Electric Superbike - Not an Oxymoron

[Joe Blake]

http://www.gizmag.com/the-worlds-first-125-mph-electric-road-legal-motorcycle/10459/

Ooooh boy, I think I'm starting to get a bad case of the hankerings.

Joe

[Rob Beckers]

Neat!
Getting envious too... :sick:
All we need is better batteries. That's the 'missing link' for electrical locomotion (cars, bikes etc.). I was in the Ottawa Science & Technology museum a week or two ago; they have a nice collection of antique cars. One of them is from the early 1900's, and guess what, it's electrical! It seems there were many electrical brands and models in those days, but they all disappeared when oil based technology got more mature. It looks like we will be coming full circle.

By the way, they mention the Honda CB750 as the first 'superbike'. I used to have one of those (though a somewhat later model, the CB750 F2) and rode it for a few years. Nice bike, bad design though. Lubrication couldn't keep up, wearing out various parts prematurely. I rebuild the engine on that bike, the first time I took apart an engine and build it back up (and yes, it did work afterward!). Now have an Aprilia Caponord that averages 43 miles/gallon without trying too hard.

-RoB-

[Joe Blake]

I remember being in Sydney when the CB750 was first released. I heard it before I saw it. M-m-m-m-m-m-m. What a sound (after nothing but twin cylinder Triumphs and BSAs and Nortons it was quite different). But then ... one night ... WHAT is that? It sounds like Swiss chocolate. So sm-o-o-o-o-o-t-h. Triumph Trident 3 cylinder 750.

Nowadays (apart from my electric/pedally brigade), I ride a BMW F650CS single. Vibrates like mad and I love it. 26 km/litre!!! And it's got enough power to take two people 900 km on an overnight tour.

But I'm waiting for the Piaggio MP3 hybrid.

http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/hybrid-piaggio-mp3-for-7000/

I know it's piggish of me, but I want a 250cc with electric assist.

I reckon I could achieve 150 miles per gallon by judicious use of my solar panels to keep the batteries charged, and do my local shopping just on electricity.

Joe