Electric Motion EM 5.7 Electric Trials Bike | Christophe Bruand Ride Video
Electric Motion EM 5.7
It looks like Gas Gas is not the only manufacturer looking at Trials riders as a good market for electric motorcycles. Philippe Aresten, the president of Scorpa from 2001 to 2007, started Montpellier, France based Electric Motion and plans to bring the EM 5.7 to market.
Watching the video below of Christophe Bruand riding a skate park in Montpillier, clearing 4′ plus obstacles and trail riding on the EM 5.7, makes me want an electric trials bike more than ever. Philippe and Electric Motion are betting I’m not the only one.
The EM 5.7 rolling chassis is designed and produced by Electric Motion. The styling of the bike is by Oliver Besson. Brice Martin engineered the electric drive system which uses an electric motor developed to EM’s specifications running at 48 Volts. The battery pack is built with 25 Ah of Kokam Lithium Polymer cells.
Philippe Aresten obviously is not new to the motorcycle industry but he is also not new to electric drive. He started SEV while leading Scorpa. SEV developed and sold the eTricks electric trials bike before Scorpa declared bankruptcy and was purchased by Sherco. SEV lives on but I believe the bank owns it. Not Sherco. Philippe then left to start Electric Motion, a company that he himself owns.
Read More and see the video after the break…
In: Electric Motion · Tagged with: Brice Martin, Electric Motion, Electric Motion EM 5.7, electric trials, Oliver Besson, Philippe Aresten, SEV, trials
Sherco SE Electric Enduro At EICMA 2011
Sherco SE Electric Enduro - Image credit: www.SoloEnduro.it
Last week was a great week for electric motorcycle enthusiasts. We saw an impressive stream of electrified motorcycle pictures coming from EICMA and the Honda RCE teasers. However, you had to have your eyes on the European moto blogs to pick up on the Sherco SE Electric enduro.
Now the EVOLT BULL1 may ring a bell for those watching this space for the last few years. Domenick Yoney wrote about the LiPo celled electric dirtbike back in July 2009. Well, it looks like Sherco saw them too and acquired the BULL1 technology.
It seems Sherco then worked with Evolt to develop and convert a Sherco 250 SE to electric. This means the standard gas bike suspension and terrain stomping 21″ front and 18″ rear wheel. Oh, and unfortunately the excessive weight that comes with it.
There is no word on how the bike performs but Sherco / EVOLT put together a “fully integrated” electric drive system with 8.8 kWh 2.2 kWh of Kokam LiPo cells, a 2 speed gear box with clutch to get the knobbies churning dirt while 144 Volts and liquid cooling keep the motor from burning up.
Yes, LiPo. It seems they took the light weight, less traveled route of EV battery chemistry that is gaining popularity with ebike homebrewers for its higher energy density over the usual LiFePO4 cells.
Yes, 2 speed transmission. The bike has a hydraulic clutch and a low and high speed selection.
I did not see any details for the motor but it seems it is liquid cooled. You can see in the picture below a water pump that pushes water through a single conventional radiator and down into the motor housing. There also appears to be some sort of reduction between the clutch and the motor. Sherco claims 35 HP but I’m not sure if this is peak HP or if its rear wheel HP or what.
The end result is an electric drive system that looks similar in packaging to the KTM Freeride E.
Sherco claims its electric drive system will give the ebike rider up to 40 minutes of MX riding and more for more leisurely trail riding. The total package weighs less than 220 pounds which keeps it about 6 pounds shy of a Sherco 250 SE just after flip
At $12,240 it’s on the high end of the price spectrum. Sherco has not committed to adding this electric enduro to its product line. For now it seems they will be on the sidelines next to Honda waiting to see how this crazy electric motorcycle thing pans.
Source: Moto Station via: Moto Elettriche
In: Other Makes · Tagged with: BULL1, EICMA, EICMA 2011, Enduro, EVOLT, EVOLT BULL1, Sherco, Sherco electric enduro, Sherco electric motorcycle, Sherco SE Electric, transmission, water cooled
Honda RC-E Electric Superbike – Mother Honda Gets eSerious
Honda RC-E Electric Superbike
Until today it seemed Honda was content to dabble in commuter electrics while smaller, more nimble companies tested the waters of electric motorcycle racing and nailed down the market for electric two wheelers.
Then this morning the Honda RC-E hit the net. A beautiful retro race bike inspired body sits over a massive frame, motor and swingarm. Honda will not spill the beans on the specs until the 2011 Tokyo Motorshow next month. We can only guess if Honda designed this ebike’s electric drivetrain in house or if they got some help from an EV drive design crew like Mission Motors. Mission has worked with Honda on a CR-Z hybrid electric race car and they have several clients they are working with behind the curtains.
For now this is all Honda has to say about the RC-E…
An EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.
Man that RC-E looks good. I hope we see it on the track in the next few years. Hey, they did put a license plate on the back. Let’s hope we see it plugged in at the local coffee shop.
Honda also unveiled some cool commuter electric prototypes. I might post about them later. I don’t want to look at them too much since Honda will probably leave them unchanged for a decade plus if they build them.
In: Honda · Tagged with: Electric Sportbike, Honda, Honda electric sportbike, Honda RC-E, Tokyo Motor Show
Adam Raga Rides Gas Gas TXT-E At EICMA *Video*
Gas Gas had their TXT-E on display at EICMA. As mentioned in a previous post it is said to be planned for production.
Mike Werner snapped some pics of the Gas Gas electric trials bike at EICMA 2011 and Trail World found the video below of Adam Raga showing what an electric trials bike can do in a small space.
via: Trail World pic: MotoBiker.org
Gas Gas TXT-e 4820 Specs:
| Engine | ETA Electric Motors TXT conversion kit-4820 |
| Chassis | Chassis tubular chrome-moly |
| Tilt | Aluminum, progressive system of rods |
| Front fork | Conventional Marzocchi 40 mm aluminum, 177 mm travel |
| Regulation | Adjustable compression and rebound |
| Buffer | Sachs hydraulic monoshock |
| Regulation | Spring preload and rebound adjustable |
| Travel | Rear wheel travel 164 mm |
| Tire type | Radiated in aluminum rim |
| Rims – Tyres | Front: 1.6 x 21 – 2.75 x 21 Michelin Trial |
| Rims – Tyres | Rear: 2.15 x 18 – 4.00 x 18 Michelin Trial TL |
| Front brake | 185 mm floating, 4 piston caliper |
| Back brake | 150 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Autonomy | Between 45 and 120 minutes |
| Charging time | 80% charge in 1 hour, 100% in 2.5 hours |
| Dry Weight | 63 kg |
| Dimensions | Length x width x height: 2,045 x 825 x 1,130 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1325 mm |
| Seat Height | 650 mm |
In: Other Makes · Tagged with: Adam Raga, EICMA, electric trials, Gas Gas, trials, Video
Brammo Confirms 2 Seater
Brammo announced (let slip?) on Facebook last week that they will be selling a two seat Empulse. “Room for two” is one of the reoccurring requests by forum dwellers of Brammo, Zero and the other manufacturers of electric motorcycles. Brammo has obviously been listening.
Never mind the effects of the extra weight on the range of ebikes, electric motorcycle riders want to bring their significant other along for the ride. So far Brammo will be the only pillion friendly option (other than Vectrix scooters) when the Empluse hits the streets.
Will we see the 2 seater Empulse at EICMA this weekend? Stay tuned.
Source: FB Via: The vigilant enthusiasts of Brammo Forum
In: Brammo · Tagged with: 2 seater, 2 up, Brammo, Brammo Empulse, EICMA, pillion
Electric Trials Bikes Expected From Gas Gas At EICMA
According to TrialWorld.es, Gas Gas is expected to unveil an electric trials bike called the Gas Gas 4820 at EICMA this weekend. The bike will go into mass production this January. Gas Gas CEO Ramone Puente says 200 units have already been sold to Germany, Austria and Sweden.
Back in March 2010 I posted about an electric electric Gas Gas conversion by German importer BLM Motorrader. This production version, however, was developed with the help of ETA Motors.
As mentioned before, it seems trials is a great niche for electric drive motorcycles. Lots of torque, low speed and you never get too far from the truck. Add quiet to the mix and many urban venues become a potential eTrials playground. OSET has proven it can sell serious electric trials bikes for kids and be successful. It looks like we will soon find out if adults are willing to jump on board.
Who knows, Gas Gas may be in time to ride a small wave of interest building in the US for Trials riding. I know I have wanted a trials bike even more since the Smage Brothers rocked America’s Got Talent. Hey, if Kevin Schwantz says it laid the foundation for his skills, it must be good.
Check out another recent video of the Gas Gas 4820 eTrials bike being ridden by Adam Raga.
And another of Julien Dupont Trials’n the Alps.
Source: TrialsWorld.es or Solomoto.es via: e-dirt.co.za
In: News · Tagged with: BLM, EICMA, EICMA 2011, electric trials, ETA Motors, eTrials, Gas Gas, Gas Gas 4820, Gas Gas electric trials
Lightning Motors At Love Ride With ATK
Richard Hatfield Riding Electric At Love Ride 2011
The 28th annual Love Ride happened last weekend in Glendale, CA with the usual lineup of motorcycle riding celebs supporting Autism Speaks, including Jay Leno, Danny “Machete” Trejo, and Robert Patrick (Terminator Cop). ATK’s Frank White was there with his Autistic son Jeff. Curiously, another rising star of motorcycle racing’s coolest niche was there in the same tent as ATK: Richard Hatfield and his land speed record breaking Lightning electric race bike. Richard even rode the Flying Banana in the lead group with Leno and White, finishing with plenty of juice to spare. Is there something going on between ATK and Lightning? It appears there may be with both brands in the same tent and ATK’s interest in electric drive. Let the rumors fly… or be shot down if you all know better.
Motorcycle USA reports that Lightning’s production version of the superbike is in progress and there is a lot of interest. I’m assuming this is not just from the motorcycle riding public. With Polaris snuggling up to Brammo this week and KTM coming out next year with their electric freeride motorcycle you can bet other major manufacturers realize it’s time to get busy with electric drive.
Source: Motorcycle USA
In: Lightning Motors · Tagged with: ATK, Danny Trejo, Frank White, Leno, Lightning Motors, Love Ride, Richard Hatfield, Robert Patrick, Rumor Mill, Speculation
Xinling e-Motor Electric China Bike
My mind is still spinning from a recent trip into the Chinese motorcycle forums. I blew hours looking through CIMA pics from 2010 and 2011 and this is some of what I have to show for it…
Xinling (Xlmco) made every effort to make this Xinling E-Motor electric motorcycle look like it’s gas burning brother. From the monstrous ”engine” to the “chain guards” (yes, plural) to it’s double piggy back “Ohlins” shocks this hub motored mini bike does a good job looking dirty and loud.
You would think a bike that worked so hard to look gas powered would be ugly but I actually think it looks pretty cool.
Source: nciku.cn via: MyChinaMoto
I’d link to Xinling’s website but I can’t seem to find one.
In: Other Makes · Tagged with: china bike, CIMA, E-Motor, Xinling, Xinling E-Motor, Xlmco
Electric Fans Rock The Vote! eBay Peoples Pick’s Awards
So eBay is holding the 2011 People’s Picks to crown motorsports enthusiasts favorite brands. I went through the Motorcycle and Motorsport categories and to my surprise there are no electric motorcycle related choices on the ballet.
But take heart eMoto fans, there are plenty of ”other” fields to specify “TTXGP”, “Lightning Motors”, Brammo, “Mission Motors”, “Zero Motorcycles”, “Quantya”, MotoCzysz, “Isle Of Man TT”, “Chip Yates” or whatever electric motorcycle related answer you can think of.
Anyone have a good answer for “Favorite exhaust system manufacturer”?
- “Card In Spokes”
- “mp3”
Why not get some electric representation?
Vote here, vote often.
btw… Is it just me or does their logo look like a battery?
In: Events · Tagged with: activism, ebay peoples picks, vote
Lightning Motors Does 218.637 MPH On The Salt – New Record 215.960
If you thought enough electric motorcycle records had been broken this year, you’re in for some disappointment. Lightning Motorcycles crushed the standing electric motorcycle land speed record a few times last week and ended up with 218.637 mph top speed and 215.960 average.
Asphalt And Rubber has had some great coverage over the last few weeks. Check out Paul Thede’s record setting run in the video below. Press release follows. Lightning Motors is taking orders for their electric superbike if you feel the need to eat up some miles quickly on an electric motorcycle.
Chip Yates will be at Bub Week very soon to try to raise the bar a little more.
Congrats to Richard Hatfield and the Lightning Motors team!
LIGHTNING MOTORCYCLE SETS NEW LAND SPEED RECORD AT 215.960 MPH
Production SuperBike Becomes First Electric Bike to Exceed 200 mph
San Carlos, Calif. – Lightning Motorcycle has set a new land speed record by becoming the first electric motorcycle manufacturer to exceed 200 mph during the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, Aug. 13-19, 2011.
The production Lightning Electric SuperBike achieved an average speed of 215.960 mph with a best speed of 218.637 mph – more than 40 miles-per-hour faster than the previous record of 173 mph, also held by Lightning Motorcycle. Lightning Motorcycle’s record is recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI).
Driven by Paul Thede, principal of Race Tech and the developer of the Lightning SuperBike’s suspension system, the SuperBike made a run of 214.209 mph, followed by a return run of 217.712 mph.
To watch a video of the bike topping 200 mph, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9FOnkSLFBw&feature=youtube_gdata_player.
This new land speed record maintains the manufacturer’s position as the fastest electric bike in the world in its class, and also makes the Lighting SuperBike the fastest motorcycle available for sale in North America.
“Our team was confident and excited to participate at the Bonneville Salt Flats, which is the ultimate proving ground to validate the performance of our Lightning SuperBike,” said Richard Hatfield, CEO of Lightning Motorcycle. “We not only succeeded in shattering our previous record, but we confirmed that electric motorcycles will be an important part of our industry’s future.”
The Lightning Electric SuperBike features a Remy HVH250TM electric propulsion motor, an Ener1 battery pack and additional enhancements. It is factory equipped with track mapping data acquisition. The SuperBike, which is equally suited to track days, weekend rides on your favorite back roads or record runs at Bonneville, has a usable freeway speed range of over 100 miles and a combined city/highway EPA range of over 150 miles.
Interested buyers can purchase the SuperBike by visiting www.lightingmotorcycle.com.
About Lighting Motorcycle
Lightning Motorcycle is dedicated to the belief that world class performance is compatible with clean tech transportation. The company believes that choosing to ride an electric motorcycle should not be a compromise, and the team has honed its understanding of vehicle development as lifetime racers, using competition to refine their technology. In addition to the SuperBike, Lightning Motorcycle is producing prototypes of electric commuter bikes, scooters and ATVs. For more information, visit www.lightningmotorcycle.com.
Image Source: AsphaltAndRubber.com
In: Racing · Tagged with: Alliance New Energy, ebike speed record, electric speed record, land speed record, Lightning Motors, Paul Thede, Richard Hatfield, salt, Salt Flats
