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BMW plans convertible electric C1 scooter

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Patent drawings reveal BMW plans to bring back its C1 scooter, but with a detachable roof, seat belts, car-like crumple zones and an electric motor.

The German manufacturer filed a patent for an electric C1-style scooter with a detachable roof in 2017.

Now, more details are available that show it also has airbags, crushable zones front and back like a car, seat belts and aerodynamic winglets that automatically change angle according to speed.

I’ve got to ask … why?

The German company currently has five scooters: the C 650 GT, C 650 Sport, C 400 X and C 400 GT, plus the C Evolution electric scooter which has not yet been imported to Australia.

BMW C evolution electric scooter emissions
BMW C Evolution electric scooter

The new patent drawings show the detachable roof with rear storage area on the electric scooter, but it may also be adapted for the petrol-powered models.

It could even be retrofitted to current models.

BMW patents scooter with roof
Retrofit roof

This is not the first time BMW has thought about bringing back the scooter roof. In 2009, BMW’s first electric scooter was the roofed C1-E concept, powered by a Vectrix motor.

BMW patents scooter with roof
C1-E concept

C1 failure

The whole idea of a motorcycle or scooter is to experience freedom from the cage of cars.

Adding a roof to a motorcycle or scooter not only looks ridiculous, but also makes it heavier and more unwieldy to ride because of its high centre of gravity.

Old C1 scooters can still be seen in crowded European cities such as Paris, but it was a dismal flop around the rest of the civilised world.

BMW patents scooter with roof C1
C1

The idea was to attract car drivers to two wheels. In some countries, riders of the quirky BMW scooter were even allowed to go helmet-less!

Given the sales flop of the C1 which was only built from 2000 to 2002, you have to ask why BMW would consider its reintroduction?

Hopefully, the BMW patent doesn’t give safety nannies the idea that the introduction of a scooter with a protective cage and seatbelt is the answer to two-wheeled injuries and deaths.

BMW patents scooter with roof C1
Riderless C1 being tested

British company AB Dynamics has already used an old BMW C1 to develop by a self-riding scooter to “help improve motorcycle safety” and prove that motorcycles can interact with autonomous vehicles. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Honda doubles down on electric minibikes

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Honda has doubled down on electric minibikes with a patent filing for their long-promised electric Super Cub and a trademark application for an electric Motocompacto.

The former has been around since Honda trotted out a prototype at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Electric minibikes

Honda said the EV-CUB electric scooter would be available from 2018, but that date has now long gone.

However, Honda has had a growing romance with the idea of electric power and especially electric minibikes.

In 2017, Honda signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hitachi to develop electric motors.

The following year, Honda said its self-balancing bike would also come in an electric version.

Honda's self-balancing motorcycle - short season damon last
Honda’s self-balancing motorcycle

The same year Honda said they would develop electric scooters and bikes with swappable batteries and even hybrid drivetrains.

Last year they applied for a patent for future electric motorcycles and scooters to feature an alarm to warn pedestrians unaware of the approaching quiet vehicle.

And earlier this year they applied for a patent for an electric Fireblade sports bike.

Yet here we are in 2020 and still the Japanese company has not delivered on its electric plan.

It’s not that we don’t think it will happen; it’s just a case of when.

Honda MotoCompo Honda doubles down on electric minibikes
1980s Motocompo

As for the Motocompacto electric minibike, it may look like the 1980s Motocompo commuter bike designed to fold up and fit in a car boot (trunk).

Honda patents

These latest filings are part of a blitz of trademark and patent applications by Honda over the past couple of years.

Some are quite weird and impractical, but others may actually make it to market.

We suspect Honda is just trying to dominate intellectual property on motorcycle inventions, rather than planning to put them all into production.

The patents include:

Forks Goldwing patent
Goldwing forks patent

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

MV Agusta roll out smart clutch system

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Two years ago MV Agusta made sport touring more practical in their stylish Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS with a Smart Clutch System or semi-automatic transmission.

The system was developed with America’s Rekluse and allows the rider to use a conventional clutch to change gears or ride in semi-automatic mode.

Now MV is adding their SCS 2.0 version to the Dragster 800 RR, Dragster 800 RC and Brutale 800 RR (pictured above) for clutch-free starts and stopping.

Smart Clutch System

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso practical
MV tech Lorenzo explains the SCS system to MBW

Several other motorcycle companies including Honda are moving toward semi-automatic transmission systems.

I tried the SCS technical innovation in the Turismo Lusso while in Italy in 2018 and found it did not take away from the excitement of riding and selecting gears.

It just added to the convenience, especially around town as it allows you to stop and restart without touching the clutch lever.

Great for lane filtering or crawling in heavy traffic as the “standard” models have a moderately heavy clutch which can become tiring.

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso practical
No need for a clutch takeoff

In auto mode, it also makes the most out of the in-line three-cylinder engine mated to a counter-rotating crankshaft.

It’s your choice. You can ride it like a twist-and-go scooter, changing gears without the clutch, or shift cogs as normal, using the clutch.

The SCS operates in parallel so there is no need for the ride to hit any switches to go from manual to automatic operation.

All of this with only 36g weight increase compared to a traditional clutch.

MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR smart clutch
Dragster 800 RR SCS

There is no word yet on when they will arrive in Australia or how much the SCS will add to the prices of the bikes.

However, it won’t be cheap as the Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS costs an extra $4200 to the price at $31,790 ride away, while the Turismo Veloce Lusso RC SCS is $35,880.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Ducati adds folding electric bicycles

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A week after Ducati unveiled their second electric bicycle, the e-Scrambler, they have added three folding e-bikes showing they are now serious about electric power.

There is still no word on an electric motorcycle.

However, their move in this direction will give them vital technical expertise that they can apply to a full-size electric motorcycle.

There is no word yet on how much the SCR-E, SCR-E Sport and Urban-E folding bicycles will cost.

The e-Scrambler will cost €3699 ($A6065) while their first e-mountain bike, the MIG-RR launched in October 2018 costs €6255 ($A10,255).

Last week, Ducati Australia confirmed they would begin importing those two bikes next year, so we presume the folding bikes will also be coming.

Folding bikes

SCR-EDucati SCR-E folding e-bike

Like the e-Scrambler, this bike trades on the popular Scrambler brand and features fat 20” x 4” wheels.

It has a 374.4Wh battery integrated into the aluminium frame with range of 70km if you don’t pedal. More if you!

Of course, the most interesting aspect of all these bikes is that they easily fold uop s you can ack them in your car or take them up the lift and into your office.

SCR-E SPORTDucati SCR-E Sport folding e-bike

This model has full suspension with a front fork and rear spring shock integrated in the frame.  The 468Wh battery has range of up to 80 km.

Urban-EDucati Urban-E folding e-bike

The Urban-E comes in black or grey and was created by the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati in collaboration with Italdesign’s Industrial Design division.

The handlebar has a fully integrated LCD display in the stem that allows the rider to control all the assistance functions, to check the remaining battery charge and to switch the LED lights integrated in the frame on and off.

The 378Wh battery is integrated into the frame.

It features a suspension fork,  fat 20″ x 4″ tyres with Kevlar anti-puncture technology mounted on double-wall aluminium rims.

e-Scrambler

Ducati e-Scrambler
Ducati e-Scrambler

This model doesn’t fold.

It features a 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor with 504Wh battery, Pirelli Cycl-e GT tyres, Sram NX 11-speed gearbox and Sram 4-piston brakes.

There is also a set of accessories including luggage racks, mudguards, stand and signal lights.

Booming sector

Ducati’s move into e-bikes is designed to plug into the booming market in Europe where sales have boomed from about 500,000 to almost 3m in the past decade.

BMW, Harley-Davidson and other motorcycle and car manufacturers now have e-bikes available in Europe and the USA.

rude boy bicycles ebikes
Harley e-bikes

More importantly, how long do we have to wait for an electric Ducati motorcycle?

In 2017, VW Group Chairman Matthias Mueller and Ducati Western Europe manager Edouard Lotthe said the company would have an electric motorcycle and scooter by 2020.

Well, that didn’t happen!

In 2017, Ducati licensed the Milano Scuola Politecnica di Design (Design Polytechnic School) to produce the Ducati Zero futuristic design concept.

And in 2015, an electric pedal-assisted moped was made under licence and painted in the Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro colours. 

Neither were real Ducatis.

Nor is the embarrassing Chinese-made, Ducati-branded, Aussie-imported electric Super Soco scooter!

‘Ducati’ electric scooter under $5000

Meanwhile Ducati has filed documents with the US Environmental Protection Agency that show upcoming models:Ducati Diavel Lamborghini, together with the Ducati Multistrada Enduro Grand Tour and the Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO Dark.

Ducati is owned by the VW Group which includes Lambo, so the Lambo model will likely be a limited edition with special paintwork, graphics and some extra standard features. The Multi will probably have a lot of extra features and maybe standard luggage. And the Dark will simply be matte black.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

BMW Motorrad updates 2021 road models

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BMW has announced the updates for its line-up of 2021 road motorcycles.

BMW Motorrad Australia says prices will be announced closer to their arrival early next year.

Highlights include availability of Black Storm Metallic for the S 1000 RR and the tri-colour BMW Motorsport livery for the S 1000 XR.

New Option 719 milled parts will also be available in several models.

Here is the unedited list of models and updates.

BMW R 1250 RS.

BMW R 1250 RS updates
BMW R 1250 RS
  • Style Sport in Austin Yellow metallic now with new frame colour in matt black, Option 719 Stardust metallic removed
  • Changeover to EU-5
  • New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control
  • Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front and cylinder head covers anodised in black/silver
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodised in Black/Silver
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in Option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II
  • Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and Option 719 seat have been removed
  • Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.

BMW R 1250 R.BMW R 1250 R updates

  • Style Exclusive with new paint finish Mineral Grey metallic. Pollux metallic matt, Style Exclusive and Option 719 Stardust metallic have been removed
  • Style HP renamed Style Sport
  • Changeover to EU-5
  • New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control
  • Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front and cylinder head covers anodised in black/silver
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with mirrors, hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodised in Black/Silver
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II
  • Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and option 719 seat have been removed
  • Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer
  • M Lightweight battery replaces previous HP battery

BMW K 1600 GT.

BMW K 1600 GT updates
BMW K 1600 GT
  • New paint finish Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Option 719 Stardust metallic and Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/Ivory have been removed
  • Frame and engine in black for all colour versions
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
  • Changes to tour package content. Expanded to include LED auxiliary headlights and engine protection bars, reversing aid now standard
  • Safety package has been removed

BMW K 1600 GTL.

BMW K 1600 GT
BMW K 1600 GT
  • New paint finishes Manhattan metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Pollux metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Stardust metallic as well as Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/ivory have been removed
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
  • BMW K 1600 GTL updates
    BMW K 1600 GTL
  • Changes to comfort package content. Expanded to include engine protection bars
  • Safety package has been removed

BMW K 1600 B.BMW K 1600 B updates

  • New paint finish Mars Red metallic; Imperial Blue metallic has been removed
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
  • Engine protection bars and LED auxiliary headlights
  • Changes to touring package content. LED auxiliary headlights, audio system, engine protection bars, running boards
  • Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, keyless ride, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight removed
  • Safety package has been removed

BMW K 1600 Grand America.

BMW K 1600 Grand America
BMW K 1600 Grand America
  • New paint finish Mars Red metallic; Imperial Blue metallic has been removed
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
  • Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, KR, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight removed
  • Safety package has been removed

BMW S 1000 RR.

BMW S 1000 RR updates
BMW S 1000 RR
  • New paint finish Black Storm Metallic
  • Changeover to EU-5
  • New optional equipment: Sports silencer*.
  • New optional equipment: M titanium exhaust system*.
  • New optional equipment: M milled parts package** (M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors,
    M rider footrest system left/right)
  • New optional equipment: USB charging port
  • New optional equipment: M Endurance chain

BMW S 1000 XR.

BMW S 1000 XR updates
BMW S 1000 XR
  • New: Style Sport with Light white non-metallic/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, titanium sports silencer, M Endurance chain, Windshield Sport, additional Core Screen with Laptimer
  • Tank cover and card pocket in motorcycle colour
  • New optional equipment: Titanium sports silencer
  • Touring package with expanded content. USB charging port, new luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l top case.
  • Revised optional equipment: Luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l top case.
  • New optional equipment: M milled parts package*(M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protector left, M rider footrests right/left and M pillion passenger footrests right/left)
  • New optional equipment: USB charging port
  • New optional equipment: M Endurance chain

BMW R 18.

BMW Classic R 18 cruiser
R 18
  • New optional equipment: Cruise control including steering damper. (No confirmation yet when this will be available in Australia.)

BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR.

BMW F 900 R and RX
BMW F 900 R and RX
  • New optional equipment: New activation concept for driving modes Pro. Coding plug has been removed.

* available from October 2020
** available from September 2020

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson to axe 30% of models

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Harley-Davidson will axe 30% of its models and the introduction of the 2021 range and new models moved from September to early next year.

Shiny new Harley-Davidson models for the year ahead usually start appearing on showroom floors across the world in September and October.

However, production has been slowed and new models delayed until early next year as part of a Rewire strategy for the company under new CEO Jochen Zeitz.

In announcing a poor sales and profit performance for the second quarter, Jochen says they have “reset” their product portfolio and launches of new models to coincide with the start of the Northern Hemisphere riding season in the New Year.

“We’re streamlining our motorcycle models by approximately 30%, with plans to further refine our product portfolio,” he says.

“This enables us to invest in the products and platforms that matter the most, while better balancing our investment in new high potential segments.”

Axe falls

Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe modern
Softail Deluxe

That could mean several underperforming models will face the axe.

In May, American website Total Motorcycle claimed the manufacturer’s list of 2021 models would axe the FXDR 114 (pictured top of page), Breakout 114 and Softail Deluxe. They also said there were rumours all CVOs would face the axe for 2021.

Their list included the recently delayed Pan America 1250 adventure bike and the Bronx Streetfighter 975, plus a Softail Custom and a Sportster Streetfighter.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter axe
Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

However, Jochen only mentioned the Pan America, the company’s first adventure motorcycle.

That could mean the Streetfighter range, which also uses the new liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine may be shelved for a while.

“We see strong potential in adventure touring and will launch Pan America globally next year,” he says.

“We will be going to market with an improved launch process. Beginning with model year 2021, we will shift our product launch and dealer reveal timing into early Q1, driving demand for products and sales for dealers at the start of the riding season.”

Traditional fans

But Harley isn’t turning its back on traditional Harley fans.

Jochen says they will “expand our offering of iconic motorcycles to those which most embody their spirit of Harley-Davidson”.

However, those fans will have to wait for the 2021 models to arrive.

“As we transition this year, we have extended our 2020 model year production through fall and expect model year 2021 bikes will arrive in dealer showrooms early in the New Year.

“We will invest into the new go-to-market capabilities and elevated product launches and investment into our brand using some of The Rewire savings.”

But don’t expect big discounts as we have seen in the past couple of years.

Jochen says they have scaled back production. To make bikes more “exclusive” and “significantly” reduce discounting price promotions.

“This drives retail pricing to help preserve the value and desirability of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for its customers and brand,” he says.

Merchandise

The new boss is also driving up the merchandise, parts and accessories side of the business.

He says they will push parts and accessories sales at dealerships by promoting customisation.

The company also hopes to attract new customers through investing in new technology for their apparel range.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Kiwi army tests UBCO electric motorcycles

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The New Zealand Army is now testing two-wheel-drive UBCO electric motorcycles with 120km of range and a top speed of 50km/h. What could possibly go wrong!

Electric motorcycles are certainly coming, not just for commuters, but also for police forces, security services and even the military.

We can see some advantages for the army in being able to sneak up on the enemy, but there are also disadvantages such as finding a power outlet on a battlefield!

Army test

The (NZDF) are running “battle-lab” experiments with the UBCO 2×2 electric utility bike, portable power and accessories for use in reconnaissance, surveillance, and other applications.

Branches of the NZ Defence Force will each trial the fleet under various simulations to assess the vehicles.

The trial is part of the Defence Force’s wider programme towards a more sustainable operation, which also fits with the Government’s goal of having 64,000 EVs on New Zealand roads by the end of next year.

LtCol Brad Gallop, Land Combat Group Lead, Capability Branch, New Zealand Defence Force says they “need to look at alternative sources”.

“EV is an emerging technology that we need to look at and to see how applicable it is on the battlefield,” he says.

“There have been dramatic changes in technology over the last few years with electric vehicles a key emerging technology that the NZDF has been monitoring. After investigating a range of options, the NZDF selected UBCO for a trial in 2020”.

UBCO

UBCO launched in 2015 and was developed by a Kiwi company as a two-wheel-drive bike with special capabilities on slippery and muddy hills.

Since its launch, UBCO 2X2s have been used for food delivery by Dominos, tourism, farm bikes, recreation and commuting. 

The 2×2 model costs $NZ7995 (about $A7450), has range of about 120km, a top speed of 50km/h and weighs just 65kg.

It has a motor in both wheels with no clutch, drivetrain, emissions, or noise.

They come with a “Portage Battery System” to charge on the run.

UBCO 2x2
UBCO 2×2

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

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Indian Motorcycle last year launched their fixed-fairing, liquid-cooled Challenger bagger aimed squarely at the Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

Now, patent drawings show the new 1770cc Powerplus engine will also be fitted to more models in the range targeting Harley’s Street Glide and Ultra.

The new drawings show the “ugly” blunt nose with double headlights has been replaced with a more traditional or Harleyesque single headlight and “batwing” fairing with a large touring screen.More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

They also show a shorter rear fender, but no bags. However, it would be expected the bike would come in a variety of tourers and cruisers with and without panniers.

The current Challenger range consists of the Limited at $A39,995 ride away and the matte black Dark Horse at $39,995.

Features include LED headlight, 19-inch cast front wheel and 16-inch rear 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless ignition.

The Limited has Smart Lean Technology with 6-axis Bosch IMU, Dynamic traction control, ABS with cornering control, and Drag Torque Control.

We expect these new Challenger models will have similar features and model designations.More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

Liquid cooled

They will be fitted with the same liquid-cooled 1770cc Powerplus motor which is smaller than the current 111-cube (1811cc) Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.

However, with 91kW of power (122hp) and 178Nm of torque it is more powerful than the Thunderstroke with 58kW/161Nm.

It also meets coming stringent Euro5 emissions regulations thanks to the liquid cooling.

And with lower fairings, the liquid motor’s radiator will be a little less obvious!

Even though the patent drawings were filed in 2017, they are only now publicly available.

So the production bike shouldn’t be far away!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Benelli 752S is a Ducati Monster clone

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They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so Ducati should be flattered indeed that the Benelli 752S is a Monster clone, at least in style.

With its trellis frame, droopy single headlight and general design of the tank, seat, shorty front fender and aggressive stance, it is every bit a Monster clone.

Benelli 752S clone
A clone of Ducati’s Monster droopy headlight?

The one thing the Italian-designed and Chinese-built bike does better is the elegant, stubby exhaust which is much nicer than the bulky mufflers on the Ducati.

Benelli’s 752S is actually powered by a 754cc parallel twin engine, rather than an L-twin in the Ducati.

The bike arrives in Australia in September 2020 at $12,990 ride away.Benelli 752S clone

And it isn’t starved of features with 50mm Marzocchi upside-down forks, a KYB monoshock and decent sized twin 320mm front brake discs and Pirelli Angel ST tyres.

It comes in a choice of red, white, green and black.

Clone in style onlyBenelli 752S

The Benelli is a Monster clone in style only, not in tech specs and price.

It is powered by Benelli’s four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with 56kW of power and 67Nm of torque.

The comparable Ducati Monster is the 821 with 81kW of power and 85Nm.Benelli 752S

More importantly, the Benelli is a bit of a porker at 226kg of Chinese metal and plastic rather than the svelte Ducati at a mere 205kg.

But then the Ducati Monster 821 does cost $18,300.

The Benelli 752 is more comparable to models such as the BMW F 800 R ($13,450), Kawasaki Z900 ($12,599), KTM 790 Duke ($15,790), Triumph Street Triple S ($13,800) and Yamaha MT-07 HO ($10,699).

It comes in a choice of green, red, black and white.

Benelli 752S

Price $12,990 ride away
Engine liquid-cooled twin, 4 valves/cylinder, DOHC
Displacement 754cc
Bore x Stroke 88 x 62 mm
Compression 11.5:1
Power 56kW @ 8500rpm
Torque 67Nm @ 6500rpm
Emissions 135g/km
Economy 5.9L/100km
Transmission 6-speed, wet clutch
Suspension (front) USD 50mm forks, adjustable rebound, compression and spring preload
Suspension (rear) Shock with adjustable preload
Brakes (front) 320mm floating discs, mono block 4-piston calliper, ABS
Brakes (rear) 260mm, double piston calliper, ABS
Tyres 120/70/ZR17; 180/55/ZR17
Length 2130mm
Width (ex mirrors) 810mm
Height (ex mirrors) 1100mm
Seat 810mm
Wheelbase 1460mm
Wet weight 226kg
Tank/reserve 14.5L/3L

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Kawasaki electric with removable battery

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Kawasaki is moving closer to producing its EV Endeavor electric motorcycle with new patent drawings showing a removable battery and motor.

Their electric prototype was shown at the EICMA motorcycle show last November.

Since then, Kawasaki has released teaser videos.

The first official video from the company shows the work they put into the project.

The second shows it has manual four-speed transmission.

Endeavour with removable battery

The new patent drawings show a very rudimentary bike shape with a boxy motor and battery.

Kawaskai Endeavour electric with removable battery and motor

Not as awe-inspiring as the bike in the video.

But it’s mainly a representation of how the motor and battery are removable.

That’s interesting, because all the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers last year signed an agreement to standardise electric motorcycle batteries and charging infrastructure.

Since then, Yamaha has been developing a system to swap the removable battery. So maybe Kawasaki is also developing a bike with a removable battery.

This drawing from the Kawasaki patent seems to show the bike being delivered to the dealer without the battery and motor.

Kawaskai Endeavour electric with removable battery and motor

While that could be to avoid problems with transporting potentially hazardous batteries, it could also mean the batteries are removable and therefore swappable.

So, instead of having to wait around for hours to charge a flat battery, you simply swap the removable battery with a fully charged unit in seconds.

Whatever it shows, it seems Kawasaki s moving closer to production of its Endeavour electric motorcycle.

For the moment, Kawasaki say the bike is simply proof of their technology and intentions.

Long-term project

It’s been a long-time project for the green team.

Back in 2013, Kawasaki filed a patent for an electric version of its baby Ninja, but the patent was only been published last year.

These  patent drawings also showed a removable battery and motor.

Kawasaki electric Ninja patent battery swap

In 2015, Kawasaki filed patents in the US for as many as 10 electric motorcycle designs.

In other Kawasaki patent filing for electric motorcycles, one has a substantial cooling element with a radiator.

Electric Kawasaki Ninja patents
Electric Kawasaki Ninja patent drawing

Heat is one of the biggest impediments to performance and battery life.

I drove an early Tesla Roadster around Queensland Motorway and the instruments flashed red alerts for the battery heat after just four “hot laps.

The oil-and-liquid cooling system in the Kawasaki patent drawings are certainly more substantial than we have seen on any other electric motorcycle so far.

That would not only provide more range, but also greater performance.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com