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"Able was I ere I saw Elba..."
Electric Motorcycles: Coming soon?
Anyone else been following the development of electric motorcyles?
With recent advances in Lithium Ion batteries, it's starting to look like a couple of them may make a go of it.
I'm beginning to think that they will be well received in countries with advanced moto-cultures, and may even take a lead role in a shift toward electric vehicles. 
Some interesting links:
Enertia Bike - Home
Vectrix U.S.A. - Home (US)
(I think this one is NiMh, but it has interesting packaging/model)
The offroad versions are somewhat interesting as well.
ZERO MOTORCYCLES
Quantya
So what say ye...coming soon, or still on the distant horizon?
"Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."
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Obtuse Angler
For a commuter vehicle they'd certainly work.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
-Dark Helmet
Crime ain't sumfin you should do. It's sumfin you should don't.
-Ali G
Lobster tail and Beer. Tree o' my favorite tings.
-Newfie Proverb
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"Able was I ere I saw Elba..."
I'd really like to ride one just to understand what the power delivery is like...
"Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."
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Obtuse Angler
 Originally Posted by Baketech
I'd really like to ride one just to understand what the power delivery is like...
My guess would be totally linear and a bit boring, but with great torque off the line, like a streetcar.
They're probably working on smart programming in the motors and CVTs to simulate reciprocating engine-style thrust.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
-Dark Helmet
Crime ain't sumfin you should do. It's sumfin you should don't.
-Ali G
Lobster tail and Beer. Tree o' my favorite tings.
-Newfie Proverb
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Do too.
Personally, I think sooner rather than later. The Quantya is only listed at €7k so it's just a matter of time.
I think the driving factor will be the ability to plug in anywhere. And if someone develops a hub mounted alternator that can deliver some power (not too far from reality either), it's on like Donkey Kong.
Ducit Amor Patriae
Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
---Leonardo Da Vinci
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I'm wacky times.
If they can tack on some super-cool, futuristic LEDs in the bodywork to make up for the fact that the things sound like electric drills, I'm sold.
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It's Who You Know That Counts
I think one like the Quantya would be awesome...though really I shouldn't type the reasons I think so. 
Biggest downside I see for offroad stuff is refueling if you run out of coulombs in BFE.
"It's not debt per se that overwhelms an individual, corporation, or country. Rather, it is the continuous increase in debt in relation to income that causes trouble." --Warren Buffett
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Originally Posted by luvtolean
I think one like the Quantya would be awesome...though really I shouldn't type the reasons I think so.
Biggest downside I see for offroad stuff is refueling if you run out of coulombs in BFE.
Someone could always invent some chest/back protectors with built in solar cells so you can "plug in" while you ride. 
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Obtuse Angler
Well if electric bikes are coming, and they are precursors to electric cars, then I think I might get into the tow truck biz. Dead cars @ roadside are sure to become a more common sighting.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
-Dark Helmet
Crime ain't sumfin you should do. It's sumfin you should don't.
-Ali G
Lobster tail and Beer. Tree o' my favorite tings.
-Newfie Proverb
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See you at Grattan
Might want to check out some of the information here, where people are making and playing with the technology.
ElectricMotorcycles.net-EM Headline News
Mike, who runs the site (ElectricMotorcycles.net-Does this bike make my amps look big?), is a former racing friend who has played with these for a while is also local to the Grand Rapids area (or was it Battle Creek?). It might be cool to have a demonstration run in June.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein
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Blending
Never sell since you could not put straight pipes on it. Well maybe ot the scooter crowd...
If everything tastes like chicken..... what does chicken taste like 
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See you at Grattan
Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue
Never sell since you could not put straight pipes on it. Well maybe ot the scooter crowd...
I'm sure you'd have the option of downloading any exhaust note you want to your IPod 
That isn't too far from the truth though. They haven't caught on due to cost and maybe some durability issues, but there have been electronic mufflers that use speakers to cancel the true exhaust note ... or modify it to the OEM's specification. This would work so much easier without that hot, corrosive exhaust gas condensing on things. Use current and rpm as inputs to a simple controller and you can drive a speaker to get anything you want. You could even put an automatic or button activated switch to get your shifts 
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein
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Obtuse Angler
Originally Posted by gt702
I'm sure you'd have the option of downloading any exhaust note you want to your IPod
That isn't too far from the truth though. They haven't caught on due to cost and maybe some durability issues, but there have been electronic mufflers that use speakers to cancel the true exhaust note ... or modify it to the OEM's specification. This would work so much easier without that hot, corrosive exhaust gas condensing on things. Use current and rpm as inputs to a simple controller and you can drive a speaker to get anything you want. You could even put an automatic or button activated switch to get your shifts
Hey you could get a Pavarotti exhaust sound. Or Fran Drescher if you really want to piss off the neighbours.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
-Dark Helmet
Crime ain't sumfin you should do. It's sumfin you should don't.
-Ali G
Lobster tail and Beer. Tree o' my favorite tings.
-Newfie Proverb
-
Do too.
Originally Posted by gt702
I'm sure you'd have the option of downloading any exhaust note you want to your IPod...
That's funny but wasn't there an article last year that complained that blind people couldn't hear the cars and it was a danger to them?
Ducit Amor Patriae
Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
---Leonardo Da Vinci
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See you at Grattan
Originally Posted by seamus
That's funny but wasn't there an article last year that complained that blind people couldn't hear the cars and it was a danger to them?
I didn't see the article, but would not doubt it. During my time wandering the streets in China, this was a bit of an issue even with sight. They have a lot of electric scooters and they could be up on you in no time ... especially when they were up on sidewalks. Most people were very good about it, but if you weren't looking for it you cold be surprised.
There is technology to make them more audible, but that isn't much needed around here. The roads are rough enough you hear suspension and other parts rattling well before the engine anyway
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein
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DIRTDOG
Just put a playing card in the spokes!
Ok here is the problem I see, Jr just rode around the yard for 30mins and has to wait 2 hours to ride another 30min.
I like the dirt bikes but they would need several power paks for a day of ridding. They would be fun for a back yard track or maybe a indoor road race style track. But not at the price they want for them.
The scooter option would be nice for running around town. I'd buy one but not for more than a gas scooter. For the same price or less than a normal gas scooter, with a nice long warranty from a company that can suport it, I'd be in for one. I mean at the price they are at you could have 2 scooters or one scooter and 1000 gallons of gas. Thats like 50,000 miles of gas and a scooter for the same price.
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Questions:
1. Electricity must be generated from _something_ - how do we satisfy that demand if everyone moved to electric vehicles??
2. Bikes take more damage when crashed - what will happen when the LION batteries leak? Harmful to environment/human?
3. How prohibitive is it change batteries due to crashes?
4. LION batteries has shorter capacity as they age - that means we are FORCED to buy new LION batteries over time - how long before they become inefficient? (i.e.: 2 yrs down the road, a full charge will only get you 100 miles, as opposed to new, when you'd got 150miles before recharge)
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Do too.
I think the trick is going to be when someone develops a small, lightweight, high (very high?) output alternator or generator.
Ducit Amor Patriae
Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
---Leonardo Da Vinci
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?
I also like the quantya one. I'd like it as a camping bike. I always feel bad tearing through the peace and quiet on the CR.
...dude you ride an offroad bike with slicks, 1/2 the weight of a GS, double the suspension, with a browning 50 cal going off 32" from your skull as a daily freaking driver - I'd expect anything except a nitro dragbike to be bland by comparison - SSG
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