VIDEO: What's it like to drive the prototype of the world's fastest production motorcycle?
Click above for high-res image gallery of the electric Mission One sport bike
If you're like some of us here at AutoblogGreen, a few minutes after reading all about the new Mission One, the world's fastest production electric motorcycle, you were daydreaming about sitting in its saddle waiting for the light to change from red. In the next lane, some guy on a Suzuki Hayabusa was revving his engine like crazy, preparing to let out his clutch. Perhaps you imagined giving the guy a nod of the helmet and an easy smile knowing the silence of your steed and your relaxed attitude was intimidating in its own way. What might really happen when the light turns green?
The Hayabusa is famously fast and can produce around the same amount of torque as the electric newcomer. However, as Mission Motors CEO, Forrest Deuth, reminded us when we spoke the other day, the gas-powered bike produces its torque at thousands of RPMs, while the Mission One has it waiting for you from the get go. The result, we're told, is a very controllable launch, followed by extremely quick acceleration, undisturbed by the shifting of gears. Compare that to the uncertainty of dropping a clutch on a screaming traditional sport bike. Of course, no one has yet ridden the bike that was unveiled yesterday, so can this reverie be believed? Hit the jump for our answer and video testimonials.
Gallery: Mission One EV sport bike
[Source: Mission Motors]
Quite possibly. Although the first Mission One has no road miles, the prototype that preceded it has lots. Over a hundred different people have had a chance to try out that drivetrain (including one lucky stranger) and give their feedback. Some of their enthusiastic impressions are recorded in the first video below. Stick around and watch the second bit of footage and hear from some of the key people behind this machine as they talk about their creation. Now, if you'll excuse us, the light's about to turn green.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 3:02PM (2/05/2009)
If you can do that with a bike, you can do it with a car, a truck, a train, a boat, a plane, even a tractor.
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noz 3:46PM (2/05/2009)
Not necessarily. With current battery technology, the power to weight required is probably at the sweet spot for motorcycles and small cars.
They are simply not adequate for large vehicles..let alone flying types.
harlanx6 4:03PM (2/05/2009)
I agree, NOZ, the key words being with current battery technology.
-M.Dub 3:48PM (2/05/2009)
I feel let down Dom, I was really hoping for a race video of this bike vs a Hayabusa...sigh, maybe next time.
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jpm 4:16PM (2/05/2009)
No footage of the bike off the line? Booo.
Damn, sounds like it would be lots of fun to ride it.
Get the price down to under 15k and you'll get my hard earned dollars!!
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GoodCheer 5:19PM (2/05/2009)
The current crop of high end specialty roadbikes top out at what? maybe $25,000? There are 3 sports bikes on ebay right now for more than that.
I think it will be a though business model to make work unless they get the price down to that level. At $70k they may sell a few, but I'm just not sure there are enough Jay Lenos around to support a new company.
Of course battery prices are falling every week. I wish them the best of luck.
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rob 7:27PM (2/05/2009)
The current top end runs around $72k for a Ducati Desmosedici RR. Granted that's more-or-less a street-legal MotoGP bike with an engine detuned to last more than a race weekend between rebuilds...
There is a variety of handmade Italian exotica in the $30-$60k range as well.
So no, not really as out-there as it could be.
MikeInNC 8:53AM (2/06/2009)
When I win the lottery....
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Christian 5:22PM (2/06/2009)
even with the same amount of torque as the Suzuki GSXR-1300 this electric bike won't be as fast a gas powered machine. HP means alot.
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wim van assche 3:03PM (2/28/2009)
If we ignore the price for an instant, there still remains a big challenge. Filling up the tank of a combustion engine takes 3 minutes, which is really what you expact when you go out with friends for a day of riding!!!
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