Electric Motorcycles?

[KC2UGV]

That's a gas powered one? Looks sharp, and like something I'd be looking for.

[KG4CGC]

That's a gas powered one? Looks sharp, and like something I'd be looking for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK_s0ypHfR0

[N2CHX]

I'm not looking for the feeling of rugged power; but the feeling of a lower gasoline bill :)

I paid $1,800 for my Ninja, Dan paid $1,700 for his. No restriction on how far you can ride, low maintenance costs and anywhere between 50 and 80 mpg depending on how you ride it. The way I ride, I average about 63, but I like the feeling of speed and fast take-offs. I can hit the 290 and have ample power to get myself out of trouble and fly past the 'pokes if I want to. Not sure if the electrics will allow you to do that, plus they only have a range of just over 40 miles on the highway from a full charge.

I also looked at their charge/mpg specs; they list the Zero S as having 273 equivalent mpg, however, they don't take into account the efficiency of the charger and the battery -- they base this completely on the 1kw output capacity of the charger and the 6.0kw capacity of the battery. You and I both know that batteries and any voltage/current conversion circuit are not 100% efficient, although Li Ion batteries are close. Add to that, that the cost of electricity here in WNY is higher than anywhere in the country except Hawaii... That equivalent of 273 mpg gets cut back fast. And wait until the battery needs to be replaced -- or you spill the bike and crack the battery and it needs to be replaced -- Cha-ching! BTW, my Ninja weighs in almost exactly the same as the Zero S -- about 300 lbs.

Are you thinking that somehow the electrics are safer? Or that a scooter is safer? They're not, in fact I don't know if I'd really want that lithium ion bomb under my cooch.

The electrics sound cool and someday maybe I'll try one, but for now I'll stick with my good old fashioned high-performance two cylinder, four stroke gasoline engine, screaming down the road at 131 RPM/MPH ;)

[n2ize]

That's a gas powered one? Looks sharp, and like something I'd be looking for.

That's my moped !! I have that exact bike. It's a Peugeot. It is vintage (dates back to around 1972-73). Only difference is the one in the picture is in its original green colour. Mine was painted black by one of its former owners. The one in the picture above has apparently been retrofitted with a new seat. Mine has the original seat which is much smaller (more like a standard bicycle seat) and is very uncomfortable for long rides. Otherwise its a great bike. Mine still runs. Unfortunately I can;t get to it because my dad has it buried in the garage under a couple of tons of lumber and junk.

[KG4CGC]

Get in there and dig it out! The weather is getting right for a ride! http://forums.hamisland.net/showthre...l=1#post418439

[KC2UGV]

I paid $1,800 for my Ninja, Dan paid $1,700 for his. No restriction on how far you can ride, low maintenance costs and anywhere between 50 and 80 mpg depending on how you ride it. The way I ride, I average about 63, but I like the feeling of speed and fast take-offs. I can hit the 290 and have ample power to get myself out of trouble and fly past the 'pokes if I want to. Not sure if the electrics will allow you to do that, plus they only have a range of just over 40 miles on the highway from a full charge.

I also looked at their charge/mpg specs; they list the Zero S as having 273 equivalent mpg, however, they don't take into account the efficiency of the charger and the battery -- they base this completely on the 1kw output capacity of the charger and the 6.0kw capacity of the battery. You and I both know that batteries and any voltage/current conversion circuit are not 100% efficient, although Li Ion batteries are close. Add to that, that the cost of electricity here in WNY is higher than anywhere in the country except Hawaii... That equivalent of 273 mpg gets cut back fast. And wait until the battery needs to be replaced -- or you spill the bike and crack the battery and it needs to be replaced -- Cha-ching! BTW, my Ninja weighs in almost exactly the same as the Zero S -- about 300 lbs.

Are you thinking that somehow the electrics are safer? Or that a scooter is safer? They're not, in fact I don't know if I'd really want that lithium ion bomb under my cooch.

The electrics sound cool and someday maybe I'll try one, but for now I'll stick with my good old fashioned high-performance two cylinder, four stroke gasoline engine, screaming down the road at 131 RPM/MPH ;)

Now, I'm thinking that electric vehicles are lower emission vehicles than anything that burns a fossil fuel :)

It's not a sport or enjoyment thing for me (I have my bicycle for that :) ), it's a "having a smaller footprint", which a motorcycle can do as well, but I'm investigating how low I can get mine :)

[KG4CGC]

I'm investigating how low I can get mine

Don't poop.

[KB3LAZ]

Now, I'm thinking that electric vehicles are lower emission vehicles than anything that burns a fossil fuel :)

It's not a sport or enjoyment thing for me (I have my bicycle for that :) ), it's a "having a smaller footprint", which a motorcycle can do as well, but I'm investigating how low I can get mine :)

I havent really seen any newer 125cc Motorcycles in the US but I do know that when I get to Spain they are quite popular. Their fuel range is on par with a scooter. Normally around 100mpg +-25mpg.

What seems to be bigger than the 125 motorcycles is scooters as well as 250cc motorcycles. The 250s seem to have a rather similar mpg rating but with a little more kick.

I have looked at a magnitude of bikes but I have really been checking into the Honda VTR-250.

[n2ize]

Now, I'm thinking that electric vehicles are lower emission vehicles than anything that burns a fossil fuel :)

It's not a sport or enjoyment thing for me (I have my bicycle for that :) ), it's a "having a smaller footprint", which a motorcycle can do as well, but I'm investigating how low I can get mine :)

Well, consider charging a battery involved burning fuel. Making solar cells involved burning fuel. My old Peugeot SP 103 gets incredibly good mileage one a gallon of gas. I;d imagine the new ones are even better. My SP-103 is a 2 cycle job. I have to mix gas and oil. The new ones may be 4 cycle and cleaner burning perhaps ??

[n2ize]

Get in there and dig it out! The weather is getting right for a ride! http://forums.hamisland.net/showthre...l=1#post418439

I know. But it's going to be an incredible dig. You don;t know how my dad can wreck up a garage and everything in it. I can't even see the thing much less get near it. I need a huge dumpster just to haul all the junk away. And God knows what shape the moped will be in when i finally unearth it. Then I'll need to register it and get plates for it unless I restrict my use to an occasional spin around the block. Unlike some other states nanny NYS requires a license and registration in order to drive a moped on public roads.