AutoblogGreen

Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development

Devon Brozek — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, On Two Wheels

Yamaha Gen-Ryu concept bike

In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company has announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first "big player" in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and electric bicycle) and aquatic (boat and outboard motor) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha's intent, but very little follow through until now.

The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion... ouch! Yamaha, a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.

Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of electric motorcycles. This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha's new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.

[Source: Reuters]

Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two wheels to the front: Arizona to legalize lane splitting, maybe?

Devon Brozek — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, USA

Picture this: It's ten minutes after five o'clock, your heading north on the 405 freeway, leaving Los Angeles. Few times will you appreciate your favorite two wheeled transportation more than this moment. For any of us that spend time traveling through California, we know the practice of lane-splitting can shave hours off of an otherwise grueling commute. However the act of passing slowed or stopped cars between lanes appeared for a time as if it were banished to Golden State, with slim hopes of spreading east. That is until now.

Under House Bill 2475, Arizona lawmakers would allow lane-splitting during a "trial period" of one year. The trial run would only encompass Maricopa County, which contains the Phoenix metro area and all of its surrounding suburbs. Is that a resounding yes we hear? Not exactly, although Bill 2475 has filtered through opposition and passed house committees since being introduced by Republican Jerry Weiers.

Local news reports indicate a splitting of opinions surrounding the safety of the matter. That said, those of us who've lane split in California, not to mention the millions who regularly do so every single day in Europe and Asia in addition to the Far Left State, will tell you the practice can indeed be performed safely. What's more, lane splitting reduces fuel consumption, travel times and roadway congestion.

As traffic grows ever more intense each year, we believe any attempt to cull congestion to be positive. Add to that, the sheer feeling of superiority one gets when making use of the gap between the hopeless four wheeled victims of rush hour is like becoming a VIP of your local thoroughfares. If Arizonans need another excuse to enjoy their year-round riding conditions, that reason may soon come in the passing of Bill 2475. Then who knows... maybe we'll wave as we pass your SUV in the "tight lane" on our way to a Suns game.

[Source: ABC15.com | Image: akeg CC 2.0]

Two wheels to the front: Arizona to legalize lane splitting, maybe? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany

Devon Brozek — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

KTM Freeride electric motorcycle concept - Click above for image gallery

We first brought you news of KTM's planned debut of two new electric motorcycle only days ago. It appeared as if the world would have to wait for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and the official March 26th release date to get its eyes on fully exposed photos.

If you were holding your breath for the unveiling, you can thank German mag Motorrad for breaking the photos early. As we can see now, the supermoto and enduro versions differ quite extensively, despite sharing a frame and power-train. The unique single crown fork protruding from a BMX-like handlebar and headtube combination holding a single headlight certainly set the slick-tired version apart from its knobby clad counterpart. We can't help but notice the rather dainty tubular steel frame on each model, despite plastic covers that give the illusion of a much beefier unit.

How much will it cost for your very own stick of 30-horsepower, 200-pound, orange-blooded electric dynamite? A proposed price of €10,000, which at current exchange rates is just over $13,500, seems in no way competitive amongst stiff competition from Zero and others already in the market. But it is still way too early to take much of an educated stand regarding KTM's charge into the electric cycle niche. We won't know anything concrete until we can put power to the ground aboard a Freeride ourselves.

[Source: Motorradonline.de, 1000ps.at via Hell For Leather]

First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero charges forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

Devon Brozek — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

The Zero DS steps into the spotlight - Click above for high-res image gallery

You may have read our latest report regarding the future of recently canned Buell Motorcycles. Everyone's favorite American sportbike company hit the chopping block a few months back at the hand of industry giant Harley-Davidson, and its cropping of the division has led Erik Buell to forge ahead with his competitively obsessed Erik Buell Racing brand. However, a key player in the now defunct company may have sparked a bright future with another American motorcycle company.

Zero Motorcycles, the little electric motorcycle manufacturer that could, has announced the hiring of former Buell vice president of engineering Abe Askenazi. Coming off of a 14-year stretch with Buell, Askenazi will no doubt bring a level of experience and insight to Zero beyond its years. With funding at an all time high and the obvious future in electric vehicles, the transition from combustion to current should be rewarding for both Askenazi and Zero. Click past the break to view the complete press release.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Zero charges forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

Zero charges forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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