Going Silent

[Foxx4Beaver]

 

http://www.cyclenews.com/397/24631/Racing-Article/First-Look--Harley-Davidsons-Electric-Motorcycle.aspx

[sandblaster]

It may be a few years to a few decades away but the electric bikes will eventually dominate the market.

[Foxx4Beaver]

I should be long dead and decayed by then...I hope!! 

[reklessj]

Ditto that! LOUD pipes save lives!!! 

[TJXK]

I dunno, they don't sound as cool, but you can still hear them.

I want one if they can reduce the charge time significantly (or make quick to swap and relatively cheap spare batteries), and increase the range. 

Think of how effortless the maintenance would be.  No carb/fuel injection, exhaust, intake, radiator (or is there cooling?) or cylinders/pistons/heads taking up space and maintenance time.  Forget oiling air filters. 

Sounds nice.

[sandblaster]

From the nationals to your local MX track all you will hear is the sound of the tires throwing roost over the sound of the bike mechanics.
Down the long hard straights all you will hear is the whirring of the knobs slapping the hard pack....
You will hear the riders insulting one another while elbowing for position and their bleating cry's when they get cut off.
No more will be the sweet smell of Motul 800 or other non 2T noxious potions wafting through the crowds.
You won't be able to ignore your wife while blaming the roaring sounds of the exhaust due to your being hard of hearing...
What's this world coming too?

[Foxx4Beaver]

yup...might as well just watch....golf, at that point

[demographic]

They have some electric bikes competing in the Isle of Man TT, in their own category (TT Zero.) but they fairly shift.

I'd love a go on one of them.

134 horsepower and 162 foot pounds of torque isn't too shabby.

[sandblaster]

There has been several recent advancements in battery technology offering more storage capacity, quicker charging, and quicker power dump.
It's just a matter of time....

[Foxx4Beaver]

134 horsepower and 162 foot pounds of torque isn't too shabby.

I remember several years back, those idiots at OCC did an episode where they built an electric bike...and when they were testing it, it was quite impressive the acceleration it had.
I remember a couple of them being scared of it, because back then it had a bit of a toggle switch power band.

[Brute]

"You will hear the riders insulting one another while elbowing for position and their bleating cry's when they get cut off."

That would be excellent! With brushless motors the RPM is nearly topless on electrics. Power is good, but battery life is still an issue though it is getting better.
Have my first FI motorcycle and like that. No more tearing apart carbs with the struggle to get it out. Hook up the laptop or plug in the module and 'Shazam!'
Who among you wants to go back to points? Or constant 'fiddling' with the bikes because you HAD to, not because you wanted to modify or 'try' something. I see (and know some of) the kids wanting to live the 50's/60's lifestyle. Great, as a hobby, or a fad. Live it? Yes I did, and it was a pain in the rear.
A good example of how far technology has come is my Ninja track bike. A season of running and end of track days oil change. Check valve adjustment. Nope, still good. Timing? CDI and set. All good. Tires and chain are adjusted. All bolts are still tight. Ready for this year. All this at a consistent 9-12,000 RPM on a 14K redline. When the electrics come down in price and have more life I will be interested.
Until then, when is KTM or Husqvarna or someone else going to come out with a street legal 2 stroke again? Money in pocket. Waiting.

[Motorrad]

I wish everything had points.   I have less problems with my points ignition vehicles than my modern ones. No joke.   And if they do break out on the road I can normally fix them with a stick and a flat Rock.   If I don't just rub them on the bumper.

"You will hear the riders insulting one another while elbowing for position and their bleating cry's when they get cut off."

That would be excellent! With brushless motors the RPM is nearly topless on electrics. Power is good, but battery life is still an issue though it is getting better.
Have my first FI motorcycle and like that. No more tearing apart carbs with the struggle to get it out. Hook up the laptop or plug in the module and 'Shazam!'
Who among you wants to go back to points? Or constant 'fiddling' with the bikes because you HAD to, not because you wanted to modify or 'try' something. I see (and know some of) the kids wanting to live the 50's/60's lifestyle. Great, as a hobby, or a fad. Live it? Yes I did, and it was a pain in the rear.
A good example of how far technology has come is my Ninja track bike. A season of running and end of track days oil change. Check valve adjustment. Nope, still good. Timing? CDI and set. All good. Tires and chain are adjusted. All bolts are still tight. Ready for this year. All this at a consistent 9-12,000 RPM on a 14K redline. When the electrics come down in price and have more life I will be interested.
Until then, when is KTM or Husqvarna or someone else going to come out with a street legal 2 stroke again? Money in pocket. Waiting.

[Brute]

I did a lot of that too, but now? Naw, rather not. Perhaps you taxed your 'non points' stuff harder then I have but I have had way less problems. The early stuff? Sure, but not since the 80's or so.
I am going to state that if you REALLY wanted points you could do it fairly easily. I have done it so I know you can too.    Little welding, little machining, add a resistor and done deal.    Can't wait to see that thread!  
I will concede if 'point-less' break down you are done for the most part.

[Motorrad]

Sweet I'm converting my k5 to points and femsatronic  now just to make a point.

[Brute]