Zero Motorcycles sets electric motorcycle endurance record
Click above for a high-res image gallery of the 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle
While the biggest news coming from Zero Motorcycles' California offices this week is undoubtedly the introduction of the new street-legal Zero S electric supermoto bike, we didn't forget about the 24 Hours of Electricoss that took place last weekend. According to reports, the event was a complete success, setting two new Guinness World Records in the process: Furthest distance traveled in an electric off-road motorcycle (over 500 miles) and the largest electric motorcycle race (50 riders, 10 teams).
Besides setting records, this 24 hour race shows just how capable the 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle can be. All 10 bikes that took part managed to finish the race, though there were just a few blown shocks, a bunch of worn brake pads and one fried motor. The winning team managed to circle the track an amazing 1,015 laps, averaging over 27 miles per hour along the way. Click past the break for a video from Wired, which helped field one of the teams.
[Source: Wired]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
win39 1:11PM (4/08/2009)
What do they do? Switch out the batteries? I can't imagine a 12 hour recharge in the middle of a race.
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Joe 1:36PM (4/08/2009)
The video shows them swapping out packs.
win39 1:59PM (4/08/2009)
I watched the video, but missed that.
PeterG 5:07PM (4/08/2009)
Around 40seconds -"better with a fresh battery". The guy is in the way so is hiding most of the swap operation.
Read the article for a lot more info:
They each were allowed 3 batteries. 1 Fast charger (60mins) 1 regular (2hrs) and they were swapping every 20-30mins. Cutting it very close.
Very freaky watching the bikes quietly zoom around the track.
win39 6:13PM (4/08/2009)
"Very freaky watching the bikes quietly zoom around the track."
Yes it is, except, I never realized before just how noisy drive chains are. Definitely an electric road bike is going to need a belt.
Nick 1:31PM (4/08/2009)
Is it me or are they going really slow???
MBX (bicycle) racers go around the same speed!!
Is that the max speed for these bikes?
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John 6:43PM (4/08/2009)
if you read up on the bikes this is no of course not their fastest speed, that's just silly. this is an endurance race, not who can go the fastest, granted i don't know a lot about bike racing but the goal is to maximise battery range and to do that speeds need to be reduced, this is the same function as every electric car out there. anyway nice to see races like these becoming successes! it shows that motor sports wont go away like many doom and gloom anti electric folks think.
Dave 3:02PM (4/08/2009)
They just "look" slow because they're nearly silent. Not to mention that most are probably riding fairly conservatively - it's not easy to race for 24 hours. But did you see how fast they all took off at the start? Very impressive!
I'd like to see anyone on a bike average 27mph for even one lap, let alone 24 hours (I assume that includes time for battery swaps, so actual speed is probably well over 30mph).
Bill 2:22PM (4/08/2009)
That's the quietest moto race I've ever seen!
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jharlan 6:33PM (4/08/2009)
With 60 foot lbs of torque I doubt they are going too slow. They were averaging 27 MPH around a moto track. I have no concept of what the average speed of motocrossers is.
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Looks things up 5:38PM (4/11/2009)
At the Glen Helen 24 hour endurance motocross race, 27 mph average peak on a gasser puts you at the top of the open class (about 56 laps), which this first electric endurance race was (anyone could enter), while 30 mph peak would likely net you first place overall (around 70 laps). The San Jose 408 MX track, like those at Glen Helen, is a technical off road motocross track designed to test rider handling skill and machine endurance, not some perfectly banked flat asphalt oval, designed for maximum speed.
Try the San Jose track out at night some time (don't forget, gassers aren't allowed to due to noise ordinances). If you think you can go 27 mph on any machine through the multiple 180 degree switchbacks at 3 am after already racing for 16 hours, think a again.
@ Win 39: Loud chains saves lives? You can always install an aftermarket rubber guide chain dampener if total ninja stealth is your goal. On the hunting video on their website, the rider with the crossbow doesn't seem to have any problem sneaking up on the quarry.
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