Tag Archives: First Look

Arai Ram-X Open-Face Helmet First Look

Arai has announced an innovative new open-face helmet in the Ram-X. It’s made to be ultra light, highly protective, and comfortable, becoming the most sophisticated open-face helmet from Arai to date.

The Japanese brand took cues from some of its top-of-the-line helmets to devise the Ram-X. Its ventilation diffusers are borrowed from the Corsair-X, providing heightened airflow through the intake vents and channels. Arai changed the aero stabilizer design to optimize stabilizing performance on the new lid.

The shell of the Ram-X is based on the construction of the Quantum-X and Signet-X. It’s made from a PB-cLc2 material (which stands for peripherally belted complex laminate construction square). It’s a technique that was created in-house by Arai and which makes use of a number of different impact-resistant materials.

The shell also makes use of the newly designed Z-Compound resin, which provides better adhesion between layers while allowing engineers to use less resin than before. That results in a lighter-weight lid that is both DOT and Snell approved. There’s no specific weight number listed by Arai however.

There are four shell sizes used to construct the XS–XXL size run for the Ram-X, improving the accuracy of the fit. Arai has given the Ram-X an intermediate oval shape in an effort to make the helmet comfortable for a wide range of riders.

Each shell size comes with its own multi-density EPS liner and comfort padding.

Riders can choose to ride with the Pro Shade System up and utilize the shade as a peak, or ride with it down to reduce the amount of light entering the helmet. A newly developed VAS-Z shield system provides a lower pivot point which allowed engineers to create a smoother design in the temple area. All of these elements were also designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with the aim of creating a helmet that cuts through air as best as possible.

The shield is Pinlock ready also. There are a number of color options available, and the Ram-X starts at $679.95.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Lightning Strike Electric Motorcycle First Look

After months of teasing out aspects of its new model, the day has finally arrived. Lightning Motorcycles officially launched the Strike, an electric sportbike with a variety of configurations to match both budget and ride style.

The standard Strike will start at $12,998 and features a 10-kWh battery and AC induction motor which promises 90 hp, 180 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 135 mph. This battery will offer a range of 70/100 miles highway/city and come with Level 1 and Level 2 charging options. Level 1 provides a full charge overnight from a standard 110-volt outlet at home, while Level 2 offers a full charge in two to three hours at any J1772 public charging station. Level 3 fast-charging and a more efficient onboard charger (from 3.3 kilowatts to 6.6 kilowatts) are options for the standard strike, but each upgrade will cost $1,500 a piece.

There will also be a midrange Strike that packs a larger, 15-kWh battery. It’s power output and charging inlet configuration are the same as the standard Strike, but its range is increased to 105/150 miles highway/city. Weight goes up slightly as well, with the midrange Strike weighing 465 pounds. The standard Strike tips the scales at 455 pounds. The Level 3 charging upgrade and onboard charger upgrade are options here too. A midrange Strike will start at $16,998.

The Strike Carbon is the best of the best, with a 20-kWh battery capable of 150/200 miles highway/city. It’s got 120 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, all three charging inlets, and the 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger. Regarding other elements of its build, the Strike Carbon will also come with the Lightning Performance Package. That means Öhlins suspension throughout, Brembo braking kit, and an AIM Strada racing dash. It weighs 485 pounds, will price at $19,998, and be the first version of Strike to be delivered to customers starting July 2019.

The standard Strike can be upgraded with some or all of the performance parts included on the Carbon.


RELATED: Zero SR/F Electric Motorcycle First Look


Engineers sought to make the Strike as aerodynamically efficient as possible, so devised its sportbike look through wind tunnel testing to help reduce drag and thereby improve range. The rider triangle was developed more for street riding, with an emphasis on comfort and broader usability. It’s more open and natural than the ergos of Lightning’s LS-218 superbike, which provided inspiration for the Strike.

To help keep people from looping the Strike and its 180 pound-feet of torque when the light turns green, Lightning refined throttle response to provide predictable and manageable power. There’s no specifics as to exactly how power delivery will be managed in today’s news, however.

Will the appeal of this Silicon Valley-engineered sportbike part you with your hard-earned cash? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com