As with cars, motorbikes are starting to make the shift to electric. Zero Motorcycles has been making them for over a decade and now Vespa is starting to create electric scooters. It will still be a long time until all bikes go electric but here's out pick of the best high-performance and luxury two-wheelers.
Almost 70 years after its iconic scooter was launched, Vespa has gone electric. This environmentally friendly version – with a four-hour charge time – has been worth the wait. Designed for nipping around inner cities and with a maximum range of 100km, it has a power unit of 2kW and a peak power of 4kW. It includes a modern lithium-ion battery and energy efficient Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that recharges when decelerating.
Add to that its torque of more than 200Nm, a multimedia system that connects to your smartphones and a near-silent operation and it begins to eclipse of the original 50cc scooter. It comes in a stylish chrome-grey finish with metallic reflections and exclusive Jet helmet. For those not completely sold on the idea of electric, the scooter is also available in an “X” model that combines a petrol-driven generator with the electric motor, which kicks in when the battery level falls below a certain threshold, doubling the driving range to up to 200km. Fishtail parka not included.
Limited to just 750 vehicles, BMW's 146kg two-wheeler is the first bike in the world to offer a fully carbon frame and wheels for optimum torsion and smooth glide. The bike is engineered as a single component, from steering head to swing pivot arm, for the most flexible finish.
The engine produces 158kW of power with a maximum rotational speed of 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 120Nm at 10,000rpm.The bike’s dome-shaped windscreen keeps the rider secure and offers a streamlined ride, and a 2D dashboard for displaying relevant data. It comes in the attractive new HP motorsport colours of new light white, racing blue metallic and racing red. From £68,000
Zero Motorcycles has been making electric bikes for more than ten years, so it knows a thing or two about EV powertrains. Able to take on all kinds of terrain, the DSR goes from 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 157kph, thanks to its 60hp Z-Force lithium-ion power pack, which delivers 110Nm of torque.
You can ride for 236 urban kilometres before a recharge is needed (or boost this to 302km with the optional power tank). As for charge time, the DSR will hit 100 per cent battery in 2.6 hours with the right charger. What’s more, each full recharge will only cost you about £1.
If you are switching from smooth asphalt to loose gravel roads, you can change the performance profile of the DSR with the slide of a finger using the Zero app. There are pre-programmed Eco or Sport modes, but performance can be fully customised in the app, where you can also exmaine detailed ride stats. One final use for the software is the Z-Force powertrain is constantly being sent code updates resulting in performance improvements. Once delivered to the app, updates are downloaded directly from your smartphones to your bike. £16,190
We hear the eight hairpin turns on San Francisco’s Lombard Street calling out to host this head-turning three-wheel motorcycle. Its impressive tech spec is as breathtaking as its design. Its torque rich 847cc, three-cylinder engine, lightweight hybrid chassis and corner-carving abilities provide precision riding control for short, sporty bursts and comfortable, long distance journeys.
Its “leaning multi-wheel technology” - with a lean angle of up to 45° - ensures twisting road turns can be navigated smoothly at high speed. The dual-front wheels, meanwhile, provide a reliably steady grip for a confident ride. Ackerman steering, double upside-down front forks and a fully adjustable rear suspension complete its bold body. Out June 2018 £tbc yamaha-motor.eu
Three years since Husqvarna unveiled the first Vitpilen concept, the Swedish company better known for chainsaws has unveiled the Vitpilen 701. With a design ethos that strips away unnecessary gimmicks, it creates a progressive mix of classic thinking and modern manufacturing, evidenced by the lightweight, narrow bodywork and a laser-cut, robot-welded and hydro-formed chrome-moly steel-trellis frame. Extending from the main bodywork and floating above the rear wheel, the low-profile seat forms part of the minimalistic rear subframe. The control zone is not obstructed by any fairings and features one digital display unit.
The LED headlight has a daytime running light around the circumference, while the LED tail light is integrated within the bodywork for a clean, uninterrupted appearance. Powered by a 693cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 75hp engine, electronic fuel injection is operated by a ride-by-wire system and delivers immediate power. A two-channel Bosch 9+ ABS system helps with safe braking in varying conditions (this can be disengaged for advanced riders). An Adler Power Torque Control slipper clutch limits back torque and rear-wheel chatter under aggressive downshifts. £8,599
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
