Posted on 09/25/2019 10:40:27 AM PDT by Red Badger
It didnt take long for the promise of electric vehicles to takes over the automotive industry, and for motorcycle manufacturers, the revelation of innovative technologies, instantaneous power delivery, and lightweight cells seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up. As you might imagine, the inclusion of battery-powered peripherals found new life in the two-wheeled medium, with droves of prominent companies, developers, and engineers flocking to the new frontier for a shot at stardom.
While electric motorcycles have been in development for the past decade or so, the industry is currently at its apex. From juggernauts like Arc and Harley-Davidson, all the way to less-known brands like Cake and Tarform, the race to introduce the industrys leading moto has hit the space like a fever dream, promoting consumer-focused manufacturing practices, the pursuit of environmentally-friendly alternatives, and aesthetic redesigns that look like theyve been pulled straight from the future. There are a lot of different electric platforms out there some, better than others making the prospect of picking up or learning about a new bike all the more daunting. So, weve picked out a handful of the industrys leading motorcycles for your perusal, and given you a deeper look into their specs, capabilities, and downfalls. Check them out below. Our Picks
Twist The Throttle
Lightning Strike
Lightning Motorcycles burst onto the scene almost five years ago, and with it came the promise of an all-electric superbike to brandish one of the industrys most affordable price points. For most, the $13,000 Strike provided the perfect opportunity to step into the world of cutting-edge motorcycle technology, without having to take out a second mortgage. A modest 150-mile range and 35-minute charge time placed it into the industry limelight as one of the most capable e-bikes around; and thanks to a reported 150 mile-per-hour top speed, it quickly became one of the most anticipated cycle announcements in the past few years. Sadly, the bike is still in pre-production, and aside from the specs provided, not much is known about the underlying architecture of the Strike. It is, however, still available for preorder via the companys website, meaning that theres still hope for those of us who are willing to wait.
Battery Capacity: 10 kWh Range: 150 miles depending on use Top Speed: 150 miles-per-hour Weight: 455 lbs
Purchase: $13,000
Cake Kalk&
Cakes Kalk& is an all-encompassing e-moto that boasts the title of the companys first-ever road-legal platform. Aside from its award-winning design principle, futuristic styling, and off-road orientation, this interesting cycle also features improved range and speed over its predecessor, making it a valuable proposition for the urban commuter. If youre tired of sticking to the citys tightly-packed streets, you can utilize the Kalk& on your favorite trail, back road, or alleyway, thanks to its dirt bike-inspired layout. A capable suspension system, lightweight chassis, and slimline silhouette pair nicely with the bikes 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, giving it an expansive 83-mile range and 56 mile-per-hour top speed. When youre out of juice, the Kalk&s quick 2.5-hour charge time ensures that youll be back on the road with minimal effort.
Battery Capacity: 2.6 kWh Range: 83 miles depending on use Top Speed: 56 miles-per-hour Weight: 174 lbs
Purchase: $14,000
Zero SR
Zeros SR is a great-looking platform that doesnt focus on being the flashiest bike on the road. It relies on its subtle appearance and extravagant performance figures to do the talking, giving it an err of tasteful quality that cant be beat but the genres alternative manufacturers. The California-based company is no stranger to the creation of capable e-bikes, and it shows; the SR is what the perfect middle ground looks like, as far as handling, power, and aesthetics are concerned. It boasts a 223-mile range, a 102 mile-per-hour top speed, and a 458-pound curb weight all of which are made possible by the bikes 14.4 kWh battery. Sadly, it suffers from a prolonged, 9.8-hour charge time, making it a little less attractive than some other option on our list. The good news is that you can purchase an alternative tank that drops the cycles charge time to a modest 2.5 hours, bringing the SR in-line with its competitors.
Battery Capacity: 14.4 kWh Range: 223 miles depending on use Top Speed: 102 miles-per-hour Weight: 458 lbs
Purchase: $16,500
Tarform
Tarforms self-titled electric motorcycle draws heavy inspiration from the cafe racer genre and boasts one of the more aesthetically-pleasing silhouettes available on the market today. But the bike isnt just a great-looking showpiece, its also completely customizable, offering personalization options that many other manufacturers cant abide. Larger battery packs are available for increased range, faster charging, and improved riding experience all around. With the base offering, youll be able to partake in up to 90 miles of traversal, alongside a relatively quick charge time of four hours. And, like most contemporary electric offerings, the Tarform will embody a slew of smart features, including health diagnostics, digitally-integrated system optimizations, and maintenance reminders that are sent directly to your smartphone. While specifications about the bikes top speed, horsepower, and performance capabilities are scarce, its currently available for pre-order via the companys website.
Battery Capacity: 9 kWh Range: 90 miles depending on use Top Speed: 95 miles-per-hour Weight: 350 lbs
Purchase: $18,000
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Harley Davidsons LiveWire motorcycle started out as one of the industrys most anticipated concepts, and after a while, it was passed off as just another baseless platform. However, after entering production for release in August of 2019, the bike recaptured the interest of the motorcycling community with its sleek bodywork, powerful electric motor, and legendary brand name. The cycle takes on an undeniably sporty appearance, thanks to its rounded, aerodynamic panels, sharp edges, and less-than-subtle midsection. Thanks to the bikes 15.5 kWh battery, its able to rocket from 0-60 in just under three seconds and boasts a top speed of 95 miles-per-hour. Calling upon its well-endowed architecture, its capable of producing around 74 horsepower, accenting the LiveWires 140-mile range and speedy one-hour charge time.
Battery Capacity: 15.5 kWh Range: 140 miles depending on use Top Speed: 95 miles-per-hour Weight: 549 lbs
Purchase: $29,800
Energica EGO
Energicas EGO motorcycle is a powerful Italian electric bike that acts and looks the part of a well-rounded racer. Its a superbike, first and foremost, offering riders an established design that was brought to light by a team of F1 and Le Mans engineers, and a capable 107 kW engine that translates to around 145 horsepower, overall. Obviously, the bike is no slouch in the performance department, boasting a blistering 150 mile-per-hour top speed, 143 lb-ft of torque, and a 93-mile range to keep the time between charges at a minimum. The EGO accelerates from 0-60 in just under three seconds, making it a prominent contender for those riders who want to step into the realm of instantaneous power. Better yet, the bike can be charged from 0 to 100-percent in around 3.5 hours, placing it right in the middle of the pack when it comes to quick charging capabilities.
Battery Capacity: 11.7 kWh Range: 93 miles depending on use Top Speed: 150 miles-per-hour Weight: 569 lbs
Purchase: $34,000
Lito Sora
Litos Sora is another cafe-inspired racer, giving it a unique aesthetic thats hard to beat, even by conventional standards. And while the bikes performance isnt anything to laugh at due to its 120 mile-per-hour top speed, 120-mile range, and 0-60 of only three seconds, its relatively lackluster everywhere else. In an odd twist of events, the bikes performance and power figures are still rather elusive; but, what we do know is that the current generation of the bike is dressed from head to toe in lightweight carbon fiber, boasts a 50-percent stronger battery than its predecessor, and features an ultra-limited run of only 20 models. At $82,000, the Sora is surely an investment that wont be undertaken by anyone other than the companys most devoted connoisseurs, making the bike an interesting example, and avid competitor, for todays alternative e-bikes.
Battery Capacity: 12 kWh Range: 120 miles depending on use Top Speed: 120 mils-per-hour Weight: 550 lbs
Purchase: $82,000
Arc Vector
To round out our list, were taking a look at the Arc Vector. This futuristic cycle is unmatched when it comes to visual appeal, thanks to its sleek architecture, integrated systems, and insane technology, making it a force to be reckoned with for every other electrically-inclined company out there. It boasts a top speed of 125 miles-per-hour, a 0-60 acceleration time of 2.7-seconds, and a range of 270 miles, thanks to its powerful 95 kW battery system. Below the bikes front fairing, youll find a unique Öhlins hub-steering design, steep rake, and stiff chassis that easily adapts to the curvature of the roadway, promising riders a platform that doesnt skimp on handling capabilities. And, in a truly unique fashion, the Arc Vector comes paired with a cutting-edge Human Machine Interface (HMI), providing haptic feedback, a HUD-based Arc Pilot System, and three different adaptable riding modes to keep you on your toes at all times. Needless to say, its perhaps the most capable electric platform thats available right now, which is reflected by its $117,000 asking price.
Battery Capacity: 16.8 kWh Range: 270 miles depending on use Top Speed: 125 miles-per-hour Weight: 485 lbs
Purchase: $117,000
If sticking to the streets on an all-electric platform isnt your cup of tea, head over to our guide on the best adventure motorcycles to get your off-grid fix.
Motorcycle Ping!.....................
Missing Lightning Strike Photo
I would take a diesel bike over an electric bike any day of the week.
First one looks like a moped someone built in their garage.
Correct. Totally gae.
My favorite job in a motorcycle club was road captain but a couple of these in the pack would make a dream come true. Instead of taking a week to scout a run,I could take 2 or 3 and say I was hunting AC outlets. (Oh please don’t throw me in the briar patch again!)
One question: Why?
Heap of difference between a promise taking over and an actual take over.
Eco-weenies want to be ‘Born to be Wild’ too!............
That has to be the Zero BO model.
Americans will line up for thes if they sell the appropriate accessories. Such as Engine Loudener, and Rumble Kit.
Because Greta said Oil bad. And theres nothing Greta doesnt know.
Just buy a deck of cards to put in the spokes................
100 miles before you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere. Just say no.
Isnt this like having intercourse with the use of a phalafftc?
If ever there were thread needing ignoring........
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