Lil4X

Zero Motorcycle's MMX, is currently testing with the Army. In addition to the rather nasty look in flat black, it's silence allows it to operate without giving up the position of the rider - outstanding for scouts or small missions that need to travel undetected. The electric cycle will run for "over two hours" on a single charge and the battery packs are field-swappable. Should the rider find himself in deep, he can hit an "override" switch that will give him several more minutes of power, but it is assumed that such use will probably destroy the batteries. An acceptable loss, provided it gets the rider to safety.

Selectable IR lights allow the bike to operate at night with NVG's, and because there's no need for intake or exhaust, the bike can even operate under 3 feet of water, if needed.

Think something like this might be fun on the trail for hunting or spotting wildlife? I learned to stick a spark arrestor on a 50cc 2-stroke that would muffle the exhaust down to a whisper at low revs in 3rd or 4th gear. Nearly ran over a few deer that way. Don't know who was more surprised, me or Bambi.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Interesting.

Being an off-roader, I doubt that an extra battery pack is more efficient than having a gallon of fuel in hand, especially since small-displacement motorcycles are fuel-sippers.

However, it's great to see electric technology becoming more accessible to broader markets. You'd never think it, but it's here. The market appeal is there; it's just a matter of balancing cost with demand.

Big Andy

A Mountain bike would be cheaper and quieter.