2011 Zero Electric Motorcycles Launch

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by pdad13

One other thing to think about: There are markets where many people truly use motorcycles for everyday transport and a practical, frugal EV would probably be a hit. They don't include the U.S.A. That's where the biggest opportunities are and electric motorcycles in their current guise won't work for these people.

Good point.

Another point to consider: I wonder how companies will like people plugging into the company's electricity, making the company's energy bills climb.

[SpeedwayRN]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

From the article:

"The EPA came up with the dyno-simulated standard for electrical vehicles near the end of last year, and the Motorcycle Industry Council endorses it. The test simulates varying speeds and loads, and lasts 22 minutes, 49 seconds, and covers 7.45 miles at an average of 19.59 mph."

Exactly.........avg of 20 mph. on a 22 minute test.....
Doesn't sound very realistic to me.

[mscuddy]

HYBRID! HYBRID! HYBRID...gasp...choke....

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by SpeedwayRN

Exactly.........avg of 20 mph. on a 22 minute test.....
Doesn't sound very realistic to me.

Well, at least it's a consistent standard rather than artificially inflated numbers from a manufacturer.

And if your commutes don't involve a freeway/highway, a 22-mph average isn't too unrealistic. Think of how much your avg speed drops when you're sitting at a traffic light.

Not ideal, but better.

[mscuddy]

K'mon Kevin, that's just like saying "Oh we accept ****ty technology and God save the Queen!" A small (read that light) direct injected two stroke of of not over 100cc putting out around 10 HP driving a brushless alternator/rectifyer would put this baby in real contention for regular motorcyclist to make the change, until then just a novelty Ed Begly Jr. rides.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

K'mon Kevin, that's just like saying "Oh we accept ****ty technology and God save the Queen!" A small (read that light) direct injected two stroke of of not over 100cc putting out around 10 HP driving a brushless alternator/rectifyer would put this baby in real contention for regular motorcyclist to make the change, until then just a novelty Ed Begly Jr. rides.

The standard is just like the EPA mileage listings on cars. You know you aren't going to get the mileage they state, but it's useful because you can see that the giant SUV gets 1/3 the mileage as the compact car. So it's a basis for comparison.

I like the engine/generator setup though. Add 40 miles of battery capacity for around town scoots, and you're all set!

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

K'mon Kevin, that's just like saying "Oh we accept ****ty technology and God save the Queen!" A small (read that light) direct injected two stroke of of not over 100cc putting out around 10 HP driving a brushless alternator/rectifyer would put this baby in real contention for regular motorcyclist to make the change, until then just a novelty Ed Begly Jr. rides.

While a hybrid system might be very advantageous in terms of range extension, having two engines will make a bike relatively heavy, and we know how you hate heavy bikes! If it's direct-injected, it won't be cheap. If it's not, it won't pass emissions testing.

I'm sure people have been working on a hybrid system for bikes, but it can't be simple or inexpensive, otherwise we would've seen one by now. Piaggio makes an MP3 hybrid, and they have more experience than anyone with direct-injected two-stroke motorbikes. But they told me the MP3 system is too big and heavy for a two-wheeler.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

having two engines will make a bike relatively heavy,

Speaking of heavy, did Zero say anything about their founder leaving the company to enter a "Human-Powered Helicopter" competition? Supposedly it's sponsored by Sikorski.

That'd be pretty interesting if he really did.

[Jeff Cobb]

Originally Posted by Morbo the Destroyer

Speaking of heavy, did Zero say anything about their founder leaving the company to enter a "Human-Powered Helicopter" competition? Supposedly it's sponsored by Sikorski.

That'd be pretty interesting if he really did.

Yes, this is correct. Not the first time he's done it either. He made an ultra-light, bicycle-crank-powered helicopter years ago. It spooled just enough rope to spin rotors, and jump the thing in to a very low hover for enough time to make it, if I understood the explanation correctly. A picture of it is on their office wall in Scotts Valley.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Cobb

Yes, this is correct. Not the first time he's done it either. He made an ultra-light, bicycle-crank-powered helicopter years ago. It spooled just enough rope to spin rotors, and jump the thing in to a very low hover for enough time to make it, if I understood the explanation correctly. A picture of it is on their office wall in Scotts Valley.

That's pretty impressive when you think about it. A regular aircraft with all the wing lift was tough enough, but a heli takes a lot more energy to accomplish flight.

He should do beer commercials as "The World's Second Most Interesting Man."