electric Brammo Empulse R motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Washington's fiscal cliff deal helps NASCAR and electric motorcycles

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Racing

With the so-called fiscal cliff looming like a New Year's Day hangover, US lawmakers were able to strike an eleventh-hour deal that should prove beneficial to couples making less than $450,000 a year. Like any piece of US legislation, though, there was enough pork stuffed inside to ensure lobbyists and well-connected constituents remain happy. As a part of the deal, a few tax credits were extended that pertain to the automotive world.

On one hand, a 2009 tax credit was extended for electric motorcycles and scooters that gives buyers a break of up to 10-percent of the purchase price (up to $2,500). However, the deal also removed vehicles like golf carts from qualification. Another consequence of the fiscal cliff deal was that numerous biofuel tax credits were extended - our sister site, AutoblogGreen, broke the specifics down yesterday.

More unexpected is word that NASCAR track owners also benefited from the last-minute legislation with a huge tax break extension. The break, which allows track owners to deduct their facilities' deprecation over seven years (instead of the normal 39-year government estimate), will reportedly cost taxpayers more than $40 million per year. The NASCAR tax break was originally made law back in 2004, and was later extended under the TARP bailout package in 2008. CNN notes that the motorsports provision applies to the depreciation of facilities that hold at least seven days of racing each year, seat at least 70,000 fans and have concession stands that somehow benefit charitable organizations.

How Washington's fiscal cliff deal helps NASCAR and electric motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Zero XU approved for use in MSF training courses

Zach Bowman — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Motorcycle, Electric

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has officially approved the electric Zero XU for use in the organization's rider training courses. The electron-powered XU offers a number of advantages for novice riders, including a low seat height, quiet operation and a direct-drive system that eliminates additional learning barriers like clutch and gearbox operation. The bikes are also extremely lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 221 pounds with the battery pack in place.

Speaking of batteries, the XU features a swappable pack and a quick charging system to help in endure hours of cone dodging. Then there's the fact that XU is a zero-emission machine. As such, courses could theoretically operate indoors in a large warehouse. Pretty cool.

We're absolutely down with anything that makes it easier for new riders to learn how to get on two wheels, though we worry about riders receiving their certification solely on the XU. After all, one of the big benefits of the MSF system is that it familiarizes new riders with every aspect of a motorcycle, from basic operations like opening the fuel system and starting the bike to safely operating the clutch and transmission in a variety of conditions. While learning on an XU would be an excellent way to solidify basic handling skills, it would seem to do little to prepare a rider for actually throwing a leg over most motorcycles.

2012 Zero XU approved for use in MSF training courses originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle checks in to Jay Leno's Garage

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Electric

The crew from Mission Motors took the time to stop by Jay Leno's Garage to give the comedian a peek at the Mission-R electric motorcycle. The machine uses 14-kWh lithium-ion batteries paired with a 120-kilowatt motor, which means there's around 161 horsepower on hand. Mission says the combination can get rider and machine to 60 miles per hour in around three seconds while scooting to a top speed of 160 mph. Not too shabby. The whole package weighs in at around 550 pounds and gives riders a range of 80-100 miles depending on how frisky they are with the throttle.

Mission says the company wanted to pursue a race bike because of the challenges the platform presents. Namely, the machine has to serve up impressive performance while remaining fairly lightweight, meaning there's little space for massive battery packs. Leno is no stranger to electric bikes or motorcycles. The guy has a stable of two-wheel machines, both internal-combustion and EV. Scroll down to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle checks in to Jay Leno's Garage

Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle checks in to Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Etc., Japan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda, Motorcycle, Electric

Honda plans to take to the Tokyo Motor Show this December with the largest display of any automaker in attendance. The company will show off a range of production and concept vehicles, including a slew of motorcycles.

The car side of the line will offer visitors the chance to get cozy with a new plug-in hybrid concept as well as an EV. The ACX offers plug-in enthusiasts a vehicle that can function equally as well in urban environs or on the open highway thanks to a two-mode drive system with an engine drive mode for a sportier experience and an automatic drive mode for everything else.

Meanwhile, Honda says that the Small Sport EV Concept "maximizes the fun of driving while achieving excellent environmental performance." Details are markedly absent other than that brief description, so we're hoping Honda will shed more light on the model once it debuts in Tokyo.

The company is also planning to pull the sheets off of a new electric motorcycle based on a 250cc chassis. The RC-E is meant to show off the kind of riding enjoyment that can come from an all-electric drivetrain on two wheels. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo

Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Chip Yates crosses finish at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

This past weekend, Chip Yates checked off "make an amazing run up Pikes Peak" from his list of things to do to demonstrate the potential of electric-powered transportation. Coming second in the Exhibition Powersport class, his time of 12:50.094 bests the first-ever electric motorcycle effort made last year by over four minutes.

The run would no doubt have been more impressive had it not been for the 2.6-mile stretch of unpaved road. The bike went from hanging with the top ten to dropping just inside the top 100 on the dirt section. Overall, Yates finished in 30th place.

One thing is for sure, the 240-horsepower bike has crazy acceleration when it has clean pavement beneath it, and Chip says he's gunning for a top 10 or better result when he gives it a go on next year's completely paved surface. Hit the jump for the full run and enjoy the sound of the UQM motor's sweet electric music winding out up the mountain.

Continue reading Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak

Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Brammo Enertia and Icon Motorsports visit Rose City Rollers

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle, Electric

Icon Motorsports and the Rose City Rollers - Click above to watch video after the jump

The kids at Icon Motorsports are hitting this whole viral marketing thing square on the money these days. The bike apparel company has just turned out a new video to hawk its wares, and the clip features a trifecta of awesome that the world isn't likely to see again anytime soon. The clip enlists the help of the Rose City Rollers - some of the meanest ladies in roller derby - and includes appearances from one of the most iconic vehicles to ever cruise out of Northern Ireland. That's right, the DeLorean DMC-12.

The final piece of this amazing pie comes in the form of two Brammo Enertia tow bikes. We fully support the idea of adding a little speed to the whole roller derby throw-down, and what better way to do it than to use the full might of a couple electric motorcycles? Hit the jump to take a look at the full clip for yourself, just be warned that it may not be entirely safe for work depending on how strict your overlords are.

[Source: YouTube via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Video: Brammo Enertia and Icon Motorsports visit Rose City Rollers

Video: Brammo Enertia and Icon Motorsports visit Rose City Rollers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Agility Saietta electric motorcycle revealed, can't be unseen [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Design/Style, Electric

Agility Saietta - Click above to watch the video after the break

Designed in London and christened with the phonetic spelling of "thunderbolt" in an Italian Apennine dialect, the Agility Saietta has just been revealed at the Carole Nash/MCN London Motorcycle Show. This newest debutante on the electric motorcycle scene doesn't hold back on the bold.

Sporting a narrow fairing evocative of a highly-stylized ram's head (or possibly some sort of evil alien insect, we're not sure) that swoops back to form a battery-encapsulating dome that fills the entire area directly ahead of the rider, the Saietta may be one man's vision of rolling art. What sort of vision it provides for another man is anyone's guess.

When the bike hits the streets, possibly as soon as April, it will be available in two packages: R and S. The S is the lesser of the beasts with 50 miles of range, a 0-to-60 time in the 5-second neighborhood and a price tag of £9,975 ($16,090 U.S. at today's rates). The big brother is packed to go 100 miles, is a second quicker to 60 miles per hour and ships for £13,975 ($22,540).

As if we didn't have enough to ponder whilst we wait for more specifics about the powertrain and performance, we can't help but wonder what else might be lurking in the Agility Global Ltd. labs. The press release threatens that the "Saietta is the first of two new vehicle types that will revolutionise private transportation in cities." Consider yourselves forewarned. Video of teaser renders after the break.

[Source: Agility Global Ltd. via Engadget]

Continue reading Agility Saietta electric motorcycle revealed, can't be unseen [w/video]

Agility Saietta electric motorcycle revealed, can't be unseen [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric, MISC

Mission Motors Mission R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mission R cut a seductive silhouette in a teaser shot from Mission Motors that presaged its arrival. Now, with its public debut scheduled for later today at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show, the lights have come up and the bike is rather awe-inspiring. As we take it in details, from its front Brembo brakes to its rear single-sided swingarm, we are indeed smitten.

Newly developed MissionEVT components have been intelligently integrated into a compact James Parker-conceived chassis, then dressed in a design of grace and aggression by Tim Prentice of Motonium. The result is an electric race bike that's smaller than a typical 600cc MotoGP machine, yet it holds a massive 14.4 kWh battery beneath its carbon fiber skin. You might not guess this creature weighs a significant 545 pounds (247.2 kg), and though we've yet to see it dance through the esses, we're hoping its movements will conceal this fact as well.

To push the package along, the liquid-cooled AC motor pumps out 141 horses with 115 pound-feet of twist on tap from 0 to 6500 RPM. Top speed hasn't been determined yet (it will only visit the track sometime after the calender flips to 2011), but the company expects it will easily see 160 miles per hour.

We will have the opportunity to see how the Mission R compares with its peers later in the new year when it competes in the TTXGP North American Championship. The factory team has a lot to prove after sitting out the 2010 season, but this certainly looks promising. The official press release and complete specifications await past the break.

Gallery: Mission Motors Mission R

[Source: Mission Motors]

Continue reading Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R

Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST

2011 Brammo Enertia Plus - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doesn't just raise the bar - it hoists it high and threatens to go all Jackie Chan on everything within its newfound extended reach. It takes the 40-mile range of the original Enertia and doubles it to 80 (LA92 drive cycle). It's now easier to charge, simpler to start and turns tighter than its predecessor. Amazingly, with its new "Brammo Power" battery, it still weighs the same 324 pounds and, at $8,995, costs only $1,000 more.

Brammo has been pretty good about using social media to keep in touch with their existing and future customers and not only has the company listened to what people told them about the product, it's taken their suggestions to heart and the Enertia Plus is the proof. Of course, increased range was a no-brainer, but boosting the battery up to a 6 kWh pack really makes the machine more desirable and allows it to truly fulfill its urban commuter mission. Minor complaints about the turning radius that could have been easily shrugged off were addressed with an improvement of the front geometry. Not only does the new bike turn tighter but the handle bars are now an inch closer (the fork offset has been increased and the trail decreased). Brammo engineers have also streamlined the charging and starting procedures. Now, you simply plug it in to charge and turn the key to start.

If you've already bought yourself an Enertia but really really want to upgrade, don't despair. The company is offering a very attractive $2,500 "Customer Loyalty Rebate." As with its new Empulse model, Brammo is also giving away a free bike to one of the first 1,000 pre-orders. To read the official press release and watch a slick and quick presentation of this new and improved urban weapon, hit the jump.

[Source: Brammo]

Continue reading 2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video]

2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

Michael Czysz at the FIM e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

In racing, planning is everything. This point was proven once again as the bright yellow (Flying Banana, if you will) race machine from Lightning Motors held the lead of the e-Power International Championship until the very last few hundred feet. And then ran out of juice.

Sadly, for Lightning Motors at least, this slight miscalculation allowed the Flying Banana to be passed literally just feet ahead of the finish line by Michael Czysz, who took the win mounted on his own MotoCzysz E1pc electric race bike. For those keeping track, Czysz was 6.7 seconds behind at the start of the last lap.

Michael Barnes took second place on the Lightning Motors machine, followed by Thijs de Ridder aboard the Crystalite bike. Our congratulations to all of the riders!

Gallery: e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway

FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle, Electric

MotoCzysz E1pc wins the TT Zero - Click above to watch video after the jump

After a day-long weather delay, eight all-electric motorcycles took to the starting grid to compete in the Isle of Man TT Zero yesterday. The game was much the same as last year when TTXGP began what will likely be a longstanding annual affair - one 37.73-mile lap around the Snaefell Mountain Course, no gas.

For the American MotoCzysz team that had put in an impressive performance in practice, it was time to put up or shut up. They damn well put up. Rider Mark Miller didn't allow himself to be baited into a scrap andstuck to a game plan that called for a steady twisting of the throttle. In the end, he finished in the top spot with a time that was a massive two minutes and 51 seconds quicker than last year's winner. The E1pc, which easily looks as good parked as it does in a 140-mile-per-hour blur, averaged 96.820 mph around the famed circuit, just missing a £10,000 ($14,700 USD) prize had it broken the century mark. Miller shrugged off that shortfall with an easygoing, "It's all good, dude" in the post-race interview.

Last year's winner, Rob Barber, who again crouched in the saddle for Agni Racing, also beat his time from last year. The fierce competitor was astride a newly constructed Agni Z1, looking for all the world like a throwback to the '40s with a dustbin fairing mounted in place of a modern cowl. Although happy with the gains achieved by the aerodynamic package, "The Bullet" was obviously frustrated with the result, convinced he could have somehow gotten the best of the MotoCyzsz had there only been a bit more energy in the battery pack. As it was, he just managed to cross the finish line after employing a strategy that had him pushing hard from the get go.

After a long battle with another Agni Z1 piloted by Jenny Tinmouth - who, by the way, had not a mile of seat time before the green flag dropped - third place on the podium was claimed by James McBride on a converted Ducati for Ramsey-based ManTTX Racing. Check out the gallery of the winner below and hit the jump for the official TT Zero report and post-race video interviews as well as a bit of bonus footage of the bikes blasting by.

Gallery: MotosCzysz E1pc at the Isle of Man TT Zero

[Source: TT Zero | Images: AmadeusPhotography.com]

Continue reading Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos]

Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secrets Revealed: Germany's Das Neue Motorrad set to release all new production motorcycle

Devon Brozek — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Design/Style

Germany's "new motorcycle" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Emerging from behind a veil of secrecy, we were recently introduced to a new motorcycle manufacturer based out of the über cool home of Oktoberfest. With the promise of German engineering galore, this little-known company seems to have an heir of legitimacy behind them thus far. After all, it would seem that the country largely believed responsible for the "birth of the motorcycle" would have more than a single marquee brand in cycles, adding diversity to the current state of Roundel dominance in Bavaria.

Das Neue Motorrad - meaning "the new motorcycle" - is the only name identifying the company at this time, embodying a statement while providing a title in one swoop. The road leading to the bike's official worldwide release has been marked out by breadcrumbs in the form of small bits of information being released in five stages... until finally, on June 15, it will be unleashed on the masses. What little bit we do know is that the project has been years in the making, and was birthed from an unlikely collaboration between riding enthusiasts with a vision for greatness.

The most recent tidbit of news centers on the bike's proposed powerplant. Addressing the speculation of electric motivation, the company says its design is based on "a very efficient combustion platform," even indicating multiple cylinders but leaving the exact number as a mystery for now. Added to this was the promise, "Our engine concept is based on one currently found nowhere in the motorcycle world." We cannot help but be left with an almost giddy anticipation, coupled with the potential to be thoroughly disappointed if this claim is not substantiated. Stay tuned for updates as the countdown progresses and "the new motorcycle" comes to life.

Gallery: Das neue Motorrad

[Source: Das Neue Motorrad via news.motorbiker.org]

Secrets Revealed: Germany's Das Neue Motorrad set to release all new production motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development

Devon Brozek — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Electric

Yamaha Gen-Ryu concept bike

In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first big player in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale Sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and electric bicycle) as well as aquatic (boat and outboard motor) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha's intent, but very little follow through up to this point.

The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion... ouch! Yamaha, a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has also pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.

Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of electric motorcycles. This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha's new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.

[Source: Reuters]

Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany

Devon Brozek — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Off-Road

KTM Freeride electric motorcycle concept - Click above for image gallery

We first brought you news of KTM's planned debut of two new electric motorcycle only days ago. It appeared as if the world would have to wait for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and the official March 26th release date to get its eyes on fully exposed photos.

If you were holding your breath for the unveiling, you can thank German mag Motorrad for breaking the photos early. As we can see now, the supermoto and enduro versions differ quite extensively, despite sharing a frame and power-train. The unique single crown fork protruding from a BMX-like handlebar and headtube combination holding a single headlight certainly set the slick-tired version apart from its knobby clad counterpart. We can't help but notice the rather dainty tubular steel frame on each model, despite plastic covers that give the illusion of a much beefier unit.

How much will it cost for your very own stick of 30-horsepower, 200-pound, orange-blooded electric dynamite? A proposed price of €10,000, which at current exchange rates is just over $13,500, seems in no way competitive amongst stiff competition from Zero and others already in the market. But it is still way too early to take much of an educated stand regarding KTM's charge into the electric cycle niche. We won't know anything concrete until we can put power to the ground aboard a Freeride ourselves.

Gallery: KTM Freeride electric motorcycle concepts

[Source: Motorradonline.de, 1000ps.at via Hell For Leather]

First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

It seems that the promise of recognition through electric motorcycle racing is bringing out an increasing number of unlikely competitors to the racing fray. Add newly-born American motorcycle manufacturer Roehr to that growing list as the company has just announced its intentions to offer both racing and street versions of the eRoehr electric motorcycle.

Roehr's first motorcycle, the 1250sc, offers up 180 horsepower via a modified and supercharged Harley-Davidson Revolution engine. That's plenty of power, but electric motors have a reputation for being major torque-monsters, and the AC induction unit specified for the Roehr eSuperbike is no exception. How does 96 hp and 210 pound-feet of torque sound?

A 10 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack will provide the power for that machine, which Roehr plans to enter in the U.S. TTXGP Series later this year. A second version with a similar motor offering 48 hp and 105 lb-ft paired with a 6kWh battery will reportedly have enough juice to hit 100 miles per hour.

What we don't yet know are expected base prices, the performance expectations of the higher-spec eSuperbike or the range of either machine. In other words, stay tuned, and feel free to read the press release pasted after the break.

*UPDATE: Asphalt & Rubber reports that the higher-spec eSuperbike will cost about $30,000 and the eSupersport is targeted at $15,000.

[Source: Roehr]

Continue reading Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As previously rumored, the TTX02 is definitely based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as the TTX02 is said to be capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric

Brian Wismann on the Brammo Enertia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week, Brammo's director of product development Brian Wismann along with Dave Schiff of Crispin Porter Bugosky, began a ten-day journey meant to take them to Washington, DC. The trip, which is being chronicled on the site shockingbarack.com, is intended to raise awareness of the company's new electric motorcycle, the Enertia, and electric vehicles in general.

The trek began at Zingerman's deli in downtown Ann Arbor, MI, which just happens to be a a few blocks from this blogger's office. Brian and Dave swung by the office for a visit to show off the bike - which they prefer to call a powercycle - and chat about what it can do. Along the route to the capital, they'll be making plenty of similar stops, partly to demonstrate the bike but mostly out of necessity. While the Enertia is undoubtedly a neat ride, it underscores two of the major problems with EVs. They are expensive ($11,995 for the Enertia) and have limited range. This bike only has a 42-mile range and then takes four hours to charge. That means plenty of short hops to cover the 520 miles to DC. On the plus side, it should only take about $4 worth of juice to make the trip.

Hopefully sales will bring volumes that help bring the cost down. In the meantime, check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia: Shocking Barack

[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Continue reading VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time

VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Safety, BMW, Motorcycle, Electric

BMW C1-E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Says BMW, "This is what a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future." Well then, let's dissect that statement and see how BMW sought to accomplish these seemingly contradictory goals.

First, safety. Between 2000 and 2003, BMW offered a scooter in Europe called the C1. Though a marketplace failure, that machine may still be the safest two-wheeler ever offered. Featuring a fully-enclosed cabin with integrated rollover protection, a front-end impact zone, a rider seat belt and a low center of gravity, the C1-E has safety baked right in from the start. To that package, BMW adds electronic aids that include integral ABS, Tire Pressure Control, Anti-Slip Control and Traction Control. So... safety? Check.

Environmentally-friendly? The scooter itself emits nothing - BMW borrowed the electric motor and control systems from electric scooter manufacturer Vectrix (which recently filed for bankruptcy). Vectrix's battery pack, though, has been swapped out with a high-tech lithium ion unit for greater energy storage. Alternatively, BMW could equip the same basic platform with any electric motor or small internal combustion engine of its choice.

Now, how about practicality? First, that enclosed rider cockpit means the C1-E could be used in nearly any kind of weather. Further, the bike features a large luggage compartment behind the rider. As far as single-track vehicles go, this one's pretty darn practical. As much as we'd like to see the C1-E go into production, that's not currently in the cards. BMW built this concept as its contribution to the European eSUM safety project. Want to know more? Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: BMW C1-E Concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric

Click above to watch the video after the break

Following Orange County Choppers' frequent use of alt-fuels (see E85 bike and natural gas bike) comes something a wee bit different from what we're used to seeing from the New York-based custom motorcycle crew: a fully electric chopper. Commissioned by Siemens USA, the zero-emissions motorcycle is powered by a 27-horsepower electric motor from Advanced DC and can go an estimated 60 miles after a five-hour charge. Top speed is listed at 100 miles per hour, likely making this one of the fastest bikes ever to roll out of the OCC showroom.

Naturally, you'll get to watch the build take place on an episode of American Chopper that's current scheduled to air on TLC on Thursday, October 22 at 9PM. Says Paul Teutul, Sr.:

Building an electric bike from recycled materials was something new for us, but we definitely enjoyed the challenge and think that the end product makes a great addition to our wide range of unique motorcycles. While electric bikes probably won't surpass traditional ones for the foreseeable future, we also think that energy efficient technologies are increasingly important for both manufacturers and consumers.

At this time, OCC says it has no plans to mass produce an electric chopper, but Senior says it's would consider it if adequate demand were there. In any case, you'll get the chance to own this example after Siemens take it on a worldwide tour in 2010, after which it will be auctioned off with the benefits going to "a charitable cause that will help benefit the environment." Click past the break for a video along with the press release.

[Source: Siemens | Photo: Jason DeCrow / AP Images for Siemens]

Continue reading Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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