electric

World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle Upgraded, to Break Its Own Records

World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle Has Been Upgraded, Wants to Break Its Own Records from https://www.autoevolution.com by Cristina Mircea The fastest electric motorcycle in the world aims to become even faster. Voxan recently unveiled its new and improved Wattman. Venturi-owned electric motorcycle brand Voxan designed the Wattman with one goal in mind: to set new world speed records. The bike was initially supposed to prove its abilities on the biggest salt flat on Earth, in Bolivia. However, the global health crisis changed everyone’s plans, and the Wattman had to settle for breaking 11 world speed records on the runway at the Chateauroux airfield in France. Nevertheless, it achieved an incredible speed of 408 kph (253.5 mph), with world champion Max Biaggi at the helm. But that was in the fall of 2020, and Voxan knows there’s always room for improvement. That is why the company announced a new version of the Wattman, which has just kicked off its first ultra-high-speed tests at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility (Kennedy Space Center), one of the longest runways in the world, with a length of 15,000 ft (4.5 km). Voxan brought some significant upgrades to the new Wattman in terms of weight, stability, and power. This new version weighs under 300 kg (661 lb), allowing it to compete in a new category. Voxan used a new battery design for its latest bike, both mechanical and electric, created in partnership with French manufacturer Saft. Stability has been improved with the new Wattman, as the modified motorcycle now features an increased wheelbase of 1,957 mm (77 in) from 1,800 mm (70.8 in) with the previous version. The seat height has also been increased from 610 mm (24 in) to 685 mm (26.9 in). Voxan equipped the bike with custom-designed Michelin tires tailored to endure extremely […]

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Ducati to Make Electric Motorcycle for MotoE World Cup

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Ducati to Make Electric Motorcycle for MotoE World Cup, Road Machines to Follow. To date, despite the advances electric mobility is making in the world of motorcycles, there is only one major bike maker that has embraced electric drivetrains: Harley-Davidson, with its LiveWire. But soon, there will be more, and Ducati seems to be keen on becoming the next one. The Italian company announced this week it is officially entering the electric motorcycle segment, but it will not be doing so with a bike that can be sold to the general public. Instead, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer will become the sole official supplier of motorcycles for the electric class of the MotoGP World Championship, the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. The deal between Ducati and the organizers of the competition, Dorna Sports, will come into effect in 2023 and will run through 2026. That means we’ll probably have to wait some more before we get to see official details and images of the electric bike, but Ducati tried to give us a glimpse of that by releasing a teaser rendering of the two-wheeler (main pic of this piece). What’s more important is that Ducati promises the MotoE bike will influence “the evolution of the product range,” hinting the electric drive is something now under consideration for the general public. “The goal is to study how to produce, as soon as the technology allows, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, thrilling and able to satisfy all enthusiasts,” the Italians promised. MotoE came into existence in 2019 and is presently using Energica Ego Corsa motorcycles. Sadly, the series became famous not for the achievements of these electric machines, but on account of a fire back in 2019 that destroyed all the motorcycles before racing could

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Kawasaki Unveils Gas-Electric Hybrid Prototype Motorcycle

by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com Kawasaki Lifts Cover On Its Gas-Electric Hybrid Prototype Bike A peek behind the curtain/fairings. We’ve been following Kawasaki’s hybrid motorcycle development since the firm filed patents in July, 2019. By November, 2021, Team Green gave us a peek at its progress with a short video laying out the philosophy behind the project. Then, an April, 2021, patent revealed Kawi’s new 48V hybrid battery design. Now, Kawasaki has pulled back the curtain (and the fairings) on its latest hybrid build while committing to a 2025 gas-electric hybrid production models. Due to the chassis, front headlight configuration, and exhaust system, the prototype looks like it’s based on the Ninja 400. Kawasaki hasn’t officially confirmed our suspicions, but leveraging the entry-level sportbike aligns with current hybrid technology limitations. In automobiles, it’s easier for manufacturers to pair electric and internal combustion powertrains. In motorcycles, however, space is a much more limited resource. As a result, the firm couples its existing small-capacity parallel twin with a compact electric power unit. From the beginning, Kawasaki has developed its hybrid project with the idea that riders would utilize the powertrains in different environments. The internal combustion engine suits highway riding, while the electric motor works best in urban environments. On a twisty road, both would work in concert to deliver the best of both worlds. It seems like the small-bore Ninja-based prototype would satisfy those requirements while also providing enough room to accommodate the new apparatus. Of course, with two powertrains, the transmission will have to play nice with both systems, and Kawi’s automated gearshift smooths that transition. The new feature consists of an automated clutch, servo-powered shifter, and push-buttons for the user to operate. With so many European cities introducing zero emissions zones lately (and only more to come), the hybrid

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Political Agendas on Electrical Vehicles Charge Up Emotions

by Colby Martin from SEMA Action Network (SAN) at https://www.semasan.com GROUNDING THE “EV” BUZZ Political Agendas Surrounding Automobiles Charge Up Strong Emotions The impending arrival of electric cars and trucks has caused quite a stir. Sure, everyone shares the well-intentioned notion of a healthier environment. But constant announcements about the potential phasing out of new gas-powered vehicles have enthusiasts worried about the future of the hobby. Thanks in part to a 24-hour news-cycle, the automotive-minded are forced to ponder this great unknown with greater frequency. With the topic weighing heavier on many minds, the question arises: what’s to become of the tailpipe—and when? Clearly there are crossed wires needing to be untangled. Acronym Soup First, we must understand the common lingo used in automotive discussions. The gasoline-sipping internal combustion engine (ICE) has long been the motivator of choice. However, the low- and zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) categories have emerged and made significant improvements in recent years. There are several different models of these cars and trucks such as electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and those running on hydrogen fuel-cells. With such competition, it may seem like traditional rides could have a tougher existence in a yet-uncertain future of alternative powerplants. Government Directives The latest update in the automotive world came from the nation’s top office: the Biden Administration. President Joe Biden signed the “Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks” in August. In short, the measure calls for 50% of all sales of new cars and light trucks in the US be ZEV by the year 2030. “It is the policy of my Administration to advance these objectives in order to improve our economy and public health, boost energy security, secure consumer savings, advance environmental justice, and address the climate crisis,” said President Biden. Biden’s action was

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Another Movie inspired Custom Motorcycle: Only One Unit for Raffle

by Otilia Drăgan from https://www.autoevolution.com Wesley Snipes and Boom! Moto Roll Out a General Izzi-Inspired Custom Motorcycle The “No Time to Die” frenzy has proved, once again, that movies and movie characters can be a great source of inspiration for custom or limited-edition vehicles, from cars to yachts and two-wheelers. One of the latest fiction-inspired models is a motorcycle that reflects the flamboyant spirit of General Izzi. It looks like Wesley Snipes is making a grand comeback, and it was about time he did. If you haven’t heard of General Izzi, you’re missing out. He is the character that Snipes is playing in Coming 2 America, an Amazon Original comedy that premiered earlier this year. The original Coming to America movie came out over 30 years ago, starring Eddie Murphy. In the sequel, Murphy is joined by the legendary action movie star, who plays the part of General Izzi, the military leader of the fictional land of Nexdoria. Although not nearly as famous as James Bond, General Izzi was well received by the public and gained his fair share of popularity. So much so, that he inspired a motorcycle design. Boom! Moto is an Oklahoma-based distributor, specializing in 100% electric motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters. As it turns out, the company’s owner, Jeff Holley, was determined to develop an electric motorcycle based on Wesley Snipes’ character, even before the movie had been released. After the film’s debut, which ranked number one in streaming for that weekend, Holley resumed discussions with the actor, for a movie-themed motorcycle. “If you’re gonna do it, do it ‘Izzi style’ and make it go BOOM!” – this “slogan” pretty much sums up the fun, daring look of this new motorcycle. The company hasn’t revealed too many details about it, other than the fact that it’s based

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Concept Motorcycle for the Moon: global debut at ADV Overland exhibition

by Otilia Drăgan from https://www.autoevolution.com This Spectacular Moon Concept Motorcycle Opens the Door to a New Space Experience Since the “billionaire space race” has been accelerating, you might have imagined cosmonauts doing a lot of things, but we bet you didn’t picture them riding motorcycles on the moon. Yet, that’s what’s coming, because somebody just built an actual moon motorcycle, one of the most insane concept two-wheelers you’ll ever come across. Last year, a Russian designer imagined what a “NASA motorcycle” would look like. Just one year later, that concept turned into reality and is about to make its world debut in California. The folks who made this happen are a small team from a German company called Hookie, which specializes in custom moto design and parts. Inspired by Andrew Fabishevskiy’s fantasy motorcycle, they were determined to bring it to life. This is how Tardigrade, presented as the world’s first moon concept motorcycle, was born. You might wonder why it got the name of an apparently primitive creature, but these nearly-microscopic beings are incredibly resilient and able to adapt to any kind of environment, including outer space. Despite its otherworldly look, the Tardigrade motorcycle was also meant to be resilient and completely functional, “as close as possible to an original concept of a NASA moon rover.” This futuristic-looking electric motorcycle blends a lightweight frame with single-sided swing arms, balloon tires, and drive-by-wire steering. With a length of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters), and almost 3-foot (0.9 meters) tall, Tardigrade has a battery range of up to 68 miles (110 km). Its maximum speed of 9 mph (15 kph) is comparable to that of the Moon Buggy. Plus, it’s designed to also carry equipment. Incorporating 3D-printed parts, in house-developed wheels, plus a Cake drivetrain and sustainable lubricants from Puraglobe, this one-of-a-kind concept

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Kawasaki Set to Electrify Its Entire Range in Developed Markets by 2035

by Sergiu Tudose from https://www.autoevolution.com/ Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki has announced that all its bikes sold in developed countries will become fully electric by 2035. They also plan on exploring hydrogen propulsion as more of a near-term solution, as they make the push towards carbon neutrality. While the global pandemic didn’t spare the motorcycle market, some people still view these two-wheelers as the best means of transportation, seen as how it carries with it the lowest risk of infection. According to Kawasaki chief executive Yasuhiko Hashimoto, his company is open to establishing a partnership with others in order to achieve their environmentally friendly objectives, reports BikesRepublic. “Outdoor leisure activity has been popular during the COVID pandemic. We will strengthen our environmental efforts with our sights set on post-pandemic lifestyles. Partnerships with other companies may be possible in the future,” he said. The first order of business is to launch a total of ten battery-powered motorcycles by 2025, before switching to EV power alone by 2035 in Japan, Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. While short term plans might include new nameplates and “spin-offs”, if the company’s entire range is to be electrified within the next 14 years, that means fans need to start getting used to the idea of a fully-electric ZX-6R, ZX-10R or a Z650, just to name a few of their most popular (gasoline powered) models. Kawasaki sold 380,000 motorcycles last year, despite a global market share of roughly 1%, as per Nikkei Asia. The bikemaker does of course have a strong presence in both Japan and North America, driven by its best-selling motorcycles. As for its rivals, Honda is still the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. Yamaha meanwhile wants to make 90% of its models electric by 2050, which would put them somewhat behind the curve when

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Enlightenment Bikernet Weekly News for September 23, 2021

It is going to be good! NEVER GIVE UP—We won’t. We’re having too much fun, because we’re living in the best of times. Most aftermarket companies are making bank this year. Life is just so interesting. We are living in the best of times and I’ll prove it over the weeks to come. We’re bikers and the party never ends. Ride fast and free forever, –Bandit Click Here to Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.com Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today! https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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NCOM Legislative Motorcycle News for September 2021

RPM Act re-introduced, NTSB Chief demands re-designed roads to stop speeding vehicles, Presidential Executive Order of 50% of All Vehicles Sold to be Emission-Free by 2030, NY Governor Bans Sale of Combustion Vehicles from 2035, Zero-Emissions Legislation, More than 38,000 deaths in road-accidents in 2020 is highest since 2007, Per-Mile Motorcycle Insurance in USA, FEMA Survey, Programs to Slow Speeding Vehicles, Robot-cop in Singapore. Click Here to Read the NCOM Biker Newsbytes for September 2021 on Bikernet.com Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).

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Zero Motorcycles Announces Early Release of All Electric Motorcycles

by Benny Kirk from https://www.autoevolution.com If you thought the world of motorcycles would be exempt from the all-electric revolution, it seems that prediction is just plain false. Zero Motorcycles, makers of electric bikes for 15 years, is going to have a real challenge keeping up with demand it seems. The Santa Cruz, California-based EV manufacturer announced it’s going to release several of its 2022 electric bike models ahead of schedule to satiate what they called “unprecedented demand”. Including the model year 2022 S street motorcycles, DS, and DSR dual-sport models. Zero Motorcycles claims this dramatic uptick in demand for electric bikes is partially due to lockdown restrictions from the latest public health crisis finally being lifted, creating a surge of riders chomping at the bits to get back on the road again. This desire to get bikes on the road before the end of the 2021 riding season is the main impetus for this change of pace. The company also claims that demand in the electric motorcycle category far outpaces the demand for traditional internal combustion-powered motorcycles. While this claim can not be verified, the industry-wide shift from petroleum to electric drive in cars over the last five years makes this a more agreeable claim. Zero’s line of motorcycles coves a wide range of different motorcycle categories, including normal street bikes, street racing bikes, supermoto, and even motocross. The company touts performance specs like a top speed of 98 miles per hour (158 kilometers per hour) and a range of 82 miles on its 2022 Zero S street bikes. With stats like those, it’s no wonder demand is skyrocketing. It would still no doubt be difficult to persuade most die-hard motorcycle fans on board with the idea of a street bike that makes zero noise whatsoever. But with governments worldwide

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