The FIM creates a new Series for Electric Motorcycles in 2010

Shift518 Automotive
1

Possibly a support race for MotoGP? If you think electric motorcycle is a joke, these Isle of Man TTXGP footages might convince you otherwise:

The FIM creates a new Series for Electric Motorcycles in 2010.
24/06/09 - 18:15

Following the success of the TTXGP race held on the Isle of Man on June 12, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) has decided to create a FIM Series for electric bikes in 2010. This new FIM Series will be managed by the Road Racing Commission, a great and innovative project led by Mr Azhar Hussain a UK Entrepreneur founder of the TTXGP. The FIM Series for electric bikes will provide an international platform for the development of electric bikes and the technology behind them to be tested in an exciting and challenging way. It aims at driving low-carbon technological innovation forward, to demonstrate that clean-emission transport technologies have matured and can be fun, fast and exciting.

FIM President Vito Ippolito
“I am very happy to welcome this new Series, the future of the sport depends on our capacity as well as that of the manufacturers to innovate quickly. We are convinced that very shortly the motorcycle World Championships will be accessible to non-polluting engines as far as gas and sound emissions are concerned. Now that this important decision is taken, we have to work on rules and calendar to be ready to compete in 2010”

TTXGP Founder Azhar Hussain
“With the success of the TTXGP on the Isle of Man, we have shown that low-carbon technology is ready to deliver the thrills and passion for both spectators and riders. In partnership with the FIM, we are taking the next step and proud to be pushing new frontiers in motorsports technology both on and off the track. Competition improves the breed, so we hope this new Series will come to be seen as a milestone event in bringing new transportation technology to the world beyond motorcycling. We invite the best and the brightest in the world to join the global Series and be with us at the dawn of the next generation of motorsports.”

[source] FIM, Brammo

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Electric motorcycles are no joke and are the best hope to get the people to feel comfortable with something electric in their garage.

You can even retrofit an old bike with a specific electric motor and a bunch of deep cycle batteries to last you upto ~15 miles. Many people have done so successfully. Battery life is about 5 to 6 years depending on the warranty provided by the retail store.

For city commuters even a range of a few miles is plenty for every day tasks and the production models coming out are looking to range over 50+ miles.

One of the only problems I foresee is how many people will be interested in a mouse-quiet like motorcycle. It’s like buying a muscle car that’s not loud, something just doesn’t feel right about that.

3

they are saying those electric bikes are gunna get fast and popular

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Yah, I dunno why but I feel like these really are gonna be wicked popular.

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These are going to be quiet ass races

6

wont have to worry about complaining neighbors. they look pretty sweet

7

Instant torque… sounds like a wheelie machine.

8

sounds like a completely different beast to master