125mph electric bike ready to burn rubber

Alok Jha, green technology correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Friday November 28 2008 00.01 GMT

It may not have the macho roar of a Harley-Davidson, but the TTX01 will ride easier on your conscience. The world's fastest all-electric motorbike, with a top speed of 125mph, has been unveiled at an international bike show.
The TTX01, designed and built by British engineers, was commissioned by the organisers of the world's first emissions-free grand prix for motorbikes, which will be held on the Isle of Man's TT circuit next June. It is the most advanced emission-free bike close to commercial production: it is already road-legal in the UK and its makers claim it can go from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. A limited number will go on sale at the end of next year, for £20,000.
Azhar Hussain, organiser of the Isle of Man event and a keen motorcyclist, said the TTX01 was a showcase for technology that would feature in the mainstream electric vehicles of the future. "One of the good things about motorcycles is that the technology is good enough today to give you a motor sport performance" with no emissions, he said.
The only other electric bikes close to commercial production are the US company Brammo's Enertia, due on the market next year, and the Vectrix scooter. Both are aimed at the commuter market, and have lower top speeds - 50mph and 60mph respectively.
But there may be a sticking point before electric bikes become mainstream. "It hardly makes any noise," said Hussain. "Either we start making noise, which is quite an inefficient way of moving forward, or we start training people that these bikes will be silent so you need to start looking both ways before crossing the road."
The TTX01 runs on two battery-powered motors - designed by Brighton-based Agni Motors - attached to its rear wheel. It is rated at about 86 brake horsepower, equivalent to the peak power of a standard 600cc racing bike.
In the prototype unveiled in Birmingham, the drive has been built into the frame of a standard Suzuki. But the final version, due out in a year's time, will have a frame made from lightweight carbon composite materials. It will also incorporate technologies such as regenerative braking, to increase its range.
Bikers have welcomed the development. Jeff Stone, of the British Motorcyclists Federation, said: "Like electric cars, it'll take some time to get used to, but this is a pioneering venture. It's well known that racing improves the breed."
After tests, the TTX01 will undertake a European tour before coming back to the Isle of Man in time for the TT race, in which 50 teams will compete, next June. On a full charge and at a moderate speed, the bike's 75kg battery will currently allow it to travel around 50 miles.