Funny how quickly things change. When the CRM team began compiling info on the current crop of electric motorcycle offerings last fall, we weren’t sure the story would fly. Most major motorcycle manufacturers were exploring the EV concept and more than a few had released full-on, electric-powered streetbikes in recent years. However, sales have been desperately slow across the board with some firms, including BMW completely abandoning their electric motorcycle R&D department, even after investing hundreds of millions of Euros into the idea.
Still, we’ve ridden enough of these technologically fascinating, completely silent road-burners to know there’s some appeal, however limited, to riding motorcycles that never need refueling or engine maintenance. While we had a new Zero SR/F naked performance bike in the CRM garage as a long-term test bike last summer, it was fun to gauge the response of veteran riders who sampled the newfangled ride. Some, like longtime Harley rider Steve Eckerson, marveled at the Zero’s vibration-free, seamless acceleration. He parked his vintage Shovelhead for the day and eagerly embraced the Zero which was such a far cry from his pushrod-operated V-twin that they seem to have emerged from different planets. Still, we had a tough time getting Steve to give back the keys to the EV with only the dwindling battery power forcing him out of the saddle.
More insight was shared by CRM pal Jeremy Haynes who sagely observed that electric motorcycles are perfect for urban riders, delivery drivers and others seeking quick, short-distance transportation, not the long-distance travel that’s such a big part of combustion engine motorbikes. “If I lived in New York City or LA and had to fight traffic commuting all day, this would be perfect,” he said. Others lamented the lack of a gearbox which made slowing down for corners a disconcerting experience, along with the missing clutch lever: factors like these make E-bikes a strange experience indeed.
But this was all conducted months before the current sure in gas prices that’s caused many riders to re-consider buying high-performance machines that guzzle fuel. Sales of electric powered cars are suddenly on the rise globally and with no end in sight for gas pump sticker shock, it’s our collective opinion that we’ll be seeing longer lines at the local re-charging station that ever before.
In Cafe Racer’s April/May issue, we serve up a complete rundown of the offerings in this nascent field, showcasing a couple of different test rides of EV bikes that caught our collective eye. Granted, with their lack of exhaust note, missing gearboxes and inherently short battery lifespans (which are adversely affected by weather conditions and other factors) these futuristic wheels are not for every rider. But for any motorcyclist with an open mind and a wallet flattened by recent surges in gas prices, they’re definitely worth a long look.
