I took my new (to me) electric motorcycle out with friends for the first time.
I calculated from my previous solo trips that the motorcycle had a range of about 120km (75mi). My friends were more experienced than me, and they picked the route. I had told them that I was only comfortable riding 100km, but I guess that didn't mean much. If I had pressed for details about the route instead of trying to fit in, I would have discovered that the round trip was 140km before we left.
The motorcycle performed beautifully until it shut off after about 120km. Still 20km from civilisation.
What I learned that day is that the average person is far kinder than social media will lead you to believe. I was near the top of the hill, so I decided to push to the top and coast most of the way home. I think around 6 people stopped to help push on the steep section of the hill (one at a time), and I lost count of the number of other people who stopped to check on me on the flat sections. I'm guessing over 20. I was actually thinking of writing a sign that said "I'm fine, don't help me" just so I could make faster progress.
It was a pretty warm day and the motorcycle is about 300kg (650lb), so I was happy to take water from 4 different people along the way.
Eventually someone with a trailer stopped and asked if I wanted to put the motorcycle on the trailer and get a ride home. I don't think I've ever accepted anything faster. It cost me a bottle of high quality whiskey, but it was still much cheaper than calling for roadside assistance.
In summary, it was partly my fault for not pushing for details, and partly my fault for not checking the distance travelled as we went. I'd love to blame the motorcycle for cutting out with 2/5 bars remaining, but I really did know the maximum range. It's also a really cheap motorcycle with almost no thought or effort in its design. It even has a chain guard for a hub motor (no chains anywhere).
I still love the motorcycle, will still only ride electric, and will probably ride with those friends again; but next time I'm checking the distance first.
TL;DR
Rode electric motorcycle further than its max range. Humans are much more caring than you'd expect. Got home exhausted, but proud of humanity.
Glad everything worked out OK.
Out of interest, how does the electric bike compare with equivalent petrol bikes? Eg, is it heavier like most EVs seem to be? How's that affect handling? etc
I haven't been on another motorcycle in a while so its hard to compare.
The label claims 300kg. I really haven't noticed any difference in weight or balance. The battery is 72V, 110Ah. No idea how much that alone weighs.
It's roughly equivalent to a 250cc for power, but with a flatter torque curve. The straight line acceleration from a standstill leaves much to be desired. I'm still hoping that's a software limitation, because electric motors should have a high starting torque.
The handling is fine. I'm still working up my skills from a long break, so I'm not riding anywhere near the limits of the bike. At my skill level it's easy to throw into corners, and doesn't lack power coming out of them.
The first few times coming to a stop are disconcerting, but I quickly got used to the 2 handlebar brake levers and no foot brake or gear shifter. Sitting at traffic lights is marginally better (no clutch to hold and no changing to neutral), and accelerating away is as easy as twisting the throttle*.
Regular maintenance is simpler (no carburettor, spark plugs, oil, gears, chain), and my home solar panels have dropped the fuel costs to 0.
I have a long list of minor complaints, but most of them solvable with a little effort. For $4,000 second hand, I really can't complain.
*
It's not a throttle, but I don't know what else to call it. Maybe accelerator?Thanks for that, it's very interesting. I guessed the no gears bit, but the no foot brake caught me by surprise.
One last question, does it do brake regeneration, and if so how do you find that?
It doesn't do regen braking by default. It looks like the previous owner turned it on (custom wiring adaptor needed to access advanced settings), but it's much less powerful than engine braking. I assume a more expensive motorcycle would do it properly.
I'm used to driving electric cars with a one pedal mode, so I'd love to try much stronger regen. I don't think it would make a noticeable difference to the range though.
I had a Kawasaki Z 400 for about a year, good fun, absolutely enough to get yourself in trouble. Then I basically swapped it for a SuperSoco TC Max.
I prefer the electric even though it's a big power downgrade (about a 125cc equivalent).
It's considerably lighter (it's 102kg with the 22kg battery), so my 48kg Mrs has no trouble keeping it upright (she dropped her Honda Cb250 once or twice).
It's essentially silent (don't wake the neighbours at 5am), I can charge it at work, no chain/oil/fluids beyond brake fluid, and has a really neat power delivery. I bought it when electric bikes in were rare, nowadays I'd definitely go for something with more grunt like OPs braaap, or a Zero.
Say what? Is it a hub motor? Sorry for all my questions, just finding this all damn interesting. All these parts of a traditional bike which you just chuck out or redesign because electric.
Na it's belt driven, apparently the belt can lose teeth and require replacement, but it's rare, so I don't consider it a maintenance part like you would a chain