KTM commits to 2010 mass-production of electric motorcycle

Void Main
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Void Main 2/3/2009 10:41am
2/3/2009 10:41am Edited Date/Time 2/3/2009 10:41am
I just thought of something else. Wonder how water tight they are or how susceptible they are to riding in very wet conditions? We do a lot of creek crossing and mud riding. I guess you would have to be able to wash them so I can't imagine it being a big problem. Maybe better than gas powered as they don't have to breath.
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TerryB 2/3/2009 10:50am
2/3/2009 10:50am
Matt Fisher wrote:
By 2015 electric bikes will be considered a very viable alternative. Hopefully they'll be good enough for me to go from 2 stroke to AC, skipping...
By 2015 electric bikes will be considered a very viable alternative.
Hopefully they'll be good enough for me to go from 2 stroke to AC, skipping the valve munchers entirely.
+1

I'd much rather go electric than 4-stroke.
M-M
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M-M 2/3/2009 10:50am
2/3/2009 10:50am
There was one at the 02 last weekend



Pic by Hi-Geof
Void Main
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Void Main 2/3/2009 10:53am
2/3/2009 10:53am
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?

The Shop

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TerryB
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TerryB 2/3/2009 10:53am
2/3/2009 10:53am
That doesn't look like the same bike.
TerryB
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TerryB 2/3/2009 10:58am
2/3/2009 10:58am
Void Main wrote:
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in...
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?
You should let them run in any full-size bike class they want. AMA let 4-strokes run with bikes of half their displacement.
Dsigner
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Dsigner 2/3/2009 10:58am
2/3/2009 10:58am
I already purchased the factory Mod Kit..



Now I can ride 1 whole hour!
TerryB
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TerryB 2/3/2009 11:00am
2/3/2009 11:00am
Void Main wrote:
I just thought of something else. Wonder how water tight they are or how susceptible they are to riding in very wet conditions? We do a...
I just thought of something else. Wonder how water tight they are or how susceptible they are to riding in very wet conditions? We do a lot of creek crossing and mud riding. I guess you would have to be able to wash them so I can't imagine it being a big problem. Maybe better than gas powered as they don't have to breath.
If designed with wet conditions in mind, it shouldn't be a problem. There are many examples of electric motors that spend their entire life submersed in water.
Void Main
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Void Main 2/3/2009 11:00am
2/3/2009 11:00am
Void Main wrote:
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in...
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?
TerryB wrote:
You should let them run in any full-size bike class they want. AMA let 4-strokes run with bikes of half their displacement.
Is that an "official" answer? Smile Since they don't have a displacement it's hard to fit them into a class that is regulated by displacement.
Matt Fisher 2/3/2009 11:28am
2/3/2009 11:28am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 10:18pm
Void Main wrote:
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in...
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?
TerryB wrote:
You should let them run in any full-size bike class they want. AMA let 4-strokes run with bikes of half their displacement.
Void Main wrote:
Is that an "official" answer? Smile Since they don't have a displacement it's hard to fit them into a class that is regulated by displacement.
Always follow the money.

If there's more money in the electric motors, then the mfg's will see to it that they have an unfair advantage. If not, they'll be relegated to trail status until it becomes financially advantagous.

See- 4 stroke vs 2 stroke rules...
rallendude
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rallendude 2/3/2009 11:50am
2/3/2009 11:50am
Someone stated they're glad to see something come from the engineering dept rather than the marketing dept. You've got you yang before your ying man. That's a marketing departments wet dream from the beginning.

The whole thing is about taking advantage of the "green" movement that's sweeping the world. Ever notice all the green crap you see now days? I'm all for saving the world but some people are stepping over dollars to pick up dimes here.

I will admit that I'd like to have one for goofing off around the house. KTM should be able to make one that's on par with gas bikes for the right money.

Another question, if it's got the same torque and all, why not give it the same type geometry? Why not share fenders, wheels, suspension and all that. I know weight is an issue but the stuff they make them with now isn't beefy enough to stand up to mx. The wheels, suspension, and frames are designed to handle the forces involved in mx not be as light as possible so they can use the heaviest battery possible.

Just some random thoughts really.
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Pdub 2/3/2009 12:28pm
2/3/2009 12:28pm
partialperson wrote:
They will not be sold in the U.S. due to high lead content. Sorry, but the Federal Government has an agenda to save our youth.
Perhaps you don't understand the lithium battery composition...
mx42
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mx42 2/3/2009 12:48pm
2/3/2009 12:48pm
partialperson wrote:
They will not be sold in the U.S. due to high lead content. Sorry, but the Federal Government has an agenda to save our youth.
Pdub wrote:
Perhaps you don't understand the lithium battery composition...
I don't. Can you fill us in? I've been wondering that while reading this thread. We would gain on the "no noise" but what about disposing of these battery's? I'd also be curious as to the cost of a "spare" battery.

I agree with the guy that said it would be like an electric golf car. Constantly losing power as the time goes by. How could it possibly keep the same amount of torque and such through it's 40 minute cycle?
DrSweden
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DrSweden 2/3/2009 12:49pm
2/3/2009 12:49pm
KTM FUCKING RULES!!!

1. What the hell are the Japs up to? They are missing the boat.
2. What the hell will the aftermarket people sell (I hear Mitch Payton are trying to ban it LOL)
3. How much will it cost, and most importantly, how much is the extra battery? It seems you have to have two? Or can you like load the battery during resting at the track?

Imagine newer to work with maintenance again (at least not as much)?

There are some major questions, but in the end this is the future. I will put in a mp3 player with a loudspeaker with a sample of Bubba riding his KX125! Imagine that! Smile
mosslander
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mosslander 2/3/2009 12:58pm
2/3/2009 12:58pm
Ok ! is'nt a race 40 min+2 laps anymore?
Tiki
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Tiki 2/3/2009 1:08pm
2/3/2009 1:08pm
Count me in. Electric motors are the best. Full torque everywhere. Smooth pull.
Don't jump on this if you think reliability or lack of service is needed. Sounds just like 97. Electric motors hate bumps and jarring.

That said, if you think the pros are fast now. Add electric motor and they will really be fast. Consider 3-5 seconds a lap faster.
Void Main
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Void Main 2/3/2009 1:11pm
2/3/2009 1:11pm
The thing I like about them is that the power curve is totally programmable. You want a 4-stroke feel (who would?), just program it in. You want a power band like on a 2-stroke, just program it in. You want uncontrollable torque at every throttle setting, just rip the computer off and throw it in the trash. Smile
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mosslander 2/3/2009 1:23pm
2/3/2009 1:23pm
Are we up to save the eart. when does the Keith-bike coming?

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slat
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slat 2/3/2009 1:28pm
2/3/2009 1:28pm
I just want to know the price and class eligibility. Think they will get their own or will they be thrown into open?
catatonic
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catatonic 2/3/2009 1:43pm
2/3/2009 1:43pm
With the amount of chain slap noise that comes from a KTM these things will sound horrible.
mx42
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mx42 2/3/2009 1:43pm
2/3/2009 1:43pm
What happens when you let off the throttle on these? Will it coast? Brake?
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partialperson 2/3/2009 1:52pm
2/3/2009 1:52pm
partialperson wrote:
They will not be sold in the U.S. due to high lead content. Sorry, but the Federal Government has an agenda to save our youth.
Pdub wrote:
Perhaps you don't understand the lithium battery composition...
It was a joke, or at least a stab at some humor. With the controversy the last few days concerning the youth bikes being pulled from U.S. sales, and the fact that a company sells electric bikes targeted for the youth market in the back of DirtRider, I thought I would toss it out there.
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Void Main 2/3/2009 1:54pm
2/3/2009 1:54pm
mx42 wrote:
What happens when you let off the throttle on these? Will it coast? Brake?
Not sure but I wonder if it would be possible to reclaim some electricity on braking like they do on the hybrids and electric cars?
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txmxer 2/3/2009 2:18pm
2/3/2009 2:18pm
mx42 wrote:
What happens when you let off the throttle on these? Will it coast? Brake?
Void Main wrote:
Not sure but I wonder if it would be possible to reclaim some electricity on braking like they do on the hybrids and electric cars?
you would probably want it to coast. Electric braking could stop that thing on a dime and put a rider on his head...once again...it's programmable so you could have your choice I guess.

As far as water tightness is concerned, I'd say if you get it wet, you better plan on tearing down all the connection and relubing the seals. But, that probably wouldn't be much more than changing the oil on a 4 stroke and cleaning the filter as far as time and effort.

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wardy 2/3/2009 2:21pm
2/3/2009 2:21pm
Void Main wrote:
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in...
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?
likely ban them with twin cylinders and 2 wheel drive???

If 5 of them show up at my races there will be a class for them at my events!

OH and how long will it take for AJ to find a compatable air compressor motor with twice the horse power and fit it into the bike to make it ROCK!

LOL.
wardy
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wardy 2/3/2009 2:21pm
2/3/2009 2:21pm
Void Main wrote:
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in...
That brings up a question. If these are going to be available next year the AMA is gonna have to start making room for them in racing events. Would they have their own class or can they be fit into some other classes? My guess is the first year at minimum would have to be some sort of exhibition class. What if someone shows up at our hare scrambles next year with one. Where could I fit them in?
likely ban them with twin cylinders and 2 wheel drive???

If 5 of them show up at my races there will be a class for them at my events!

OH and how long will it take for AJ to find a compatable air compressor motor with twice the horse power and fit it into the bike to make it ROCK!

LOL.
mosslander
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mosslander 2/3/2009 2:30pm
2/3/2009 2:30pm
It's better whith sailing-bikes for the whole world !
mosslander
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mosslander 2/3/2009 2:31pm
2/3/2009 2:31pm
It's better whith sailing-bikes for the whole world !
J.Saunders144
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J.Saunders144 2/3/2009 3:06pm
2/3/2009 3:06pm
i cant picture not being able to hear the bike when riding? will there be a green light and a beep when you need to shift? or auto trans?
Ing
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Ing 2/3/2009 3:20pm
2/3/2009 3:20pm
Lion batts put out almost the same power just after charging as they do just before they go dead.

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