5 Dec 2008

World's first electric superbike, the Vectrix TTX01, capable of touching 200km/h will be racing soon at the Isle of Man. An extensive look at this electro-performer by Varad More

Lately, many car-makers have been investing considerable amount of time and money in electric and alternative fuel propulsion systems for their models. Even various concepts showcased at automobile shows highlight alternative fuel cars. Surprisingly, only a handful of two-wheeler manufacturers have exploited this field, but they seem to be fast catching up with their four-wheeled counterparts. At this year's NEC Bike Show held in London, the US-based Vectrix Corporation, a leader in electric personal transportation, displayed the world's first production-based electric superbike capable of touching speeds upto 200km/h.

The Vectrix TTX01 Electric Superbike is a prototype model, but the company claims that this is the first electric powered motorcycle to show performance comparable to modern day superbikes. Built around a Suzuki GSX-R750 frame and running gear, the TTX01 is powered by a pair of Cedric Lewis-designed Agni Lynch Electric motors, placed in line of the frame, which together produce 88PS of power and 125 Nm of torque. The suspension bits too are borrowed from the donor Suzuki. The idea behind the electric superbike was to change the common perception of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide that electric vehicles cannot be powerful and hence they cannot replace the thrill provided by internal combustion-powered motorcycles.

The TTX01 goes to prove this wrong as with shorter gearing it can do a 0-100km/h run in 3.5 seconds, which is quicker than most modern day supercars. And this is the first prototype, so we believe that there is a lot of scope for improvement and the times can drop further on the TTX01. The GSX-R frame and cycle parts are heavier and more robust than needed. Also the stock inline-four cylinder engine of the Suzuki was much wider than the two electric motors that power this motorcycle and hence the next iteration of the TTX01 can be lighter, smaller and quicker. The electric bike has a total range of 75km and the makers suggest that it can successfully complete 40 laps of the Vallenlunga race-track in Italy at full blast. The bike is scheduled to race in the world's first zero-emission TTX Grand Prix for motorcycles to be held next year in June at the 2009 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. The concept of a battery-powered superbike was originally masterminded by the organizers of the TTX GP.