125mph Electric Motorcycle

Posted: Monday 01 December 2008 by Toni M.

Electric motorcycle

It probably may not be as fast or even sound like a Ducati Desmosedici RR, but the TTX01 claiming to be the world’s fastest all-electric motorbike was unveiled at the NEC International Bike Show and is already road-legal in the UK.

The TTX01 was commissioned by TTX GP founder Azhar Hussain and designed and built by British engineers for world’s first Emissions-free Grand Prix for motorbikes to be held at the Isle of Man next year. Built around an old GSX-750 chassis, suspension and bodywork, the TTX01 claim it can go from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and at top speed 125mph is enough to give most modern day motorcycles a run for their money in real world riding conditions.

The TTX01 runs on two battery-powered motors designed by Brighton based Agni Motors attached to its rear wheel. It is rated at about 86 brake horsepower, equivalent to the peak power of a standard 600cc racing bike.
The final version, due out in a year’s time, will have a frame made from lightweight carbon composite materials. It will also incorporate technologies such as regenerative braking, to increase its range.

Azhar Hussain, organiser of the Isle of Man event and a keen motorcyclist, said “One of the good things about motorcycles is that the technology is good enough today to give you a motor sport performance [with no emissions],” said Hussain. “There’s an opportunity here to move the science and technology forward and to deliver a meaningful change in a meaningful time.”

The only other electric bikes close to commercial production are the US company Brammo’s Enertia, due on the market next year, and the Vectrix scooter. Both are aimed at the commuter market, and have lower top speeds, 50mph and 60mph respectively.

One point that may create problems before electric bikes become mainstream. “It hardly makes any noise,” said Hussain. “Either we start making noise, which is quite an inefficient way of moving forward, or we start training people that these bikes will be silent so you need to start looking both ways before crossing the road.”

After tests, the TTX01 will undertake a European tour before coming back to the Isle of Man in time for the TT race, in which 50 teams will compete, next June. On a full charge and at a moderate speed, the bike’s 75kg battery will currently allow it to travel around 50 miles.

Source | visordown

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