When Worlds Collide

What is it really
That's going on here
You've got your system for total control
So is there really anybody out there
Now watch us suffer cause we can't go
What is it really that is in your head
What little life that you had just died
I'm gonna be the one that's takin over
Now this is what it's like when worlds collide
- Powerman 5000, “When Worlds Collide”


Last week Hell for Leather Magazine published a great piece by Ivar Kvadsheim on why we need a single eMoto road racing series. EnvironMoto is in total agreement on the subject. So I wrote a response in the comments which more or less details my concerns for the future if the current situation continues, and what should happen in order for TTXGP and the FIM to devise a contiguous electric motorcycle roadracing series.

The FIM may not be pure evil as I have made them out to be in the past, but they sure do love money. I do believe that the FIM intends to keep the e-Power series alive so that they may entice the major motorcycle manufacturers (the guys with lots of money) with a politically positive option. “Look Yamaha, we have a prêt-a-porter racing series that will highlight how green (blue for you Europeans) your product line is.”

Anyway, I am posting the response as it reads in the HFL comment area. I figure that I might as well post it here and invite agreement, indifference, or flaming criticism. Here it is:

I’m trying to think a decade into the future while composing my thoughts on the state of electric road racing and its two competing series. Here’s my two cents:

FIM
The FIM has the power to make things happen. Not only that, but when they have proper motivation (i.e. money) they really know how to make things happen (like Honda-sourced spec engines for Moto2). In the FIM e-Power series’ current state, I have to believe that they aren’t going to truly push down the electric racing path without either massive outside backing or significant fan/consumer interest (or if Valentino Rossi suddenly decides he will race an electric bike next year).

That being said, I have to believe that the big established motorcycle manufacturers are lurking in the background, waiting for the technology to advance and consumer demand to show up on their radar before they jump in. WHEN the big Japanese or European IC bike manufacturers start building serious electric motorcycles and want to race them, the FIM is going to do everything they can to cater to them.

I am sure that today the FIM is glad to have the cottage industry builders participating in e-Power (even the stupid scooters), but the way the FIM works, those little guys will be cast aside like yesterdays news as soon as companies like Honda and Yamaha decide they want to race electric motorcycles. I am sure that is what the FIM are waiting/hoping for. I think that the small manufacturers currently in the e-Power series should read the writing on the wall. If they are relying on the FIM to give them special preference ten years from now, they are delusional. Unless by chance one of the builders currently racing in e-Power strikes it big and becomes a major manufacturer, they are going to be SOL (shit outta luck) in a few years.

TTXGP
For the most part, I believe in the TTXGP organizational concept (Trust.eGrandprix.org, TEO). Beyond just the crowd sourced technical rules (the eGrandprix rules wiki), I believe in the philosophy that benefits the manufacturers who participate in the races. The greater a builder’s involvement is, the more ownership they take. Theoretically; a manufacturer who commits to the series and begins racing this season could always potentially own a greater stake in the organization than even Honda would, even if Honda decided to enter next year. The concept could help keep the little guys relevant and not kicked to the curb once bigger players emerge.

I am pretty amazed that more of the independent manufacturers have not embraced this idea at least partially. Maybe next year will be a different story. No one currently involved in electric racing has the shear financial power of a company like Honda. The TTXGP format allows anyone from a garage builder on up to MotoCzysz to come in and have influence on the direction of the sport, and have a vested interest in its success.

The biggest concern with the current TTXGP organization is Azhar’s dual role as organizer and manufacturer. We know that some other manufacturers have a problem with this as well. Personally, I see that being a major limiting factor in the growth of TTXGP. To grow TTXGP (or partner with the FIM), Azhar is going to have to seriously consider where he wants to position himself in the organization. Despite the TEO concept of reduced ownership of the original investors over time (I assume that includes Azhar), the perception of a conflict of interest will remain.

Meld
In a nutshell, I agree with Ivar. Competition and technology will suffer without a unified sanctioning entity. The creation of a successful solitary series is a must, in order to advance the sport and the technology which trickles down from it. There must be a melding of the FIM’s established credibility and ability to coordinate big time venues, sponsors, and exposure with TTXGP’s innovation and enthusiasm. The FIM have to be willing to loosen their grip on their old-school organizational model and help TTXGP refine the TEO concept and rules for classes (yes that is plural). Azhar would (and I think should) have to completely separate himself from Mavizen and continue to be the face (and father) of electric motorcycle racing. I think the organization side needs Azhar far more than the manufacturing side, and I also believe the long term rewards for him will be far greater.

TTXGP NA Round 3: The Start

Barnes smoking the field through turn 1 at Mosport from the start.  More later.

David Versus Goliath

The morbidly curious among us loyal (and potentially rabid) electric motorcycle road racing heads may want to know how Azhar Hussain’s opening round of the North American TTXGP Championship held at Infineon Speedway this past weekend (16 May 2010) compared to the FIM’s inaugural ePower International Championship opener held at LeMans, France last month.


Based on the known facts and figures blatantly stolen from PlugBike.com, AsphaltAndRubber.com, eMotoRules.com, IvarKvadsheim, the FIM, HellForLeather.com (who seriously know how to have a good time), and eGrandPrix.com; David did indeed slay Goliath.

The FIM had their asses handed to them not only on quantity of entries, but also on quality of participation. Well known, and well respected, veteran road racers Michael Barnes and Shawn Higbee swapped positions on their respective Lightning Motors and Zero/Agni machines throughout the 11-lap final event, with Higbee coming out on top at the end. Although there were technical issues for nearly every team on the grid, there were still some great battles, and it was a fantastic start to the e-season.

So, how did the two competing opening events compare? Here we go:

Okay, I had to throw in the scooter stat because I just don’t care for the silly things. Saying the word scooter actually makes me vomit in my mouth a little. I think the French have a term for a person who shows up to an international road race on a scooter, “le sac de douche” (okay, maybe it’s an American term). I mean really, how much of a DB are you to put your pit bike on the grid at the legendary LeMans circuit and not mean it as a joke? I digress.

In less than a week (22-May-2010), the FIM gets their first chance to redeem themselves and save some face on the international e-racing stage. The entire electric road racing scene will be looking toward Albacete, Spain to see how it all turns out. For now that’s TTXGP 1, ePower 0.

Sources: As Hyperlinked (please visit them for more info, and far better writing)

Photo: (Higbee and Barnes) stolen from AsphaltAndRubber.com 

As the DC Motor Turns: The Electric Roadracing Soap Opera Continues

Complications at Birth
I hate to restate the obvious; that this marketing and promotion feud between TTXGP, IoM DTL, and the FIM is bad for the emerging electric motorcycle roadracing scene, but yeah, it certainly is.

On the other hand, maybe it’s good that we get things sorted out right at the start. Perhaps this is the point in time where everyone has the least to lose if their respective series just doesn’t take hold. Assuming competition improves the breed, we should have the best electric bike racing series possible in short order with minimal financial casualties. Harsh, but true.

I predict that we will see a single, dominant series emerge from 2010.

Evil Empire(s)
Questionable intentions appear to lie behind the motivations of the IoM TT people and the FIM. The FIM actions are no surprise. They historically tend to embrace the dark side of the force. To kick Azhar Hussain to the curb and claim the TTXGP rulebook is classic stuff from them, and yes, that is my take on what happened. The TT people are more of a surprise. I can’t fathom their reasoning other than overt publicity whoring and greed.

With his recognition in the e-moto racing scene, his charm and acumen, Azhar and his TTXGP series may still have the edge. Some will still take issue with his dual role as manufacturer (Mavizen) and series organizer (TTXGP) and chose another option. Some may be lured by the FIM’s promise of start money and marketing power. Others will see the Isle of Man as the true test for man and machine.

My heart goes out to Azhar. I can understand how emotionally invested he is. I hope he finds solace in knowing that he will forever be recognized as the father of organized electric motorcycle racing. I also feel that he has the right ideas, and the best intentions for the sport. I am certain that at the very least, his North American TTXGP series will be a hit.

Promise
The e-racing bike builders will ultimately be the deciding force in this drama. Many of the players have already been maneuvering themselves into the best position possible for their vision for the future. I’m sure that they are all trying to envision their future plans and which series will best achieve their company’s goals and dreams.

The future for this sport holds so much promise that I fail to see any obstacle which will hold back all of this momentum. We have enough turmoil in our current national series for dinosaur-powered motorcycles. I hope that things get ironed out quickly for the benefit of all of us involved in this movement.

Post Script
Originally, I was writing this article as a comment to Mark Gardiner’s 2-part Backmarker article on RoadRacerX.com. However, it grew legs of its own and I’ve decided to post a truncated version in the Backmarker comments, and post the full-tilt-boogey version here on the EM blog.

The minimum background must-reads on the TTXGP v. TT Zero v. e-Power Series are: Backmarker: TT Zero (Part I) and Electric Race Promoter Shocker (Part II), Plugbike.com: FIM Cuts Two Legs of Current e-Power Series, AsphaltandRubber.com: Electric Teams Just want to Race Against the Best

Sources: As hyperlinked
Image: Mavizen.com

Help Wanted

Do you like to race motorcycles? Has your factory or privateer team been dissolved due to the crappy global economy? Maybe the team you were racing for no longer exists because the parent company killed off the brand? Or you are just sick and tired of the way your racing organization is running things? Possibly a “safety car” incident rubbed you the wrong way? Maybe are you an up-and-coming motorcycle roadracer looking to build your résumé and get noticed in the exciting world of motorcycle roadracing?

A career in electric motorcycle roadracing is waiting for you!

Exciting opportunities exist right now in the US, the UK, and Europe, so don’t delay! We need hungry roadracers from the United States and all over the world to join this exciting new industry! Escape the NASBIKE 9-5 rat-race and live your dream now!

Charge up your career!

Hone your skills, in the bold new frontier of electric motorsports. Compete against amazing riders on exotic motorcycles from all over the world. Get noticed and get the respect you deserve. Don’t play by rules “the man” creates. Create your own rules and enjoy the lifestyle you deserve!

Get on the fast track to your new career as an electric moto racing god/goddess right now. Don’t delay, call now. Operators are standing by!

TTXGP eGandPrix
FIM e-Power International Championship
http://www.emotorules.com/

Logos via: http://www.plugbike.com/ and http://www.brammofan.com/

Electric Motorcycle Racing News: FIM Announce Electric Superbike Series

As announced yesterday, TTXGP organizer and founder Azhar Hussain has been behind the scenes working with the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) to introduce an international electric motorcycle roadracing series based upon the success of the TTXGP.

The FIM press release can be found here: Superbikeplanet.com
Discuss further at: ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

Details are very limited, but it will be interesting to see if the new, as of yet unnamed, series will run independently of the two current FIM World Championship series: MotoGP and World Superbike; or if it will be run as a support series alongside one or the other.

Conjecture would lean toward the electric bike series running in conjunction with one of the established FIM series and not as an autonomous series. How the FIM decides to position and market the electric series will likely depend upon a combination of financial sense and vision for the future.

The FIM purely establishes and enforces rules and regulations regarding international motorcycle racing. Promoting and organizing racing series and events falls on the two companies that own all of the rights to each form of racing: Dorna Sports for the prototype bike series: MotoGP, and Flamini Group for production bike series: World Superbike.

In a nutshell, Dorna and Flamini are marketing businesses that make their money sourcing sponsors, establishing television rights, licensing, and merchandizing their respective series. The bulk of the work they do is promoting their series, and handling all of the logistics and organization of races.

Will either promoter see value in an electric series and choose to bid on rights to it?

The bikes that ran at TTXGP were a combination of production-based (i.e. Brammo Enertia TTR, etc.) and pure prototype (i.e. MotoCzysz E1pc) motorcycles. Most of the prototype constructors do hope to produce production bikes based upon their race machines. It will be up to the FIM to decide if the vision they have is (and financial justification for) a production series or a prototype series, and make the rules to favor one formula over the other.

EnvironMoto will keep tabs on the rules as they come together.

Photo: MotoCzysz via Asphalt and Rubber

TTTXGP In Review, Part 1: Everest and Agni

The Isle of Man TT is not for everyone. Spectators or competitors alike. Plenty of racers have publicly trashed the TT and have sworn to never be any part of it. It is dangerous and insanely hairy. Yet it still remains an icon of motorcycle roadracing, and the pinnacle of real roads motorcycle racing throughout the world.

The TT is the Everest of motorcycling: An impossible concept to most people, and a dream to some. It is only a reality to those few people who are willing to accept the risks and make the sacrifices required to become a part of its legend. Those brave few hold back their fears, and do whatever it takes to get on a racing motorcycle and go as fast as they possibly can for 37.73 miles.

The inaugural TTXGP is now in the books. Ten teams accepted the challenge made 9 months ago by Azhar Hussain and the TTXGP. They fast-tracked their concepts and technology and made them a reality in just a few months. Just to get to the island with a man and a machine ready for this significant race in such a short amount of time is truly amazing.

Team Agni came out on top in the Pro class and now boasts the fastest time and average speed ever recorded on the Isle of Man TT circuit for a zero carbon racing motorcycle. 25:50:53 minutes, and 87.434 mph is now the target for anyone intending to compete at the second TTXGP in June of 2010.

This is a landmark feat for a little known Anglo-Indian company which has been concentrating on electric motor design for over 20 years. Agni's Cedric Lynch, Arvind Rabadia, and Hasmuk Rabadia have made their mark and deserve the accolades. The ultimate reward for the dedication and effort of this team has come to fruition and rightfully put Agni in the spotlight.

The spot-on and consistent riding of Rob Barber pushed the Agni machine to the finish line over three minutes ahead of their nearest rival, Team XXL of Germany. Visit the TTXGP blog for a great video interview with the racers that really captures the excitement of the win and requisite podium celebration: Here

Triumph and tragedy always seem to go hand-in-hand at the Isle of Man TT. The TTXGP was certainly not immune to the dark shadow of sadness that the death of a competitor brings. In awful contrast to the TTXGP podium celebration which saw TORK rider John Crellin celebrate the Indian team’s sweet third place in the TTXGP Open Class; the entire TT was susequently mourning his death on lap 5 of the Senior race a few hours later.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of racer John Crellin. John was an Engineer, motorcycle racer, and mountaineer. He never made it to Everest's summit (he made his third attempt in May) but he did climb the other six highest peaks in the world. He was a man who seems to have never had any concept of the impossible. We can all be assured that he lived exactly how he wanted to live, and he died doing exactly what he loved to be doing. In John’s own words, we hope that he has found peace in his “Final Pit Stop”.

For links to the rich life of John Crellin go to:
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/cq/CQ-John-Crellin.5059985.jp
http://www.manxfellrunners.org/index.php/2009/06/14/a-tribute-to-john-crellin/
http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=36527

Photo: John Crellin via MCN

Part 2 of our TTXGP Review will focus on the rest of the TTXGP competitors and further analysis of the race.

Congratulations to Team Agni, Inaugural TTXGP Champions

Congratulations to all TTXGP competitors! Sadly, condolences to friends and family of John Crellin.

Full Reults can be found: IOMTT

TTXGP Tuesday Practice Times!

Here’s the practice times from yesterday’s delayed (from Monday) first TTXGP practice session.
PRO Class times
Team Agni (Rob Barber): 26:41 (85.7mph lap)
Mission Motors (Thomas Montano): 33:45 (67.68mph)
XXL (Thomas Schoenfelder): 34.07 (66.45mph)
Brammo/Bike (Roy Richardson): 35:47 (63.83mph)
Brammo/Bike (Mark Buckley): 35:52 (63.74mph)
HTBLAUVA – TGM (Paul Dobbs): 41:53 (54.51mph)

Open Class times (£30,000 bike price limit)
ManTTx Racing (Dan Kneen): 32:01 (70.73mph)
Barefoot Motors Racing (Chris Petty): 33:35 (67.89mph)
Electric Motorsport (Chris Heath): 36:26 (62.44mph)
NSR - Kingston University (George Spence): 40:44 (55.98mph)

These are all the teams who have made the time cutoff. There is a lot of interesting behind the scenes stuff going down that we’ll report on later today. The second Practice/Qualifying session is scheduled for today dependent on the weather. The news is coming in fast and furious.

Make sure you vote for the top US team and stay tuned!

Source: MCN

Mark Neale/Discovery Channel Documentary on Moto Czysz at TTXGP

An interesting snippet from Mark Miller’s (Moto Czysz E1pc, TTXGP rider) daily Isle of Man TT report today on www.RoadRacerX.com :

“I met up with Mark Niel (sp) of FASTER movie fame (roadracing DVD with Nicky
Hayden) who is here to do a documentary on our Moto Czysz electric bike entry.
Did our first interview chat and we’re meeting tomorrow to take
a car around the circuit. The doc is supposed to get picked up by the
Discovery Channel.”

This is very cool stuff. If you aren’t familiar with the movies Faster or The Doctor, the Tornado, & the Kentucky Kid, you need to get them in your DVD collection or at least add them to your Netflix list. Go to www.FasterMovie.com for more info.

Mark Neale understands how to bring motorcycle roadracing to life. His documentaries are truly insightful works of art. Both movies are well narrated by Ewan McGregor, and just impeccably filmed. Neale will certainly do well by Moto Czysz and the TTXGP.

Cheers to Mark Neale and The Discovery Channel for having real insight into how significant the TTXGP is, and how legendary the Isle of Man TT is. We’re certainly looking forward to it.

Source: RoadRacerX.com
Photo: FasterMovie.com

TTXGP: Unofficial Overview of Official Rules, Part 2

Part 1 of our TTXGP official rules summary covered the breakdown of the two classes (Pro and Open) within the TTXGP competition. In Part 2, we'll detail the schedule and qualification process that each each competing team must follow in order to race in the main event on June 12th 2009.

Tech Inspection
Initially, all TTXGP racing motorcycles must pass technical scrutineering. TT officials must ensure all bikes meet the required rules and regulations with respect to the bikes designated race class. Additionally, all teams riders must attend mandatory riders meetings.

Qualifying Session 1 - Monday, June 8th, 2009
TTXGP competitors must prove the bike and rider can complete one lap of the 37.5 mile, Isle of Man TT course within 50 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 45.28 mph.

Qualifying Session 2 - Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
The second qualifying session is another chance for TTXGP riders to circulate the track at racing speeds. Racers unable to complete the first qualifying session are given this second chance to make the official race on Friday. Any bike or rider who is unable to complete the circuit in 50 minutes or less in qualifying will not compete in the TTXGP.

By the end of the second qualifying session, we should have a pretty solid indication of who the serious players are going to be on Friday. But it's the TT, so anything could happen on Friday!

TTXGP - Friday, June 12th, 2009
This is it. The moment we've all been waiting for. The flag drops and the world will see who the best rider is and which bulider has the best zero-emission racing motorcycle. History in the making without a doubt. EnvironMoto will be following closely and making updates throughout the race week. Keep us bookmarked, fed, and follow us on Twitter (@EnvironMoto).

Think you know who's going to take home all the TTXGP glory? Cast your vote for the top American team on the right. Think someone else will win it? Comment on this article below!

Photo: TTXGP

TORK! Need we say more?

Check out the photo of the Indian-made TORK TTXGP race bike posted on the TTXGP blog.

Kind of a weird mash-up of a Ducati and a Buell. There is not a lot of information to be found on the bike or the team. Maybe someone could send us some more info?

The team rider is Garth Woods. Again, not a lot of information on him but he does appear to have some real roads racing experience at least in the North West 200 held in May of this year. Woods placed 48th in Supersport, and 47th in Superstock. Certainly not podium finishes, but nothing to sneeze at if you understand how difficult the North West 200 is.

It's getting interesting.

Photo: TTXGP

MotoCzysz TT bike in race trim

Had to post this photo from Matthew Miles (@CW1Miles on Twitter) of the race-ready MotoCzysz TTXGP entry.

The most striking impression is how well finished it looks. This is MotoGP level fit and finish for sure.

The styling is incredible, and the level of detail is amazing. MC needs to get a production version going ASAP! Good thing they are running the Pro Class, or we'd be buying it for $33,000!

TTXGP: Unofficial Overview of the Official Rules Part 1

With all the excitement over the inaugural Isle of Man TTXGP, the fact that there are actually two races within TTXGP has gotten a little lost. Let’s break it down:

The TTXGP is comprised of two classes: The Professional Class and the Open Class.

Professional Class Summary
- The motorcycle propulsion system may be one of the following
o Electric power supplied by battery or accumulator
o Fuel cell (considered a separate class?)
o Internal Combustion using non-carbon based fuel (i.e. Hydrogen)
o Hybrid using non-carbon based fuel and producing non-toxic emissions

Open Class Summary
- Electric power supplied by battery or accumulator ONLY
- Motorcycle must be made available for sale for a period of 75 minutes following the completion of the race for a price of £20,000 ($33,000 USD). Refusal to sell the motorcycle upon receiving a legitimate bid results in disqualification from the race.
- Intellectual property remains in the possession of the original owner

From the entry lists, it appears that Electric Motorsport is one of the few, if not the only entrant to sign up for the Open Class competition with their Yamaha R1 based R144.

It takes some balls to risk letting your electric racebike get into the hands of your competitors by participating in the Open Class. It’s certain that this class won’t appeal to teams fielding the expensive prototype and one-off machines being built exclusively for the TTXGP. But it is a great opportunity for manufacturers currently building production bikes to show what they’ve got and give their product some well deserved street cred.

The Professional Class should see the most competition and will definitely garner the biggest bragging rights. These motorcycles will be the most expensive and exotic of the lot, containing each team’s most secret ingredients for TT success. It appears most Pro Class competitors are going with the electric power option but the door is open for some interesting choices.

TTXGP Official Rules for other aspects of the machines including dimensions, bodywork, and safety are all the same for both classes. Thus allowing each builder to focus to be on power technology and handling.

Tomorrow we’ll continue with Part 2 and detail what it takes for each team to qualify for TTXGP. Stay tuned!

Source: TTXGP
Photo: Electric Motorsport

Best Electric Motorcycle News of the Week Revolves Around: Mission Motorcycles

Asphalt and Rubber: Mission Motors CEO Interview – Electrification is Coming
- A great interview with Mission Motors CEO and co-founder Forest North. Some good insight into Mission’s approach and direction in electric motorcycles.

RoadracerX: Backmarker column by Mark Gardiner: Run, Forest, Run
- Gardiner gets inside Mission Motors and interviews Mission’s President, Edward West, and CEO and co-founder Forest North. Some great biographical information on North as well. Gardiner also got some of the inside scoop on the Mission One TTXGP bike during it’s Infineon Raceway shakedown a few weeks ago. Yes, Mission has an experienced TT rider, Tom Montano, and enough brainpower to make nearly anything work.
- This article is the third in Mark Gardiner’s detailed series on electric motorcycle manufacturers. Make sure you read the previous two on Zero and Brammo.

Mission Motors: Mission Motors Preparing for the TTxGP: Photoset, by Edward West
- This blog entry is a little bit dated now, but does link to photos and video of the Mission One TTXGP in action.

Source: As noted

Sphere of Influence: TTXGP

The June 12th, 2009 inaugural TTXGP is, according to www.TTXGP.com, “the world’s first zero carbon, clean emission Grand Prix.” The definition of “zero carbon” and “clean emission” is arguable, but TTXGP truly will be the first REAL green motor race with tangible environmental benefits.

Motor racing in any form can be quickly dismissed as frivolous and a waste of resources, no matter the guise. After all, fossil fuels in some form will still be burned to generate electricity for the construction of race bikes and the recharging of batteries. Tires will be quickly worn out and disposed. Transportation will be required to move people and equipment to and from the venue. Etc. All for the purpose of seeing who the faster rider is, or who has the best machine.

Maybe the immediate results of a motorcycle road race like the TTXGP don’t appear to justify the means. However, the long term benefits will have the potential to change how all humans traverse the planet.

Motor racing drives technology that ultimately trickles down to production vehicles and puts those benefits in the hands of the people. Motor racing teaches competitors how to maximize their use of resources and eventually improves all aspects of personal transportation.

The TTXGP re-writes everything we knew about motorized competition, even environmentally friendly competition.

Most eco-races are distance or economy competitions. They do push technology, but are typically relegated to ‘freak’ races to see how far a car can travel powered by sunlight or a teaspoon of fuel. The real world application of many of these races is a bit diluted. How safe or practical is a car riding on bicycle wheels and carrying a single emaciated driver several thousand miles at 15 miles per hour?

Of course the TTXGP generally is far from the reality of your daily commute. But strength, endurance, durability, power, and performance are all tested in harsh conditions on real roads, and in real conditions. Conditions which the daily driver or commuter will experience.

The TTXGP is a REAL roads race, held in real conditions, being contested by competitors who are developing and building motorcycles for real people to ride. The bikes we’ll see racing at TTXGP will be the parents of zero carbon and clean emission bikes we will all be able to buy for ourselves within a few years, months, or even weeks.

TTXGP provides an honest, direct, and nearly instantaneous trickle-down of useable green transportation technology to the masses. That is what truly sets TTXGP apart from any other eco-race ever held before.

Photo: Wade Boyd at Isle of Man TT, from: Link

Brammo: The Enertia and Racing are First Steps to Performance Electric Motorcycles

EnvironMoto has gushed about Brammo, the Enertia electric motorcycle design, and the paradigm shift which will result from selling motorcycles at Best Buy in past posts. The Enertia is a cool commuter motorcycle designed to be a stylish, rider-friendly, alternative to a bicycle or scooter for the aesthetically-inclined, green urban commuter.

In an excellent (as always) Backmarker article on RoadRacerX.com last week, Mark Gardiner spoke with Brammo founder and CEO, Craig Bramscher. Bramscher explains how the original intention of Brammo was to design and build an American, V-12 supercar, but that impetus evolved into the more environmentally responsible Enertia electric motorcycle. Bramscher also states that Brammo sees their involvement in competition as the way to develop viable long distance technology for future production performance electric motorcycles.

Gardiner also interviews recently hired Brammo PR Guy, John Harris in his May 7th Backmarker column. Both articles provide a glimpse into Brammo’s marketing and sales direction. Best Buy will be the vessel that places the Enertia and future models in front of the masses. A boutique style, store within a store dedicated to Brammo motorcycles takes away some of the powersports shop intimidation, and introduces electronics and media shoppers to electric motorcycles.

Source: RoadRacerX via skadamo (ElectricMotorcycleForum) via AutoblogGreen

Sound and Fury Update!

Michael Czysz updated the MotoCzysz blog on Wednesday with a sweet video of their electric racebike on the dyno. The incredible banshee scream the bike lets out is pretty amazing! Check it out: MotoCzysz Blog

Also, note that TTXGP Blog has removed the music from the TTX01 test run video mentioned in our last post, so now you can get a much better idea of what that machine sounds like on the track.

The future of motorcycle roadracing is bright indeed.

The Sound and Fury of Electric Roadracing

Video released this week of the TTX01 electric road racing motorcycle in action poses an interesting question: What is the future of motorcycle racing going to sound like?

The video is set to music and leaves a lot to conjecture (go to AutobloGreen to see/hear it).

Take into consideration that under relatively quiet electric power, we will be hearing sounds that are normally masked by the barely silenced succession of internal combustion explosions in a conventional racing motorcycle. Breaking down the mechanical aspects of an electric motorcycle in a roadracing environment, there are several elements which will combine to create a unique sound:

Wind Sound – the whistle or roar of air being displaced by a bike and rider at speed
Tire Sound – the cyclic slip and grip sound of a slick forced to the limits of adhesion
Brake Sound – the vibration of brake pads contacting a rotor while aggressively shedding velocity
Chain Whir – the sound of rollers impacting sprocket teeth
Motor Hum – the sound of air and electricity moving through a motor as the rotor spins
Gearbox Whine – the sound of helical or straight-cut involute gear teeth engaging and disengaging each other at various RPM

A bellowing staccato or a high RPM scream is the natural byproduct of tuning an internal combustion engine for maximum performance. A sound appreciated by most enthusiasts.

The electric race bikes being built for the inaugural TTXGP are essentially typical of any racing machine. They are being built for shear speed and aggressive handing. Any sounds that result are those of pure purpose, not audible aesthetics.

Builders of road-going, production electric motorcycles will have the more complicated job of taking these elements of sound into consideration. They will have to craft a palatable symphony from them. Then again maybe the collection of sounds emanating from an electric race bike will become the accepted sounds of speed and power that street riders will lust for, just as they do with gasoline-powered machines. The result may be the most realistic race replica motorcycles that street riders have ever seen.

Source: AutoblogGreen via TTXGP

Electric Motorsport Unveils TTXGP Entries!

US-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Electric Motorsport Inc., has released it's Open Class and Pro Class entries for the June 12th TTXGP at the Isle of Man.

The GPR-S (pictured above) will race in the Open Class and the Yamaha R1 based, R144 will race in the Pro Class.

Perfomance details have not been released but it does look like Electric Motorsport will be ready to rock in 39 days!

Source (and more photos): TTXGP or Electric Motorsport