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6/10/2019 6:31pm
Well, this is cool to see.
The KTM Junior SX race will be switching to electric. Not quite a full on e-bike class, but a start.
https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/05/supercross-to-debut-first-ev-class-and-tap-startups-to-go-digital/
The KTM Junior SX race will be switching to electric. Not quite a full on e-bike class, but a start.
https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/05/supercross-to-debut-first-ev-class-and-tap-startups-to-go-digital/
The Shop
Dirt bikes with no "Motorcycle" noise is just not right...
.
"Combining EVs and youth could roll up into a broader strategy of established companies and e-moto startups to revive interest in motorcycles to a new generation. The U.S. motorcycle industry has been in pretty bad shape since the recession."
People aren't riding because of the lack of electric options, the cost associated with riding has skyrocketed, and bikes are becoming to complex for the average mechanic. And don't say, "electric will be maintenance free."
Moving to electric is probably going to be the nail in the coffin for the sport of motocross/supercross. It's a different sport; that's like saying supercross races will now be riding engine free bikes that have pedals...
Ken Roczen has a different riding style because he rides in a higher gear vs a Barcia. This gives him an advantage or disadvantage depending on the track conditions. Now everyone will be riding in the entire track in the same gear.
Sure, I can see the benefit of having a bike that's noise free for neighborhood riding, but the same people complaining about noise are now going to complain about rubber tires, dust, endangering children on and on and on.
And I get being annoyed with changing oil, premix, and filters. But looking back the time I spent in the garage working on bikes with my dad are some of my best memories. It makes you appreciate things more when it requires effort and brain power and feels good when you understand how something works. And most tracks or riding areas do not have electric hookups, so you will be required to bring some type of generator, which requires maintenance.
It'll be ok. I promise.
I don't want to get off on a tangent with grid capabilities, renewables, etc.; but I think EVs will kill the current sport of MOTOcross/supercross. It will have to turn into a different sport completely. Some are excited for that day and new opportunities, I personally am sad to see the original sport with motors disappear. And I also bet FMF who outfitted the 50 bikes with slick pipes is sad to see this move as well.
Pit Row
If the thumbs down was public it would make more sense to down vote your reply. Unnecessary to anonymously give someone a thumbs down. We get to view the positive thumbs up votes but give people a veil to hide behind the toxic negativity of a thumbs down vote, which only promotes more pollution on this forum. Ironic how the same people who trash our environment without consequence or after thought or any effort to offset their carbon footprint are the same ones who trash our dirt bike and online community.
An E-bike being so quiet is what makes it a game changer. Most people can complain about dust, emissions, two strokes, gas/ oil pollution in streams from motorcycles crossing etc to anyone who will listen and won't get anywhere until they bring up noise. Noise pollution is what will get authorities to crack down.
Lowering Decibels is paramount. E-bikes can be produced and maintained without as much of a reliance on fossil fuels as two stroke and four stroke bikes. Solar for one. I understand that mining for precious metals etc are unavoidable in the production for batteries and other technologies that are incorporated with E-bikes but when looking at the big picture, even if E-bikes are equal in carbon footprints to current Internal Combustion Engine bikes, the noise factor alone should be enough to get motorcycle enthusiasts to be more open minded about E-bikes. E-bikes will still need garage maintenance. It will just be different. (See; Valves, when four strokes made their way in) If we can get over not having gears, a clutch, and a loud motor noise.
For example, Josh Hill is on both ends of the spectrum with his Alta E-bike and also his Yamaha 450 with the straight pipe made for the snow bike tracks and riding in altitude.
What on God's green earth were you thinking...
Change is inevitable. We should all embrace it. Especially if it's for almost everyone's best interest. Survival of the fittest is commonly misunderstood as being bigger, faster, stronger, smarter etc, but survival of the FITTEST should be understood as FITTING IN. Those who can adapt to changing circumstances will thrive.
Auto and off-highway manufacturers are putting together really good electo-mechanical packages. There has been huge advancements on the software and programming side, with more linear increases in energy density. Motorcycle technology lags auto and off-highway by many years. The package KTM engineered looks good and will do the job well I'm sure, but it's relatively primitive compared to the level of technology that is currently available in other industries.
If it is silent, it's actually worse than watching the 4 stroke pro motos.
I cant wait for this.
https://youtu.be/KMPJAi9az70
Post a reply to: Supercross on TechCrunch: E-Bikes for Junior race