Not Chinese (I don't think) Brammo - Enertia
 

http://www.brammo.com/home/

It looks like the Enertia is for sale now, under $8K. Still a little pricey in my opinion, but it's kind of neat.

Specs: http://www.brammo.com/learn/#specifications

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photog...nertia_019.jpg

Marzocchi, Elka and Brembo help to explain the cost. The idea is intriguing; ride to work at 60mph, allow it to charge for four hours (on the boss' dime) and then ride home.

I'd be shocked to learn that it isn't made in China or India.

Well I believe it is technically American, but I would think the components aren't. I'm not certain on this though.

High price, and short range, but the speed is good, and it does look good for an electric bike.

It does look good. Pricing not unrealistic. The need a more budget friendly model with lower end suspension and braking.

I agree about the price, it originally was over 10K $ though. At least they're heading in the right direction there... It is hard to make a case for something like this though, when I could be on a 200 - 250 chinese dual sport for around $1K, giving me $9K to spend on gas before I reach the price of this.

I don't want an electric weed whacker, much less a motorcycle. When the last drop of dinosaur is gone, then maybe I'll consider it. Even then it only makes 'global warming' sense if the source of the electricty is nuclear. Since I don't see that happening before the Second Coming, I'll cross the issue off the list of things I need to be concerned with.

Well, I don't think thats the best argument, what about wind, solar, and hydro? I'm not an expert or and environmentalist, but what I read, even using power from a coal plant is less polluting then using gas.

I just think they're neat :P But they are limited by current energy storage. The batteries are too expensive and don't hold enough power.

http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...IMG_8523-8.jpg

Over on the elmoto.net board, there is a guy called BrammoBrian, he designed the Brammo Enertia and the above photo is his own bike.

I think if electrical energy storage becomes more efficient then something like this would really take off. The instant acceleration, lack of maintenance, and the "neat" factor are pluses... I like the style on the Enertia as well, it's sort of a modern bobber standard type look in my opinion.

And some pictures for the dual sport crowd...

http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...ign/Tires3.jpg

http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...ign/Tires2.jpg

Electricity Generation

The electricity sector is unique among industrial sectors in its very large contribution to emissions associated with nearly all air issues. Electricity generation produces a large share of Canadian nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide emissions, which contribute to smog and acid rain and the formation of fine particulate matter. It is the largest uncontrolled industrial source of mercury emissions in Canada. Fossil fuel-fired electric power plants also emit carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. In addition, the sector has significant impacts on water and habitat and species. In particular, hydro dams and transmission lines have significant effects on water and biodiversity.

http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/...D330A-1_En.htm

I *think* we have to admit there is no "clean" source of energy. I believe the trick is to use the least amount you can get by on no matter the source. Unfortunately as our population increases so will to the overall pollution no matter how small an amount an individual uses.

Interesting, I would have thought Hydro would be a good choice. You are probably right about the the "trick".

Regardless, cost aside, I still think that something like this is neat. Definitely not cost effective to me, I would rather spend a tenth of that on a China bike, or a Honda CBR125 which gets around 100mpg or so?

We have been taught/told to *think* (in my mind) wrongly.

Around town, whenever possible, I drive an "evil" 2 cycle scooter, that gives in excess of 100mpg.
Somehow, a 2 cycle giving 100mpg is "bad", while a empty SUV giving 10mpg is "good"?

Recently here the grocery stores have started charging 5 cents for grocery bags and holding their heads up as being "green". "Green" to me would be working with your suppliers to eliminate triple wrapping of goods. Charge, or not, for grocery bags, my household still throws out 3 bags of dry garbage a week, 97% of which is the "triple wrapping" most goods are sold in.

Electric power, to most folks, is "green" because the sites where it is made are mostly out of sight. What bothers me most is:It is the largest uncontrolled industrial source of mercury emissions in Canada. Read up on the effects of mercury on people and you might find that a little "global warming" is not too troublesome.

I like the styling. Very nice. Good concept and probably a practical machine for alot of people. Now maybe more of a scooter concept with alittle less performance and more range for local travel.



Family of 5. We have a third of the trash that my single neighbor does.

This includes the disposable diapers. Half goes into the recycle. I reuse alot of the shopping bags for shipping padding instead of newspapers and foam peanuts.

I am be no means a green person. Just cheap. Usually leads to reusing stuff.

Allen

Visiting the company's website, I see you can now buy the Brammo Enertia for $7,195 USD; the price keeps heading in the right direction! :) I believe the Brammo Enertia is currently the least expensive, electric motorcycle on the market. ;)

Spud :)

That price is starting to make it sound attractive. At least it is competitive to a current jap sportbike.

The price gets even lower in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia with the new, statewide rebate program that gives consumers $1,500 off the purchase of an electric cycle. In Kalifornia, you can purchase the Brammo Enertia for $5,695. :)

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...-an-electric/1

Spud :)

That almost makes gets it into a range where alot of people good afford to have one for commuting around on.

Too much for me though. I couldn't justify it.

Allen

I agree. ;) You can get a new Zong for $1,000, delivered, and the Zong gets 75 mpg! :) With the remaining $4,700, you can buy a lot of gasoline. ;) Nevertheless, the electic motorcycle is a very cool idea, and the price is definitely heading in the right direction. :)

Spud :)

http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0662.jpg
http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...ign/SAM002.jpg.
http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/DSC05781.jpg
http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...ign/SAM008.jpg
http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0710.jpg
http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/DSC05796.jpg

Thank you for posting the great photos, Jim. :) I imagine the electric motor supplies instant torque to the drive wheel. :) However, I would not want to run down the battery in the middle of nowhere! ;)

Spud :)

That's true, though I'd also not want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere either :wink:

The designer of the Enertia posted these over at elmoto.net and I thought I should repost them.

Amen! However, my 4.1-gallon fuel tank will let me travel 300 miles. :) I wonder how far you can travel on one battery charge?

Whether on the trail, or on the street, the range of the electric motorcycles, and the recharging time, are the limiting factors. ;) Also, if I run out of gas, I might borrow a liter from another rider. ;) Recharging the battery in the middle of nowhere is a more difficult, and more time-consuming proposition. ;)

Spud :)

Very true, in reality, the Enertia is designed as a commuter motorcycle... I would say it's closest competitor would be a Honda CBR 125 (in Canada), though I haven't ridden a Brammo so I can't be sure. Energy storage has a long way to go still, but other then that, the bike seems to be top notch.

I agree; it's a nice bike. :) I am also sure the technology will continue to advance. :)

Spud :)

I just discovered this video of the Brammo Enertia; it looks like a very fun little motorcycle. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaIXR...eature=related

Spud :)

They've come out with the plus version now, it has improved speed and range.

I'm glad to see they are still improving these bikes, Jim. :) I did notice the plus version requires twice the charging time (8 hours). ;)

http://www.brammo.com/enertia-plus-specifications/

Spud :)

Yes it does. As a commuter bike though it works out. The only problem with it for a commuter bike is the cost. It isn't sky high, but it isn't cheap either, I would still go with a small displacement dual sport.

I agree. I think the electric bikes are a great idea, and I'm sure they would be fun to ride. :) However, I think the negative factors are the cost, the long charging time, and the limited range. ;)

Spud :)

I believe that in some states, given state and federal "green" incentives, you could get a brammo between $5 and $6. So if you had a daily commute, that was within range, and wanted a new non Chinese bike, you might not be so far out of line. Charge it when you get to work maybe (free if you can find an outlet and are allowed), or at home over night. Now without the incentives and if you don't mind going Chinese or used, you can do much better then the Enertia for a cost efficient commuter.

I agree completely. :) The main limiting factor for me concerning the electric motorcycles is the short range. Even if you buy the motorcycle primarily to commute to work, you can still ride a gasoline bike for long distances on the weekends. Filling the fuel tank with gasoline is a convenient, fast way to "recharge" the internal combustion engine. ;)

Spud :)

That's for sure... And range isn't even the problem, like you're saying, the problem is recharge time. If I could only go 100km's but I could recharge in 10 minutes it wouldn't be a big deal (unless I'm in a wide open state/province with big distances between towns).

I agree. Even with a fifteen-minute, or 20-minute recharge time, the electric bikes would sell much better. :) However, you really can't take the electric bikes touring outside the urban environment when they only have a range of 100 miles, at best. :roll:

Spud :)

The replacement battery cost tops my list of concerns.

That's an excellent point! ;) How long do the batteries last? :?:

Spud :)

Battery Life: 500 cycles (30,000 miles) to 90% capacity

30K miles is more then most people put on their motorcycles, and at that point, the batteries are still good until 90% capacity. Thats what the specs say anyways.

True, but you gotta watch the fast charging, as was mentioned a couple of posts earlier.
"Blink DC fast chargers, which use 480 volts and can charge a vehicle in under 30 minutes."
Lithium batteries don't like heat build-up during charge...
Tech keeps getting better, though...
Maybe the cars have something to help with cooling.
I feel a research session coming on...
Bill R

I agree, i have found that out in my LIPO packs for my RC plane, but the nice part is they are not using LIPO or Li-ion packs but the much better LiFePO4 batteries which while not the lightest of the bunch, are much better suited to high draws and faster charge times, here's a bit more info on the lithium phosphates batteries, i like the "will not catch fire if over charged", i haven't had a problem but i've heard of RC guys losing their cars and workshop/garages to LIPO fires while charging.

LiFe Rechargeable Battery
Why LiFe Battery?

•High Performance —High theoretical capacity of 170mah/g and high practical capacity as high as 165mah/g.
•Extremely Safe/Stable Chemistry —High intrinsic safety , no explosion & will not catch fire under collision, over charged or short circuit. High thermal stability of phases up to 500C.
•High Rate Capability —For all high power output application
•Extraordinary Long Cycle Life -Best can up to 2000 cycle life, would be over 8 times life of Lead Acid and 3-4 times of Li-ion.
•Long Service Life —Around 5~6 years
•Environmentally Friendly Non-toxic, non-contaminating and No rare metal
•Wide working temperature range —From -4 F to 150 F (-20 C–+70C) Extremely cold and extremely hot weather will not effect its performance
•Flexible Form Factor —Small in size and light in weight 1/3 weight of Lead Acid and 65% weight of NIMH.
•No memory effect
•Fast Charge —Can be fully charged in a very short time ---2C fast charge within half hour

I saw a "vent with flames" episode at the air field...LIPO let go on the charger.
I had switched to the A123Syst cells for my heli...all lost in the flood.

We're getting some of the Blink charge units at work, in anticipation for the Volt and Leaf cars.
I've got to find that article...there was a reference to the 480 volt fast charger and that there was a degradation in battery life if used too often.
Still a good option for the cars and bikes.
Bill R