DT125R ARCHIVE

I'm not saying I like it the idea of no more petrol engines, but it will happen one day - the oil is running out! So I think things like that will be a reality before long. At least you'd save money on fuel! But yeah, It would be really dangerous to not have your exhaust letting people know you're there!I want to have a go on one to see what it's like. It's equivalent of about 33 bhp and well torquey - it might not be that heavy either. New lithium ion battery packs are relatively light and compact and the technology will get better. In another 10 years they'll have same performance and weight etc as a R1!

Found this on another forum, if anybody is really interested in finding out more about electric bikes.
Brighton MAG are hosting an evening talk and discussion with Weald Electric Vehicle Technology.
Weald are builders of the UKs fastest electric drag racing motorcycle.
They have kindly agreed to come and talk to us about what they are doing and answer any questions.
The event is open to anyone to attend, not just MAG members.
Time : Wednesday, November 16 · 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Location: The Royal Coach, Brighton Road, Shoreham by Sea BN43 5LD
Hosted by: Brighton Motorcycle Action Group.

Theres a few of you, from in here near Brighton, isn't there?

Btw I used to poo-poo the idea of electric powered cars, till I actually drove one. I have a Lexus RX300, and will be upgrading to the Lexus 450h next year, electric bikes are still in their infancy, but give it about 4-5 years. 

-- Edited by NEV on Wednesday 16th of November 2011 10:40:10 AM

Sarge, check out the specs on the one Dave linked to

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-ds/specs.php

It's an impressive spec sheet - weight isn't too bad, heavier than a DT but it's not obese (probably similar to A DRZ400 or something). But look at the Economy figures, up to an equivalent cost of 480 mpg around town!! Well kitted out as well, twin pot calipers and floating disc on front and 38mm USD adjustable forks!
I really want to try one!

I know that there are electric cars that accelerate like mad so I imagine that these things are pretty much the same, one of those really would be great for in the city though, can you imagine how quiet the city's would be with all electric vehicles everything else would seem really loud.

IIIIIII'm sorry, have you all gone completely fcuking insane? What the fcuk? I mean...seriously? Why would you want a bike thats three times more expensive, heavier and can only buzz around for a very short amount of time before you have to plug it in again? Its just moronic!

Dont get me wrong...I share other people enviromental concerns, but this just isnt the answer. Allow me to explain why I think this is stupid;

Firstly the cost, this is 3 fold;

1. The initial purchase cost..its like 3 times more than a normal bike!

2. Just how much is it going to add to your n-power bill each month?...is it really that much cheaper than petrol? Now? Perhaps, but seeing as energy prices are soaring 65% more than petrol and a hell of a lot faster, I doubt it will be much cheaper for much longer! (Massive companies and energy supliers primary goal is not to save the earth, its to make money...so heres a £5 bet that in 20 years time when everyone has a fcuking blender for a car, elec prices will be comparitively much higher than petrol is now, but by then it will be too late to revert back!)

3. The cost of repairs (this will also increase insurance btw), and the cost of servicing, which btw most people on here love being able to do themselves and save money doing so, will rocket. Why? well the parts will be savagly expensive, and like modern cars, you physically can't fit without expensive tools/ software. Let alone the actuall knowlege you'll need.


Next is usabilty. So...how long will the battery last...they all seem short atm. Even the Gwizz is something pathetic like 50 miles. Then, where do you plug it in? Your house? A 'petrol' station? Also, the battery times are for standard use...what about laning?? That kills petrol like mad...its going to drain that 9v super-duper fast!


Noise; Loud bikes save lives...the riders, and stupid pedestrians. Silent bikes will be lethal! Also, most of you lot on here, myself included, love the sound and even smell of a two stroke...and any exhaust note...well wave that goodbye.

The power delivery...All ready to wave goodbye to that 2-stroke power already huh?...Madness! You're all so fickle!

I just dont get how you all seem to think this is a good idea, yes the oil will eventually run out...but where do you think the electricity comes from? lol

Besides, we ride 2-strokes, so we dont even need petrol, our bikes will run on alcohol and meths lol and theyre very renewable :)

I totally agree that things need to change with the combustion engine, but that doesnt just mean scrap it... something that has absolutly chnaged the world. Why not use the money thats going into this electric crap on finding ways of making the combustion engine more economical so that we can continue the enjoy the things that we post on here every day...

Kalamity Kid wrote:

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And like everything, they'll get cheaper, better, lighter, faster etc etc over time. And when they are everywhere and real bikes are getting thin on the ground, you can pull the dustsheet of your rumbling V-twin Ducati and take to the old girl for a rip!!

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Hmmm over time I only seem to be getting worse, heavier and slower :)

And yea thats true, like on i-Robot :)

And yea It just annoys me...im a huge petrol head and this all seems to be a big money making venture for people that dont include me!

and yeah I get heavier, slower, more unreliable, more expensive with time too, LOL. Reverse engineering.....

ktm brought one out ages ago guys....

You've gotta move with the times lads!

 

I'm an old fart who's been working on 2 strokes for the last 35 years, but you've got to look at what Michael Czysz (pronounced Sizz) has done. He started off attempting to build a world beating petrol engined race bike with his own money and got prety close. Keep an eye out on Sky as the programme of his early days developing the bike is a got-to-see documentary. Now he has turned his attention to developing a an electric racebike and has lapped the IOM at nigh on 100mph.

You say you'll miss the powerband of a DT? Electric gives a flat torque curve, this means you have instant power from zero revs and no need for a gearbox. The ultimate wheelie machine in my view. Check out the website and watch some of the IOM vids.

http://motoczysz.com/motorcycles/e1pc_2010

It sounds great in that vid!!!

Whats the smiley that represents sarcasm again..?