The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: nhmaf on April 09, 2014, 02:09:21 PM

Title: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: nhmaf on April 09, 2014, 02:09:21 PM

These look pretty nice.  Though the reality in our part of the country is that if one has a vehicle that gets about 45 MPG or better, you're actually more environmentally sound to use it than an electric plug-in one.   So, all my gasoline motorcycles are still in the game..

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: montmil on April 09, 2014, 02:14:00 PM

I'd only consider an electric motorcycle if it came with some sorta audio program that was tied into throttle position so it would make "real motorcycle" noises.

Engine braking? Not gonna happen there, either.

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: Barry on April 09, 2014, 02:32:37 PM

I'd miss the noise too and a bit of vibration. And what's to tinker with.

You have to admit they are serious motorcycles though. 68ftlbs of torque and 0-60 in 5.2 sec is very impressive.  

The price is not so impressive.

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 09, 2014, 06:34:22 PM

I test rode a Brammo Inertia a few years ago, before they were being sold .

Very different experience, totaly quiet, just a little motor noise .

With my 11 mile commute to work, an electric motorcycle would be feasible .

Just wonder what kind of a service life on the battery pack you would get in this incessant heat that we have here in Phoenix for 6 months out of the year ???

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: marcmax on April 09, 2014, 09:34:59 PM

They had one of these at the BMWNEF Winter Rally this year available to test ride. It was a little different but I could get used to the quiet even though there were a few close calls with pedestrians in the crowded parking lot. They just couldn't hear you coming up on them.

The fun thing was the gobs of torque available from the second you rolled on the throttle until you let off. No waiting to get into a power band, just roll it on and hang on for the ride.

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: nhmaf on April 09, 2014, 09:43:02 PM

These would really make a tremendous amount of sense in an urban environment for the police deparment: doing patrols, traffic control, parades, parking enforcement, and..... stealth surveillence!

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: Justin B. on April 13, 2014, 06:10:54 PM

That one doesn't look too bad, I was afraid you were talking about this little weirdo...

http://www.gizmag.com/johammer-electric-motorcycle/31575/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=0df8a71cda-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-0df8a71cda-91361285

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: Ed Miller on April 14, 2014, 02:36:10 PM

I'd like a Zero, but they're too expensive for me.  I'd love a silent (OK, pretty quiet) motorcycle.  I love coasting on my bicycle down steep, winding roads, no noise but the wind in my ears and the tires humming on the pavement.  That's the part I like.  Riding up those hills is the part I need.  

Title: Re: If I had a short enough commute, I'd consider one
Post by: nhmaf on April 15, 2014, 03:13:31 PM

That one which Justin posted a link to looks too much like riding a big insect, or alien slug, to me...