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19-07-19, 07:46 AM | #1 |
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electric motorcycles
I'd like one. I like acceleration and the idea of maximum torque from a standing start is appealing. I don't like visiting petrol stations and I'm spoiled by the AL7 by only doing it every 200 miles, so I'd need an electric bike that was similar.
The Zero S with the optional 11kW battery and power tank comes to £16690 (which includes UK government incentive). Supposedly, in this configuration, it will do 136 miles and it weighs 205kg. I'm not sure why the critics are getting excited about the Harley ̶F̶u̶s̶e̶w̶i̶r̶e̶, Livewire. It weighs 249kg has a range of 110 miles and costs £28750. (not sure if that includes UK subsidy). So, not there yet, I think I'd need a price closer to £11k and a range of 200 miles before I'd be tempted. As for the Harley they do like to stick with their reputation of heavy, expensive bikes. Aesthetics are totally subjective, but I don't find the Livewire attractive, the Zero looks more "normal" (whatever normal is for a bike). |
19-07-19, 07:50 AM | #2 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
The range will get there, the first IC engine wasn't doing 100mi to a tank by any means.
The prices though are astronomical, if I understand right you also own the battery so liable when it breaks/degrades - whereas you PCP a Renault Zoe, the battery is rented for the term |
19-07-19, 08:33 AM | #3 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
The problem I have is with the charging - living in a mid terrace, I simply don't have the opportunity to own an electric car, let alone a bike. Then, when you need to go further than 136 miles, you have to plan in half-hour (or longer) stops.
I think I'll wait for fuel cells! |
19-07-19, 10:15 AM | #4 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
My problem is I like to ride in the middle of nowhere. Occasionally I am fumes to get to a fill up and that is 150 miles to a tank. The little country villages that may have a filling station are not going to have a charging point.
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19-07-19, 10:25 AM | #5 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
As with electric cars the real issue is not so much the range but how long it takes to charge. As it stands I tend to fill up my bike every 100 miles or so and when I do it takes me well under five minutes. Until leccy vehicles crack that one they will remain peripheral to mainstream transport.
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19-07-19, 10:33 AM | #6 | |
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Re: electric motorcycles
Quote:
Then, you try to charge it at night during off-peak (cheaper) to find that with so many people charging at night, there's no longer an off-peak time(or it's now during the day!) Then, they're not as green as portrayed to be. While you remove tailpipe emissions the electricity still needs to be generated, whether by wind,hydro,nuclear,coal/oil/gas/solar. We're nowhere near capable of EV utopia, bikes yes wouldn't be hard to charge in garage or shed Last edited by Chris_SVS; 19-07-19 at 10:39 AM. |
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19-07-19, 10:50 AM | #7 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
You'll get gangs of youths running round with chargers and big batteries, the modern equivalent of a syphon and a jerry can.
Fuel cells or hydrogen fuel is definitely the long-term solution. Clean to use, quick to fill up. |
19-07-19, 11:12 AM | #8 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
Was amazed 5 years ago when at Hadrians Wall just above Haltwhistle there was electric car charging available - miles from nowhere!
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19-07-19, 11:39 AM | #9 |
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Re: electric motorcycles
That would be 2-3weeks of commuting and gym for me. It's possible! I have been considering a small bike for a "runaround" Why I'm looking at Aprilia RS125's though is anyones guess
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-...o/tc-max/2019/ Last edited by Chris_SVS; 19-07-19 at 11:42 AM. |
19-07-19, 04:42 PM | #10 | |
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Re: electric motorcycles
Quote:
I'd like this, and in USA it's about £10,000. Lightning Strike 2. Go on! You would!
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Thought I was in a bad mood, but it's been 30 years now, so I suppose it's just who I am. 05 SV650s now with proper suspension, hurrah! Last edited by Toooldtodie; 19-07-19 at 04:47 PM. |
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