Gas Gas TXT eTrail Pro Electric Trials Motorcycle
Austria’s Gas Gas distributor BLM Motorrader converted a TXT Pro petrol engine Gas Gas to electric and had trials rider Dieter Rudolf take it for a ride over a few cars and crates. The motor looks like an Agni or Lemco but Google translation of the Motorrad-Reporter article mentions the motor is a brushless DC. Batteries of undisclosed chemistry are tucked nicely between the frame spars and everything is packaged nicely. The electronics appear to be nailed down enough for Rudolf to scale cars and wheelie with out too much drama. However, there was no mention that I could find of Gas Gas changing their name to Electric Electric and mass producing the bike.
Find out more and see the video of Dieter on the electric Gas Gas TXT after the break.
In: trials · Tagged with: Austria, BLM, Dieter Rudolf, Electric Electric, electric trials, Elektromotor, eTrial, Gas Gas, Motorrad-Reporter, trials, Video, Wolfgang Leitner
How Do Electric Motorcycle Batteries Work?
Kevin Cameron has been teaching the motorcycle enthusiast community the technical aspects of internal combustion two wheelers on the pages of Cycle World as long as I can remember. I’m not sure how long he toils over what would take me months to write but the finish piece is always an easy to follow explanation of how complex technical systems work.
Now that electric is on the radar of most print publications Kevin is digging into the workings of electric drive and has the following to say about the task:
It seems unfair to have to learn all this new stuff after working hard to master internal combustion jargon, but life is change. Get used to it!
All the hard work is paying off for readers. Cameron has a great write up on how LiFePO4 batteries work on page 46 of the April 2010 issue.
In particular, Cameron’s description of the “discharge rate” of LiFePO4 batteries was great. He describes it as a product of how fast Lithium ions can wiggle out of the cathode, through the electrolyte and into the anode. This movement of Lithium ions forces the electrons to move in the opposite direction which generates electricity. The volume of lithium ions able to move in a given period dictates how fast a battery can charge or discharge.
Cameron also mentioned some interesting ways to break in LiFePO4 batteries saying:
a 20-cycle break-in use, discharged no deeper than one-third charge, boosts reliability
This thought even got some of the folks that use the batteries every day talking about the theory.
Check out page 46 of the April (latest) Cycle World and check out the online. They have a great diagram of how a LiFePO4 battery works to help concepts sink in. They also have a review of the Brammo Enertia complete with dyno runs.
In: tech · Tagged with: batteries, Cycle World, how ev batteries work, Kevin Cameron, LiFePO4, print, tech
Will Team Agni Streamline For TT Zero?
TTXGP Streamlining - Craig Vetter Visual Translation
Team Agni won last year’s TTXGP at Isle Of Man by choosing an outstanding rider and using a philosophy of minimalist engineering, energy management and decades of knowledge of electric vehicle racing. Rob Barber rode the Cedric Lynch designed X01 to a convincing victory over more powerful machines. The same “big money” teams will be back in 2010 for the renamed TT Zero at Isle Of Man, only this year they have 1.5 years of electric motorcycle experience instead of 6 months. We already know MotoCzysz will have an incredibly powerful and more reliable electric drive system and has eliminated all but 2 wires in the e1pc, decreasing possibilities for failure. How Will Team Agni defend their title against the Czysz machine and other teams shooting for 600 cc performance?
In: Racing · Tagged with: 2010 Isle of Man TT, 2010 TT Zero, Arvind Rabadia, Cedric Lynch, electric racing, Guy Procter, IOMTT, Isle Of Man, MCN, streamline, streamlining, Team Agni, TT Zero, TTXGP
Zero Advertises On Cycle World iPhone App
Zero Motorcycles recently mentioned on facebook they were advertising on Cycle World Magazine’s iPhone app so I decided to check it out.
Zero Motorcycles: Have an iPhone? Zero Motorcycles is proud to be the first ever to have an interstitial on the Cycle World iPhone application! Go through the Apple iTunes application store to download it, and check it out, or find out more about on http://www.cycleworld.com
I have used the Cycle World app a few times and it actually very good. They did not over do it trying to be to high tech and the content seems to be updated fairly regularly. Nice job by Zero for finding new ways to advertise their new 2010 product line.
In: Zero Motorcycles · Tagged with: advertising, iPhone, Zero Motorcycles
MotoCzysz Introduces Electric D1g1tal Dr1ve
Modern ICE sportbike design consists of an engine paired to a frame to create a load-bearing structure and power plant with the least amount of weight possible. Try to throw this design philosophy out the window when digesting what Michael Czysz has designed in the MotoCzysz Electric D1g1tal Dr1ve system (eDD or “suitcase”). The eDD is a platform to build your vision of an electric motorcycle. Add the swingarm of your choice and fabricate a structure to connect front suspension and rear shock to the MotoCzysz “suitcase”. But whatever you do, do not hang the eDD off a GSXR rolling chassis. Michael will personally come out, refund your 42,500 32,000 (after $10,000 sponsorship) and take his electric drive platform back to Oregon. Actually I’m sure he would be happy to have your money but you’d be missing the point.
In: MotoCzysz · Tagged with: DVMS, E1pc, eDD, Electric Digital Drive, electric motorcycle motor, ESS, Fill The Grid, hot-swap, Michael Czysz, MotoCzysz, platform, Suitcase, technology
A Cooler, More Colorful Zero Motorcycles Lineup For 2010
Today Zero rolled out their 2010 lineup of electric motorcycles. Most noticeable are the bold new graphics on all four models. The blue / black and red / black options are a big improvement on the white and black of 2009 although the Stormtrooper look is still an option.
Zero Z-Force Air Induction System
The Zero S and DS now have the Z-Force Air Induction system added to the DC motor to keep it running cool and improving power. Some issues with the 2009 models have been addresses by adding higher mirrors to improve reward visibility and a Corbin seat that is sure to keep the cheeks happy.
The X and MX also get the bold new graphics treatment for 2010. In addition the front number plate on the dirt models is now flat and more conventionally shaped than last years. The front fender on the MX is also larger to keep flying mud under control and the bars are higher improving ergonomics.
I’m sure there are more improvements, drop us a comment if you see something I missed. The Zero website is full of pictures and videos but I included a few after the break.
In: Zero Motorcycles · Tagged with: 2010, 2010 Zero DS, 2010 Zero Motorcycles Lineup, 2010 Zero MX, 2010 Zero S, 2010 Zero X, air cooled, improvements, pictures, Video, Z-Force Air Induction, Zero, Zero DS, zero mirrors
Former Buell Employee Abe Askenazi Joins Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles and other electric manufacturers are raising stars in the motorcycle industry where few American companies have seen large scale success. Late last year one of the most loved to hate American motorcycle companies in history closed it’s doors just as it was starting to win AMA races and claimed an AMA championship. Years of motorcycle experience hit the streets after Buell closed it’s doors and it appears Zero was able to grab 14 years of it by bringing on Abe Askenazi as Vice President of Engineering. With that much knowledge of motorcycles under his belt it is a great sign companies like Zero are on the right track.
Check out the press release after the break for more details.
In: Zero Motorcycles · Tagged with: Abe Axkenazi, Abraham Askenazi, Ask Abe, Buell, ex-buell, new hire, staff, Zero Executives, Zero Motorcycles
2009 TTXGP Champions Confirm All Three TTXGP Regionals For 2010
Agni Motors (12) and Betti Moto (1) at Nurburgring
Team Agni took first place at the 2009 TTXGP at Isle Of Man by a large margin upsetting many favorites. Many eyes have been on Arvind Rabadia to see where his team would go racing for 2010. There are currently three separate electric race organizations, TT Zero (Isle of Man), e-Power (FIM) and TTXGP (eGrandPrix). For those new to the electric race landscape don’t confuse these 3 separate organizations with the 3 separate regional series that make up the 2010 TTXGP. The 8 highest placing teams from each of these regional series meet in Albacete, Spain for a final to decide the champion for 2010.
At this point not many of the major electric race teams have revealed their 2010 plans. Team Agni competing at all three TTXGP regionals could be a big draw for teams who want to beat the 2009 champions. It will be interesting to see if Team Agni signs on for e-Power as well. It seems Team Agni will not be at TT Zero as it falls on the same weekend as the second stop of the North American TTXGP round at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
See the full press release after the break.
In: Racing · Tagged with: 2010 TTXGP, 2010 TTXGP Teams, Agni Motors, Arvind Rabadia, Betti Moto, eGrandPrix, Team Agni, TTXGP, TTXGP Regional Series
Swedish Electric Racing Team SERT Signs TT Zero
I wish I had more than the same press release everyone already posted but I can not find much more. I will update this post as I find information on Team SERT. That is one large motor and there will be lots of chain. It will be interesting to see where they put the batteries and controller but it looks like the start of a great bike. Best of luck to Team SERT!
UPDATE: Ivar Kvadsheim sent me the link to Team SERT homepage. Nice list of the team members here. Mats Nillsen of SERT is a TT rider his hompage is here.
24th February 2010
Swedish Electric Racing Team (SERT) confirm participation in TT Zero
– Experienced Former TT winner Chris Palmer signs up to ride for teamThe Swedish Electric Racing Team (SERT) have confirmed that they will be taking part in the 2010 TT Zero for Clean Emissions Electric Motorcycles as part of the Isle of Man TT Races.
The team has been formed and is led by Lars “Lasse” Nilsson, a former motocross and road racing competitor. He has also been a mechanic in Endurance VM and STCC competitions. They have also brought popular former MGP and TT racer Mats Nilsson on board as the team TT liaison officer. The rest of the team includes Per “Backis” Backstrom (technical responsibility and chassis), Christoffer Alwen (Mechanical design and testing) and Project Manager Peter Rosenquist.
TT veteran Chris Palmer has been confirmed as their rider. Chris, 47, originally from Carlisle in England is now resident on the Isle of Man and has a very credible record with three wins and four podiums in the TT since his debut in 1990. He has been particularly successful in the lightweight (250cc) and Ultra-lightweight (125cc) classes.
The SERT team has bought Anthony West’s Honda CBR600RR from the now defunct Stiggy Racing WSB team and are in the process of modifying it to incorporate an electric system.
Lars Nilsson commented:
“We bought the Honda CBR 600RR because the frame design is well suited to convert to an electric system and since the new parts are about the same weight and placement we expect the handling to be very similar to the original bike.”
He continued:
“We are all really thrilled to be participating in the world’s greatest motorcycle race although we have a lot of work between now and June to get the bike ready. The TT is the ultimate challenge for an electric motorcycle and we are looking forward to the task.”
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome our first Scandinavian team to TT Zero and are really looking forward to seeing them put their technology to the test around the Mountain Course.”
In: Racing · Tagged with: Anthony West, CBR600RR, Chris Palmer, Hon Martyn Quayle, IOM TT, Lars “Lasse” Nilsson, Lars Nilsson, Racing, Scandinavian, SERT, SERT Racing, Stiggy Racing, Sweden, Swedish Electric Racing Team, Team SERT, TT Zero, TT Zero Teams
More Doors Opening For Electric
Phil Smage On The Zero MX
The first doors to open for electric drive powersports were a long time coming. Activists in touch with the environment have been pushing for ways to reduce carbon emissions for decades. In the late 90’s, frustrations mounted as the EV1 came and went. Engineers and tinkerers have been building and racing electrics for years.
In 2008 and 2009 many doors were blown open for electrics. High gas prices drove people to look for cheaper fuel options than gas. Modern, stable, high rate of discharge lithium ion batteries became less expensive. Azhar Hussain rocked decades old motorcycle race organizations with a wildly successful TTXGP at the Isle Of Man TT. Disruptive entrepreneurs with a vision to mass produce electric motorcycles and sell them in cost effective, high visibility, customer friendly ways. Even KTM announced intensions to go electric. It all came together in 2009.
In: Industry · Tagged with: 2010, 2016, be a part of it, business, doors, Electric Motorcycle Racing, entrepreneurs, green business, investment, land grab, opportunities, projections, Racing, Smage
