Electric Motorcycle - Would YOU buy one?

That GPR-S is the much better looking of the two. It would be good for my work commute, but I'd want more range (like around 100 miles) between charges. That 35 mile power range would be cutting it too close for me. No way it would replace my VFR. I gotta have my V4 gear drive whine and exhaust growl.

 

it would have no noise!

Electric motors are more efficient than gasoline motors. With gasoline motors there is noise, vibration and countless other things, isn't that part of the fun of it? When the VFR was first started up, I had a ear to ear smile. I like listening to the motor but above 7,000 RPM it is like listening to the symphony! To answer your question, depends what they are like.


Not a huge race fan but imagine a race where they said ladies and gentlemen start your engines and there was no noise!


Just 2¢

 

I saw a show on the dirt bike. It performed very well. They ran it side by side with a gas bike and it was not far behind in any of the tests. I am interested in seeing the VFR conversion from the guy on here.
There are many things in store for alternate fuel bikes, we shall see.
If one performs like my VFR, I would be interested.

 

I wouldn't. Last time I checked, electric vehicles don't have gear driven cam whine & V4 rumble.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I work out of my truck (ladder rack and tools) so I wouldn't have a need for one. But, if they had a electric truck that would go 500-600 miles before a charge, heck yes.

 

I love the concept of electric vehicles because the torque is constant no matter what RPM you're at. Plus you don't even need to shift gears. Not to mention the ease of maintenance; no more oil changes, spark plug changes, etc... Electric motors usually last forever.

But what's really holding back electric vehicles is the batteries. If I could get an electric bike that gets about 150 miles per charge with each charge only taking 20 minutes yeah sign me up for one! Saturn a while ago tried selling an electric car but it didn't do well because of the limited range and long charge times.

 

One, it would have to go closer to 80 miles on a charge. That would get me a round trip to work with a little to spare. Two, it would have to have around the same performance as a 400cc single or a Ninja 250. Three, top speed would have to be 90 mph so you could take it on the interstate. If it could do all that and was a reasonable price I'd consider one as a commuter bike and have the VFR for the weekends. I know that's a lot to ask for but you can buy a new Super Moto that will get you 70 MPG for 5 grand. I don't see a big market for electric bikes until they come up with a more efficient battery/motor combo. Heck the big scooters are getting great mileage and are fine on the slab.

Action

 

I'd seriously consider one as a commuter (of the bikes above it would HAVE to be the GPRS) and 60 miles would be fine. Pricing would have to be very reasonable to ensure that I am still $$ ahead when considering the additional cost of the monthly payment.

 

I kinda like the idea of an electric dirt bike. Talk about smooth power to take off on a slick, muddy hill. And, with no noise, think about all the wildlife you'd get to see.
Why is it electric and hybrid cars, bikes always have that same stupid look?

 

I'll wait for the nuclear version... Batteries are getting better with regard to power/size/weight/lifespan, but they are still an environmental nightmare. And the power that recharges them has to come from somewhere.

Besides that, they're just too quiet. Playing cards in the spokes for me.

 

To "add" to the stable.

It would have to be cheep...real cheep. Under 5k i would think.

It would have to get at least 60 miles to a charge, hit 80km/h and have some storage space. Also i think a lot falls to cities, let bikes park for free down, enable lane splitting, and more of them on the road(don't want to be the only one...every one here drives f-350 more bikes would be nice, just so people watch for them....

 

That's the way technology is moving. You now have bikes with automatic gearboxes, (no, not scooters, bikes :smile: ) because you have auto gearboxes in cars that out-perform stick-shift cars, so why not for bikes? Can you imagine a Fireblade with an auto gearbox. Might make wheelies a little problematic, unless you had a manual over-ride. One smooth massive launch from stop to top-end. arty2:

So why not electric bikes. I'd definitely consider one for commuting, but for the brekky run? Give me my Viffer!

 

I would as long as the power delivery was linear much like a gas engine. Make a fun track bike possibly.

BZ

 

Not even if they were free.

 

The bikes I have seen are 'on and off' as far as torque is concerned. Very steep curve.