Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

It all comes full circle then, if I did that I'd rather just get one of the new electric dirtbikes. There's always something better.

 

Ah, and I don't actually have an interest in the electric bikes because camping is sans power for me. The lower cost is a big factor as well.

 

I was looking at some electric bikes recently. They seem to be not quite but almost there as far as the tech goes to stack up against ICE. Only caveat being that dang charging time...

 

Absolutely no interest in any electric vehicle here. I just don't think they're ready yet to replace ICE power for most drivers here in the US. Maybe if I lived in a more urban area and my driving/riding were more urban in nature.

 

https://www.zappscycles.com/products/apollo-rfn-ares-rally-pro

They are starting to get close. 100 mile range and 2-3 hour charge time sounds a lot better. But how long to charge on a 2000w generator? Swappable batteries? Build one for a bigger guy I'd happily spend the $2k more over the xr150

 

Living in Washington I have unlimited places to ride however you want. Except dry. Those places are rare

 

Definitely. Some of them even drop down to a 1hr charge time. But you raise valid points. I'm also skeptical of the ranges they provide, as Id guess those are tested similar to MPG testings, under ideal conditions and tested for the most efficiency, rather than how we'd actually ride it.

But it's nice to see them growing and catching up.

 

100 miles on flat is very different than 100 miles on hills. My Rad bike had a motor problem up in the mtns and at 80lbs with no assist it was a bitch to get back. But I'm still hopeful. Quiet riding in the woods is amazing, you see so much more wildlife

 

From some of what I've read they are using swappable batteries in many of the small electric scooters in Asia. Once they get that tech squared away an electric motorcycle may be a realistic option here in the US.

 

Yup exactly. while I do have a place for ICE in my heart, I would like to see electric be able to measure up fully to gas. nothing wrong with options.

 

Personally, if I were going to up the price and go with something that isn't street legal, I'd spend $500 more for a CRF125 to get the fuel injection. In the end nothing that's a dirt bike really trips my trigger, regardless of power source.

 

Yep, I can see you doing that!

 

Hybrid might be an alternative

 

Just need to hit the lottery first.......

 

That sounds plausible, but I would imagine that would be even heavier than sticking to one direction or the other? maybe not, idk much about hybrid engines.

 

I believe I saw something about Kawasaki filing for some patents on what looks to be a hybrid motorcycle. Want to say a parallel twin ICE with a small electric motor with it.

 

just googled and this came up. looks interesting...

https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki-ninja-7-hybrid-motorcycle-first-ride-review/

 

I just don't see the point in the hybrid/electric stuff in a bike. In cars the performance can be staggering in either MPGs or MPHs, but bikes are already fully capable of great numbers in both.

 

Yo peeps I’m still alive!! Sorry for the radio silence just a lot going on lately, all is good here though. Appreciate the concern and you guys checking in!

I’ve been getting out riding as much as I can, and switching between bikes it’s hard to say which one I love more. I think the 701 Supermoto is my favorite, but the 1290 Super Duke R is awesome too and does so much better on the highway.

Some other thoughts/updates…

701 SM – I love this bike...the tagline on Husky’s website sums it up perfectly - “The essence of riding”. Lately been spending time doing parking lot practice and some light hooliganism in business parks. This bike is so fun to rip around on. The suspension and ground clearance is great, along with very usable power and stellar brakes. This thing tears the backroads, feels so light and effortless. Only issue has been the counter shaft seal, replaced twice so far under warranty but think it’s still leaking. Actually the oil fill cap leaks a bit too so I ordered a billet one from Graves motorsports.

1290 SDR – Amazing machine, mega torque and power but very smooth at low speed. I leave traction control on and the front wheel is still lifting up everywhere, lots of smiling in my helmet I’m working on getting it into sport touring mode...my wife bought me a tail bag to match the side bags. Also have a Puig windscreen I need to put on. Next up will be new tires and a comfier seat. The real test run will be trying to ride 1100 miles in 24hrs with @BkerChuck. I feel like I’m in great shape now but my left thumb/wrist bother me after riding a while so that could be a limiting factor.

And a few random pics… cool moto sculpture in New Hope, PA


Solid Performance KTM


FS 450 SM

 

After reading that article about the Kawasaki I can see a few positives right off the bat. Ability to leave silently for work in the morning, could likely run the fuel out then use electric to get to a gas station. Not too keen on the longer wheelbase though. Imagine a Concours14 hybrid..... Something like that could be ideal for cranking out big miles