Tag Archives: electric

Narrowing The Gas-Electric Motorcycle Gap: Brammo

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Electric?

In a further sign that electric motorcycles are catching up to their gas-powered counterparts, and aren’t just a short-lived, unrealistic fad, another maker has announced the impending release of new models that narrow the gas-electric gap.

Brammo, builder of the Enertia powercycle, announced July 15 it will release the Empulse line of electric sport bikes next year. There will be three models in the line. Each will reach and sustain speeds of 100 miles per hour, Brammo says, and go farther without a recharge. The Empulse 6.0 will get 60 miles per charge, the 8.0 will get 80 miles and the 10.0 will go 100 miles. They will also be the first production electric motorcycles with water-cooled engines. Brammo touts the technology not just for its power and range capabilities, but also for its production economy, making all-electric technology competitive in price as well as performance.

The electric motorcycles are expected to sell from $9,995 for the 6.0 to $11,995 for the 8.0 to $13,995 for the 10.0. They will also be eligible for tax incentives that, according to a Brammo press release, could make the final 10.0 price as low as $7,000 depending on the state. The electric bikes will be sold at authorized dealers, including Best Buy stores.

Electric Dominates Gas At AMA Motorcycle First

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The Zero MX

Suspend your thoughts about the roar-and-vibration riding experience for a minute and consider a near silent hum instead, because electric bikes just kicked the caboodle out of gas powered motorcycles at the May 7 Minimoto Energy Crisiscross (ECX) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It was the inaugural American Motocross Association sanctioned electricity vs. gas race, and electricity nabbed the first six spots, seven out of the top ten. Drew Gosselaar, riding a Quantya Track, took first place and riders on Zero MX bikes landed the next six at this AMA first.

The event matched these electric dirt bikes with comparable 150cc gas-powered cycles and while gas vehicles maintain many advantages over electric, the Energy Crisiscross results show that electric manufacturers are making strides.

The Quantya track boasts a top speed of about 43 mph, with a 30-90 minute run time and two-hour charge time. The Zero MX provides up to 23 horsepower, has a range of up to 40 miles and fully charges in about two hours.

If a person had a job less than 20 miles away, one could do worse than commuting on an electric street model motorcycle, some of which have top speeds up to and exceeding 65 mph and ranges closer to 50 miles.

Of course, they probably don’t produce much roar and vibrato.