Electric Motorcycles?

[Rams]

Electric cars have arrived. But what about electric motorcycles?

http://www.marketplace.org/2017/03/17/world/electric-cars-electric-motorcycles

Harlan Flagg of Hollywood Electrics in California says he’s the No. 1 dealer of electric motorcycles in the world. And according to Flagg, a lot of the technological barriers that once slowed adoption of electric cars — battery life and weight, charging time and performance — are disappearing for electric motorcycles too.

Flagg said the Zero brand SR model he carries in his shop will do zero to 60 mph in about three seconds. And torque specs put it on par with “any super bike out there,” he said.

One major factor holding the industry back? Flagg admits the charging infrastructure isn’t there yet, but he doesn’t think that will last for long.
“I mean, we already have electricity everywhere, it's just a matter of getting these charging stations installed,” Flagg said.

In the meantime, major legacy manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Polaris have plans to enter the electric motorcycle market.  As for his own bike, Flagg said he’s been riding the same electric motorcycle for four years now.  “It just kind of shows that the technology was there four years ago,” he said.


I have no doubt that, eventually this will be the most prevalent two wheeler out there but, I personally think it's a long ways down the road.    Unless they develop a battery that will give the rider a full day of riding, I simply don't see this as satisfying the average biker.   I just can't see us enjoying the wait after a hundred mile ride for the battery to re-charge for a couple of hours if not more.   One thing for sure, if the rider wants loud pipes, he'll need to install speakers and an amp to get that effect.  

[Robert]

Interesting concept bike but I really have to wonder if he knows the market that he is selling to. Like Honda on the Valkyrie. I see a select market with ideas that dont necessarily fit with the concept of the  majority that ride motorcycles. For those that ride the city and have money it may be pretty good. With range being 184 max and more like max of 70 combined highway/city. Noise and being seen are two other areas that would be a problem as they are silent and anything added to be seen like lights take power therefore shorten riding time. Charge time is 8 hrs and pickup of 3 seconds is not super bike status. So who is going to lay out 16 grand to ride this. I would ask why also, a motorcycle does not pollute like a car, and has a persona about it that may have some saying why whats the purpose. I doubt the tesla market place is in the mood for an electric bike either. So application is limited seems to me but I like the idea when it come to maturity.

I believe electric cars at this point with the idea of replacing gas is a failure at this point. They are more than novelty than a real environmental break through. The Prius being a good car and about the best of the bunch with the most applications is ok at best. It still has a gas engine, still takes power to run it has more environmentally damaging parts since it has an engine and a electric motor along with all that goes with them and may only get 40 mpg. The diesel does that everyday and can take you across the country with the diesel gas stations and with the def fluid is non polluting and when done with it has less to dispose of.

[Alpha Dog]

The propulsion energy of the future just may be gravity waves.  We just are not talking with the right people.

[Hooter]

 What Robert said. Who would be the target consumer? For commute in a big city it may be ok. If I'm going to ride, it isn't going to be in town. So for people that like to ride the scenic route or tour, I can't see this being successful?

Electric vehicles haven't been a success for obvious reasons.  Charging was brought up and probably a major reason,  but to just take off and go on one like a gasser could be a gamble if you will make it home. If range is 150 miles you won't want to get much passed 60 or 70 miles from home. How many of us want to limit ourselves to that kind of riding?  Just seems like electric vehicles of any kind create to many limitations .

[Pete]

This technology is not going anywhere until they resolve 3 issues.
Ultra fast charging, electrical current storage and life/cost of the electrical storage unit.

Example if the battery was a capacitor they might start getting somewhere.
Yes I know there is an issue of how to slowly drain a capacitor to feed the motor.
And some safety concerns of high voltage.

[RDKLL]

While I was researching our Super Duke GT, I found out that KTM has a line a dirt bikes and dual purpose bikes that are electric. And there are indications they will be shipping tot he US. As a commuter it would be cool but thats it.
http://www.ktm.com/e-ride/

[dreamaker]

I believe that electric motorcycles are just going to be expensive toys, just like custom choppers. They will be city bikes, because they require umbilical cords.  They take to long to charge, they don't have the longevity that bikes require, and don't have the dependability needed for motorcycles. Right now there are more gas stations then there are charging stations. Even with the advancement of today's motorcycle, they seem to be less complicated then electric bikes, not necessarily in it's technology, but in it's practicality and personality of electricity.

[scooperhsd]

Yep - I will not consider an electric vehicle that has to go on the highway.

Get me an electric vehicle that can go 300 miles non-stop on a charge, and can be ready for another 300 miles in 30 minutes, -  If you can do that and have the infrastructure to support it - then I'll consider the idea. Until that can happen - electric = in city use only.

[Romeo]

Yep - I will not consider an electric vehicle that has to go on the highway.

Get me an electric vehicle that can go 300 miles non-stop on a charge, and can be ready for another 300 miles in 30 minutes, -  If you can do that and have the infrastructure to support it - then I'll consider the idea. Until that can happen - electric = in city use only.

when, and I do say when, because it's a matter of when, and not if, the things you just outlined, along with two up touring capabilities, come to pass, Along with price competitiveness, I will be riding  one. Absolutely. I could give two craps what it sounds like, it's never matter a bit to me.

[old2soon]

What about the generating stations/plants that generate the tricity?? I've seen the yuppie types all proud of them selves until I ask em That question. Prior administration tried to put coal outa business. As it works today you need heat to generate steam to turn the turbines. The sticky part of the equation these days Iz gittin the heat fer the steam. They no want nukes they no want coal and they want no oil. IF the moon bats wanna drive Anything-internal combustion or lectric they gonna have ta wake up to a little thing called reality! How much power does a transporter pad take?   RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

for a 30-40 miles commute I can see them working but that is about it.  A lot of newer, bigger companies in Madison WI nearby have 2-4 charging stations for electric hybrid cars which guessing a cycle would work as well high speed charging, enough to plug them in for 8 hours while at work and still have plenty to get you home to charge up overnight.

My neighbor was interested in one having an older 2006 prius drove home a nissan leaf and he BARELY had enough juice left 40 miles in, 40 miles home, with 5-8 more miles of running around after work in between BARELY made it home was in the VERY cold winter had to plug it in his 110v garage overnight slower charging and just made it to the dealership to return the car.  NOT a 100 miles or more car for sure in cold winters. 

gas stations are more common that plug in places for sure.

[dreamaker]

With batteries, the more weight, the more it depletes, like camping gear or second person.  Let say you are camping area is a little rustic.  Your battery goes down, can you have someone take a gas can and get a gallon of electricity?  Right!  Like I said they will be cute city bikes!!  I think they use LiPo batteries, unlike acid batteries, LiPo are not effected by the cold like acid ones are.

[art]

Electric cars have arrived. But what about electric motorcycles?

http://www.marketplace.org/2017/03/17/world/electric-cars-electric-motorcycles

Harlan Flagg of Hollywood Electrics in California says he’s the No. 1 dealer of electric motorcycles in the world. And according to Flagg, a lot of the technological barriers that once slowed adoption of electric cars — battery life and weight, charging time and performance — are disappearing for electric motorcycles too.

Flagg said the Zero brand SR model he carries in his shop will do zero to 60 mph in about three seconds. And torque specs put it on par with “any super bike out there,” he said.

One major factor holding the industry back? Flagg admits the charging infrastructure isn’t there yet, but he doesn’t think that will last for long.
“I mean, we already have electricity everywhere, it's just a matter of getting these charging stations installed,” Flagg said.

In the meantime, major legacy manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Polaris have plans to enter the electric motorcycle market.  As for his own bike, Flagg said he’s been riding the same electric motorcycle for four years now.  “It just kind of shows that the technology was there four years ago,” he said.


I have no doubt that, eventually this will be the most prevalent two wheeler out there but, I personally think it's a long ways down the road.    Unless they develop a battery that will give the rider a full day of riding, I simply don't see this as satisfying the average biker.   I just can't see us enjoying the wait after a hundred mile ride for the battery to re-charge for a couple of hours if not more.   One thing for sure, if the rider wants loud pipes, he'll need to install speakers and an amp to get that effect.  

They all say that they are #1. My sons dealership in Socal sell Triumph, Zero, MV Agusta,Beta motorcycles and is trying to get a contract with Ducati. He is the top dealership in San Bernardino,Ca. for Triumph. He likes the Zero but Triumph is his top brand.

[Dave Ritsema]

Our local PD is using them now in the urban applications. I have a friend that rides one regularly and he says it is fast and silent. He loves it for cruising back alleys and the fact that it is silent allows him to sneak up on bad guys alot easier than on his Harley.

[GiG]

January 2016 "American Motorcyclist" Magazine from the AMA had a  cover story of a guy that rode his Zero in Mexico, Canada, & US including the entire Blue Ridge PKWY, Tail of the Dragon, all over. Went from Cleveland OH to Jersey the last leg 475 miles.

The author did not whine about any of the "issues" listed above. He charged his ride at (among other places) auto dealerships & campgrounds. One 1/2 hour for complete charge - about how long it takes to eat lunch. Sounded like a most enjoyable ride and I enjoyed the article. Check it out. 

[Dave Ritsema]

for a 30-40 miles commute I can see them working but that is about it. 

Actually that is not the case at all with these bikes.  He gets a full shift on a charge and can go over 150 miles in city conditions and over 125 in highway/city conditions. Battery technology is evolving.

[dreamaker]

I don’t think the battery technology is here yet, we are still in the beginning stages. I don’t want to discourage anyone, it is your money and it is your choice, and I am not saying it’s wrong.  People think it is the greatest thing since bubble gum or silly putty.  Chances are they are using a form of Lithium batteries, like LiPo batteries. Check out these tests, and think in terms of your bike getting knocked over or sitting in your garage charging.  I use the Lipo batteries on my drones, and Rule of Thumb is:  You never charge them while you are not in the area! Check these videos out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5_-eBbDE0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF9fhlr9S5s