Smaller models take the stage at motorcycle show

Austin American Statesman ^ | Sunday, January 18, 2009 | Dan Strumpf

[martin_fierro]

Wuh-wuh.

[martin_fierro]

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[wastedyears]

I need something with a little cargo space.

[Gone_Postal]

Oh God!!! would that be the liberal bikers answer to the smart car...
Just let me ride my cruiser and enjoy what little is left of this country

[gorush]

If you like a shiny bike, stay away from erupting volcanoes.

[mamelukesabre]

“Vectrix said it’s targeting younger, urban commuters with its electric scooters. The VX-2 will have a base price just over $5,000 and will travel 40 to 50 miles on a charge, with a top speed of 30 mph. The VX-1E will cost about $3,500 more but can reach 62 mph with a range of 55 miles.”
~~~~~~~~~~~

Not quite good enough. When they can double the range for half the cost, then they got something. I could see lots of people paying $4250 for a plug-in scooter with a 110 mile range at a top speed of 62MPH. But $8500 for a 55 mile range? Nope.

And unfortunately, it’s probably even worse than it sounds. I’d bet if you tried to run it at it’s maximum 62MPH, you’d get nowhere near the advertized 55 mile range. That range is probably attainable only at very low speeds.

[Venturer]

Smaller bikes get great gas mileage, unfortunately because they have to be run hard to get to highway speeds they dont last long. They are uncomfortable over 30 miles or so, and the maintenance makes up for whatever savings you got.

[Salamander]

My 95ci Harley Night Train *trike* gets 45-50 mpg and has tons of cargo space.

Some little scooter should impress anybody?

[but its “top speed” is nobody’s damn business]....:))

[Salamander]

“This actually is a biker thread” ping.

[LiberConservative]

This one's purdy.

[neb52]

When they say Urban setting, I assume they are talking about downtown tall building type areas? The problem with all electric is where are you going to recharge? I don't think building owners are going to be that hot on the idea of you just plugging into any outdoor outlet, assuming you can find one, nor taking the scooter inside to your apartment or condo. If you have an apartment or condo with direct outside access OK than. The other issue is with it being so small and light, who is going to feel comfortable leaving it outside in the parking lot. Way to easy for somebody to just pick it up and walk off.

I am planning on moving to downtown area next fall, to be within walking distance of work. So the VX-1 would be nice. But with a paid for small SUV I think walking on the good days and driving the short distance the bad days would be more ideal.

[Young Werther]

A 60 CC Cup?

Vroom...Vroom!

[neb52]

The Vectrix scooters are meant for people living within downtown or the immediate area around. So that one charge would be good for a week and would never be driven on the highway. The owner would be driving on roads that are 30-35 mph.

[wastedyears]

I mean space enough to transport 4 people, or band equipment, provided I get into a band...

[OA5599]

My 103ci Softail Custom gets 25mpg city and 40mpg highway the way I drive. Back when it was a 96ci, riding 60mph in the rain, ~400mi from Pittsburgh back to NYC, I consistently topped 50mpg. Not sure about my top speed though. Speedo runs out at 120...

[OA5599]

Wait. Something doesn’t look right. What’s that weird thing in front of the engine?

[billorites]

Get yer motor runnin'
Head out on the highway...

[kik5150]

You don't have to be a dork to ride an economical bike. This Hardknock gets up to 100 mpg

[mamelukesabre]

I don’t really care. The cost is way out of line for that level of performance.

[org.whodat]

Here you go at a walmart near you soon! http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/305134.htm?track=kss_ptitle