I've just been reading about the Damon electric motorbike, and it sounds quite impressive - 200hp, 200mph and 200-mile range at 60mph (160+ at 70). https://electrek.co/2020/01/08/damon-hypersport-electric-motorcycle-200-mph-speed-200-mile-range/ I like twin-cylinder bikes because of the character of the engine, but apart from my concern that a leccy motor will have a bland character, I have no fundamental objection to electric bikes. The Damon, however is not one that I would be interested in. Too much power & potential speed that I would prefer to see traded for even more range and practicality. And I'm not sure about all the fancy gizmos - though the sitting position adjustments sound interesting (racing to touring adjustment - I assume bars, seat and foot peg positions can be changed though I haven't looked at the detail yet). What I'm looking for is a bike I can tour on (up to 450-mile day), can be recharged reasonably quickly, and strap luggage to, and then I would seriously consider weaning myself off the twin cylinder pulse addiction.
That"s an interesting article Jock, and incredible stats if correct, other than the loss of the glorious sound of a petrol engine maybe the future doesn't look as bad as I imagined if this is an example of the sort of machine's that are going to become available, in saying that I will probably be pushing up daisies long before electric bikes are the norm
The initial limited edition all singing all dancing version $40,000. After that the cooking grade job will be $25.000
I don't think that electric bikes will interest me or be readily available in my life time, so I will stick with my petrol bikes until I hang up my boots.............
I've ridden the Zero DS and SR models. They're really fun, and I'd consider buying one when they reach 200 mile range at 70 mph. An electric bike wouldn't replace anything currently in the garage, but it would be a nice addition. As for touring, I think we're going to be burning gasoline for a long time to come. Right now, the electrics are basically commuter bikes, with some high performance models thrown in the mix. It all comes down to battery technology. I'm waiting for the next breakthrough.
I've ridden the Zero DS and SR models. They're really fun, and I'd consider buying one when they reach 200 mile range at 70 mph. An electric bike wouldn't replace anything currently in the garage, but it would be a nice addition. As for touring, I think we're going to be burning gasoline for a long time to come. Right now, the electrics are basically commuter bikes, with some high performance models thrown in the mix. It all comes down to battery technology. I'm waiting for the next breakthrough.
It has to come to the point where you go to a filling station and change your "interchangeable" universal fit, battery, just like power tools. Then the petrol engine will be demoted to history.
Might be ok for the new generation of young riders, but will never replace what us old codgers no and love, which is a loud petrol engine between your thighs.....
I'm sure you are correct @Sprinter, by my reckoning I will be long gone before that is likely to happen, so with a bit of luck it will not impact me....
Very informative and I suppose is the future, but not for me not at the stupid prices they won't yes they will get cheaper but I like the sound and the smells and the character of the internal combustion engine not to mention the range of these things.
Instead of stopping for petrol, you stop for a battery. I see Europe is asking all phone manufacturers to use the same charging connection in all phones. I can't believe they havnt implemented this already, or that one of the Petrol Station giants hasn't got on board yet, maybe there's a plan behind the scenes.
Lard! A moto e weighs 260kg in racing trim A Moto 2 weight 215kg minimum including the rider. You can see the Moto E bikes take some slowing down, especially on wet tracks. Weight and range will remain major issues for some time.
I wouldn't be averse to owning one if I could afford it. 99% of my riding would be well within the maximum range of the modern machines anyway.
The current battery technology is the biggest hold up right now, as far as I understand. I am sure this will be sorted out in the near future. I would like to test ride one, just for the hell of it! But then, I would also like to be launched from an aircraft carrier too. 0 - 176 MPH in 3 seconds sounds like a blast!
Absolutely, to me a motorcycle is a living breathing (sometimes spitting and snarling ) machine with character and soul, they are works of engineering art. An electric bike is a lump of plastic that hums
Thanks for all the input - it's the first time I looked at this since just after I posted it. I like the burbling, coughing rumble of my boxer engine and I'd miss that for sure. But once the ear plugs are in, helmet on and I'm under way, I thinks it's more the feel of the engine I experience rather than the sound of it. I think the Tiger 800 is a great bike, but it's not the sound that does it for me. The weight of electric bikes is certainly an issue, and the cost. But once that's sorted (which might take a while), I'll have a go. And I wonder when it will start to be made difficult/expensive to own a ICE bike as environmental pressures increase.
