MotoCzysz 2011 E1pc stands out from the TT Zero crowd, goes faster [w/VIDEO]

Mark Miller is riding the same MotoCzysz E1pc that set an Isle of Man record at last year's TT Zero on the Isle of Man but is in danger of being upstaged by the 2011 version of the E1pc being piloted by veteran Michael Rutter. Although the fairings on the two Segway-sponsored machines might have been produced by the same mold, much of the rest of the bike has changed. In some ways, radically so.

How radical? Pop off the top of the "tank" and you'll get a shock. Actually two of them as this is the home of the active suspension components for both front and rear wheels. Also, where last year's bike had batteries plugging into an aluminum frame, the 2011 machine cradles the pack made of Dow Kokam cells in its carbon-fiber bosom. The motor, reported to be constructed in conjunction with Remy, spins over 10,000 rpm and is said to be good for somewhere around 200 horsepower.

The results in qualifying speak for themselves. Rutter led the nine-strong field with an average lap speed of 93.353 mph with teammate Mark Miller edging out Kingston University's Ecotricity-sponsored bike by little more than a second. The dark horse might well be the new flying banana from Lightning Motors who had been firmly between the two MotoCzyszs before dropping out. Hit the jump for electric motorcycle music as seven of the contenders make their way past the video camera of our favorite Manx-man, Frank Schuengel.

Photos: © 2011 Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber – Creative Commons – Attribution 3.0

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber / Hell For Leather / IOM TT]

The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.