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Nov 18

Royal Enfield Showcases Electric Himalayan at EICMA

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Royal Enfield presented its first ever electric vehicle design concept at the EICMA 2023 in Milan, Italy. This is a new phase in the history of an iconic 122-years old company. Royal Enfield Electric Himalayan Testbed debut represents the company’s commitment to a sustainable adventure and exploration.

Royal Enfield has re-invented and re-imagined its motorcycles and branding well-enough in the past and now with a vision of an electric tourer it is heading boldly into an unknown future.

“This motorcycle is only just a part of a much bigger sustainable ecosystem of exploration and adventure that we are working on in the Himalayas. From green charging pit-stops, to our responsible travel initiative, from creating self-sustaining communities to collaboration with UNESCO to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the Himalayan region, there are a lot of initiatives we are passionately driving” says B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield.

Although the price is unknown, it is speculated that the EV version of Himalayan will cost twice as much as the top-end variation of their most-expensive model– seemingly making it unreachable to the masses, just like it’s namesake mountain range peaks.

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Nov 01

Honda CR Electric Makes Racing Debut

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Honda CR Electric has made an impressive beginning in All Japan Motocross Championship last weekend. It debuted at Round 8, competing against 450cc gas-powered motorcycles in the IA1 class. All Japan Motocross Championship was held at Saitama.

Team Honda HRC advisor and test rider Trey Canard rode the Honda CR Electric prototype as a wildcard entry, setting the second fastest time in the opening practice session. He qualified in fifth overall on Saturday.

Canard finished second in the first of three motos behind reigning champion Jay Wilson of Yamaha on race day. Together, the electric bike and Canard made their fastest single lap time at 1:37.195, which was the second overall behind Wilson’s 1:36.503.

Canard crashed out early in second and third motos. He got a holeshot on two out of the three races.

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Oct 22

Malta to ban rented e-scooters from March

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The decision had been taken because of “intolerable abuse,” Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia said. A surprise announcement on Friday mentioned the cause as inconvenience to pedestrians. The violations are so many, doubling the number of enforcement officers overnight would not have solved the issue as per the minister.

It is understood, private e-scooters will still be allowed, with incentives introduced to encourage people to buy their own.

This decision makes Malta the first European country to ban rental scooters, although the French capital Paris took a similar decision after holding a referendum.

Refer: https://blog.bikernet.com/paris-climate-accord-vs-paris-e-scooters/

Government earlier this year stated it will consider designated parking zones for the 5,000 scooters on the island, before banning them outright.

The term e-scooter may be confusing– it is not the typical scooter such as a Vespa. Refer above images of an e-scooter.

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Oct 06

Kawasaki Ninja: First Hybrid Production Model Motorcycle

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Kawasaki claims the first strong hybrid motorcycle to enter mass production

Just after the brand announced its first electric motorcycles they have introduced the first hybrid motorcycle. Unlike the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid aims to be more than an urban commuter or entry-level motorcycle.

Kawasaki declares the Ninja 7 Hybrid is the first mass produced motorcycle (excluding scooters) from a major manufacturer with a “strong hybrid” system. This means it can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of the two.

Despite the 7 in its model name, the Ninja 7 Hybrid is to be equipped with a liquid-cooled 451cc Parallel-Twin. Kawasaki hasn’t provided more details about it. Kawasaki claims the engine produces 58.3 hp, which is actually more than the Eliminator produces. Supplied photos of the TFT display show an indicated max speed of 11,000 rpm.

When using an electric motor it increases output to a possible 68.5 hp of hybrid net power. This puts the Ninja 7 Hybrid slightly ahead of the Ninja 650 and Z650 which claim 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm.

Sport-hybrid, Eco-hybrid, or EV are the three riding modes which will provide different riding characteristics, offering a focus between performance or fuel economy. Fuel economy is expected to be on par with a 250cc class motorcycle.

Other unique aspects are its clutch and idling features along with an Automatic Launch Position Finder function.

The Kawasaki Ninja 7 would likely be presented in silver and black colors with a lime green lower fairing, and is expected to arrive in European showrooms in January. U.S. availability remains to be determined.

Watch the Kawasaki announcement video:

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Sep 20

Electric Kawasaki Announced: Ninja E-1 and Z E-1

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These Electric models will aim to capture the 125cc commuter class for urban mobility

Kawasaki Europe has officially announced full specifications and details about its first electric motorcycles.

Ninja e-1 sportbike and the naked Z e-1 are to be launched in Europe. Both models are classified as 125cc-class motorcycles and will reach European markets soon. It is expected that other markets including Australia, Japan, and America will get these too.

Both the e-1 models are powered by the same air-cooled interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, rated at 6.7 hp at 2,800 rpm (claimed peak output of 12.1 hp), and a claimed 29.9 lb-ft. of torque. The curb weight is 298 pounds compared to 324 pounds for the Z 125.

Each motorcycle will be powered by two removable 50.4 V lithium-ion battery packs, and each having a nominal capacity of 30 Ah. The batteries are mounted in parallel under a storage compartment where typically a fuel tank is located. After installation, the battery charge levels are shown on the left and right sides of a TFT display. Each battery has its own charge level indicator.

Another interesting feature is the three different ways to charge these batteries:

  1. plugging it into a charger,
  2. connecting it to a charging dock, or,
  3. with the battery installed on the motorcycle, by connecting the charger to a port located in the tail.

Kawasaki has claimed charging time from 0 to 100% in just 3.7 hours for each battery, and a partial charge from 20 to 85% in 1.6 hours.

Knowing the industry reputation of Kawasaki in heavy machinery and not just motorcycles, one can be assured of quality and performance from electric motorcycles presented under a Kawasaki badge.

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Sep 20

Delivery and Deliverance

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A tale of two parties to a deal and one steadfast old iron engine

Text and photos by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations from Wayfarer

An Enfield Bullet 350 finds a home after being in limbo for four stressful months. The cast iron engine with right-hand-side gear shift is a well-known legend among motorcyclists, especially purists who don’t want the brand name “Bullet” associated with run-of-mill modern designs & engines. What misadventure occurred and what new adventures await?

“First time in life I decided to purchase a used vehicle. An out of production cast-iron engine Enfield Bullet 350cc with right-hand-side gear shift which is the closest thing available to the 1955 Enfield Bullet 350 including chassis and engine design by the Britishers among other things such as dashboard, tank, hand-painted pinstripe, etc. These come with Green Tax for the alleged pollution they may or might be making. I got a fitness test certificate from the Road Transport office, where the ownership change is registered.” — Dey

Click here to read this awesome anecdote about ‘love after love’. Believe it!

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Sep 17

Why Would You Ride a Motorcycle?

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Well, all of us motorcyclists have one or one million reasons to ride.

What about the rest of ’em? What practical, utilitarian reason and purpose could one recommend to a person who doesn’t ride a motorcycle or does not even know how to ride a motorcycle?

  1. Convenience : Its smaller than a car, gee whiz! Whiz past in smaller lanes and country roads too.
  2. Savings : Costs less to own and maintain. Yes, the engine and power consumption is less as well. So you get more bang for your buck, more miles per gallon.
  3. Friends among strangers : Motorcyclists seem to have a community irrespective of year and make of their vehicle, unlike most car enthusiasts who have limited engagement of car or travel club / group. Just wave and see the enthusiastic response from a biker.
  4. Natural Joyride : Its a natural anti-depressant. Many pilots have mentioned riding a motorcycle as being the closest thing to flying. Plus, your senses have no distraction and thus no worries while riding.
  5. Next Level Gaming : Well, how about learning off-road or endurance riding? Compete with friends or as an amateur.
  6. Skill development : You learn to be more handy with mechanical breakdowns. Plus learning to ride a motorcycle will boost your motor skills, mental agility and self-confidence as well.
  7. Travel light, move more : More adventurous way to pursue tourism, weekend getaway, a picnic at the park or beach, or just ride to the nearest gym.

And for the millennials — all of the above is true and applicable even for your electric motorcycle !

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Sep 12

Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act

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Act Now… Congress Votes Thursday!

The House of Representatives has scheduled a vote Thursday on H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.” H.R. 1435 would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on the sale of internal combustion engines, effectively trumping any state law that outlaws their sale.

Now is the time to have your voice heard! Let Congress know you support the right to choose the type of engine you buy.

Click here to contact your Member of the House of Representatives and ask them to vote for H.R. 1435.

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Ride Free Forever

Sep 06

Episode 103: Time for the Truth

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New Bandit’s Cantina Episode 103

by K.Randall Ball with images by George Fleming

Bandit woke the next morning with a start. Emotionally beat-up he struggled with depressing thoughts of the future. He couldn’t figure how society could be living in the best of times, yet some folks were making it the worst.

He showered and scrambled down stairs. The crew made their way quietly around the Cantina as if in a thoughtful daze.

“I’m working on some info for the pamphlet,” Margaret said and studied Bandit’s features. He wasn’t the type of guy to give up or even step back from a fight.

Bandit looked up and smiled. “We’re going to do something or die trying.”

Read the epic series of 103 episodes only on Bikernet.com by clicking here.

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Sep 01

Royal Enfield MD on electric motorcycles

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Royal Enfield MD Siddhartha Lal has said the iconic company will come out with a pathbreaking EV product. “We’re working super hard on the EV product, and we’ve appointed 11-12 new suppliers and are adding more competencies in the software area,” the company stated.

Royal Enfield recently appointed Mario Alvisi, (previously at Ducati), as chief growth officer for the Electric Vehicle (EV) business for the business and commercial side.

Another unique aspect about the long-running centenarian company is that unlike other ICE OEMs in India such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, the motorcycle brand Royal Enfield is not looking to raise money for their EV business.

“We already have money, and we don’t need to raise anything more for the EV project,” mentioned Siddhartha Lal, MD, Eicher Motors. “Moreover, the company is not in a ‘desperate rush’ to join the great EV game and will come out with a product which is pathbreaking,” he added. “In Chennai, our three plants crank out a motorcycle every 38 seconds and last year we exported 100,000 units.”

Another significant success story is their overseas recognition and brand value. “We’re No 1 in the middle weight category in the UK with 20% market-share, No 1 in Korea and No 2 in Thailand while we’re No 3 in Austria, France and Italy,” as per Lal.

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