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Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy

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something_unique_and_descriptive
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
So I have a question... would this thing count as a moped? My understanding is anything with two wheels and less than 50cc displacement would technically be a moped... this has Zero displacement, so where does it fit, legally speaking?
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
My Cagiva 200 - 2-stroke (Agrale Elefantre 30.0):

30 Hp upgraded to 35 HP - CHECK (not ready yet aim is 40 Hp)

noisy - CHECK

polutes - CHECK (soon to be coverted to ethanol)

Top speed 85 MPH - CHECK (aim for 100 MPH)

Fun Factor 100% - CHECK

My Blackbird (daily commuter)

164 Hp - CHECK

Silent - CHECK

Polutes - CHECK (I grow trees to compensate)

Topspeed 190 MPH - CHECK (Checked with GPS)

Fun Factor 100% - CHECK

Conclusion not ready yet to buy eletric bikes
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joneez wants the clunkers he paid for
04/07/09

@DЯ. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ: Nice, there's nothing like a two-smoke on the street!

BRRRRAAAAAPP BRRRRAAAAAPP BING BING BING!

/owner of a GT750 aka the Water Buffalo.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@joneez: you're = you are, ya moran!: You were already heart clicked by me but you deserve an other.

BTW the Cagiva is more like: Waaaaaahhp waaaaaahp rringtingng ting ting.

this video is not my bike but has similar sound
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smalleyxb122
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
Not bad. I won't be trading my Husqvarna for it anytime soon, but electric motorcycles make more sense than electric cars in some respects.

As a motorcycle, you would have less inclination to pretend that it is an only vehicle.

Motorcycles are typically driven for shorter distances (not to exclude you iron-butt riders, but you aren't the norm.)

The only real issue is that for the miles driven, electrifying motorcycles (which already get better than car mileage) does far less in the grand scheme of "getting us off of fossil fuels".
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joneez wants the clunkers he paid for
04/07/09

@smalleyxb122: You mean putting 160K mi on a DR350 is not normal?
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smalleyxb122
04/07/09

@joneez: you're = you are, ya moran!: Most things that are that awesome aren't normal. Come on, if everyone did it, would it be nearly as cool?
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Paul Y. can't get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
Motorcycles scare and annoy me, but I could probably talk myself into a good electric one.

Silence + torque + cheap to run = awesome.
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Brian
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
While I think this is terrific, I've got one MAJOR beef with it: WHY a 60mph top end??? They could have at least pumped it up to 70 so you could do freeway speeds. Drop the range a little and increase the top speed. It would be much more useful.
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@Brian B: Single speed, you've got to compromise either acceleration or top speed. I'd rather be able to wheelie off the throttle in town than ride slowly down the highway.
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Mike the Dog is sitting by the door with a pair of cow slippers, and a very sad face.
04/07/09

@Brian B: Spoken like a man who's never ridden a motorcycle on the expressway. My Honda CB350F is scary as hell on the expressway. I'm guessing this thing weighs about half of what the Honda weighs.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@Wes Siler: Wheelies only on dirt bikes and not on public roads. I have seen too much going wrong with wheelies on the wrong places. BTW they all were very "good" in it.
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DoctorNine
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
I'm really thinking about getting one of these. Maybe one of the first here in town. Would like belt drive, though, since it's quieter, and would enhance the silent killer effect.
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TheTooth
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
We're getting there. If it topped out at 100mph and had a 100 mile range for under $10k, I'd seriously consider one.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@TheTooth: and if it stays light + change rims for 17" 120 front and 160 rear, then I could be in for it too.
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engineerd
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
Well, no Harley rider will buy it.

No loud exhaust. No chance of putting a louder exhaust on it. It's waaaaaay too fast. Not enough chrome.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@engineerd has Ben in his head: This bike has all it´s parts bolted on tight.
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EnidCadimillac
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
People don't look out for motorcycles that make a buttload of noise. Personally, I am not in the position to need to save energy to have to ride a SILENT motorcycle! The adage that "loud pipes save lives!" is very much the truth! So, a silent motorcycle. People can't see my one-ton pickup! The rider of this little contraption is going to be both invisible and quiet - certain death on the roads around here!
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@EnidCadimillac: We don't stand for that "loud pipes save lives" argument around here. Safe riding saves lives, not annoying people and reducing our rights.
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Paul Y. can't get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
04/07/09

@Wes Siler: Duh. Loud pipes make those of us in enclosed vehicles want to ram the source of the sound.
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FordTuffMcgruff
04/07/09

@Wes Siler: safe riding is always going to be more effective, but loud pipes have helped me identify riders many times before i could see them. also, i have found that a quick rev works better than honking a lameass bike horn. lots of people dont look before changing lanes, and are generally unsafe drivers. annoying or not, i know when a loud bike is near me. a louder bike, proper gear, and safe riding technique should all be employed for optimal safety.

although if youre referring to the dumbass on the road king with straight pipes that doesnt wear a helmet, then yes sir, you are right on target.
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@FordTuffMcgruff: You need to get out of that mindset.
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.357
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
I'd still have a regular motorcycle. I mean, I couldn't imagine trading in my Ducati for one of these.
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c1josh
04/07/09

@.357:Half Man-Half Amazing: Yea, I have a 30 yr old BMW MC. I like things I can fix myself. Now if I were an electrical engineer instead of mechanical...
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TheTooth
04/07/09

@.357:Half Man-Half Amazing: You don't trade in motorcycles... you add to the collection.
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03SVT Defender of SUVs, friend to the douche
04/07/09

@.357:Half Man-Half Amazing: No kidding. I bought my '02 RC51 for about half the asking price for this thing. That left over $4k will buy a lot of gas.
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.357
04/07/09

@TheTooth: Yes. Thank you for correcting me. I wouldn't want this electric piece of shit in my collection anyways.
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.357
04/07/09

@c1josh: I have a friend with an old BMW bike. It's pretty fast for its age.
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DoctorNine
04/07/09

@.357:Half Man-Half Amazing: They do different things. This would be interesting in the city, where winding it out wouldn't be as possible. Great for over curbs, through alleys, and across the hoods of parked cars. It's not really a canyon/track machine.
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.357
04/07/09

@03SVT, willing to be Peter Orosz's friend: That's the other thing. Motorcycles don't hog that much gas. I can get around 50 mpg if I drive carefully. Most smaller bikes can get close to 70 mpg. I just don't see the point of this electro bike.
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Ben Wojdyla
04/07/09

@.357:Half Man-Half Amazing: Dude, you're nuts. I drive a '78 Kawasaki KZ750 twin redone as a cafe bike and I'd love to have one of these. It'd be like having a cherry Hondamatic or a Suzuki RE-5 Rotary.

Plus, if it's fast and handles, why shouldn't I want one?
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.357
04/07/09

@DoctorNine: Well, then I would recommend the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. $4,000 gets you a 70 mpg bike that works quite well in the city.
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joneez wants the clunkers he paid for
04/07/09

@Ben Wojdyla: A cafe'd KZ750 TWIN? That has completely changed my opinion of you. Only 'cause I'm slowly building a KZ1300 cafe.

The 750 hondamatic was cool. It had an actual two speed auto that made it quicker than the regular 5 speed 'cause you could just keep it pinned. The 450 OTOH sucked. It was just a torque converter hooked to a two speed manual and on a hot day that slipping TC would damn near melt the engine.
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Ben Wojdyla
04/07/09

@joneez: you're = you are, ya moran!: Indeed, a twin. Check it out:

[www.flickr.com]
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Turbolence88
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
So let me get this straight. This thing is powered by a 22-kilowatt electromagnetic motor that sits directly between your legs?

Should we add this to the growing list of "things that make men sterile?"
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Paul Y. can't get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
04/07/09

@Turbolence88: If you're made of metal, then yes.
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Mad_Science
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
For the record, went to the site, cost is $9950.

That a lot of green up front, but you'd save on maintenance and gas.

+1 for better than a Puma.
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Mike the Dog is sitting by the door with a pair of cow slippers, and a very sad face.
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
I get it now! All this PUMA crap was just a ruse to make sure the reaction was positive when you brought out the REAL electric two-wheeler. Well played!
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Daniel Horney
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
Anyone know what the cost is supposed to be like?
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@Daniel Horney: $9,950. Click over to Hell For Leather for full details.
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c1josh
04/07/09

In reply to Zero S: Electric Motorcycling Gets Less Nerdy
Hmmm.

Electric vehicle - CHECK

Two wheels - CHECK

Can be balanced without the help of a computer - DOUBLE CHECK

Twice the range of the P.U.M.A. - CHECK

Street legal - CHECK

Real acceleration - CHECK

OK, so why would you buy a P.U.M.A?
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@c1josh: Because you're a wuss and motorcycles are scary?
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c1josh
04/07/09

@Wes Siler:

Fair enough. I've had my accident while riding, and I was damned lucky to escape with scrapes and bruises.

I will also admit - It was my fault.
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@c1josh: well I didn't actually mean you when I said "you." Sadly, a lot of people just can't get their minds around riding a bike, they wouldn't be so scared of a PUMA.
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Pessimippopotamus
04/07/09

@Wes Siler: Yes. I'll admit it. The picture of your arms all opened up scared me straight. I'm never going back on anything with two wheels. Not even bicycles.
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Pessimippopotamus
04/07/09

@Pessimippopotamus is at 0% productivity: *arm
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@Pessimippopotamus is at 0% productivity: Hey, it was my arm and I'm back on.
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DoctorNine
04/07/09

@Wes Siler: Can Jalopino Editors get COTD? Inquiring minds...
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Wes Siler
04/07/09

@DoctorNine: No, COTD is about you guys. I get my ego stroked plenty allready.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@c1josh: Top Speed 60 MPH - CHECK ohh that sucks, and is dangerous in real motorcycle commuting. A motercycle should at least be able to do 85 MPH so these truck drivers com not too quick to your ass.

I myself prefer driving at 100 MPH, and think is safer, than 60 MPH.
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c1josh
04/07/09

@DЯ. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ: I agree, but there have to be some sacrifices. This thing is not pushing the limits of performance, it's more of a 'round town' kind of bike.

I've not pushed my '77 R-100/7 past the 'ton', but 85mph is easy cruising.
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
04/07/09

@c1josh: I don´t know for a R100/7 but I have had a R80/7 and that bike had a bad habbit of shaking it´s front end when speed reached 90 MPH.
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