---
Toolbox
Related Bike News & Reviews
Vermeulen knee operation a success
But found more damage than...
Published : Friday, 30 July 2010
Spyder Experiences available in Qld
Plenty of spots still open...
Published : Thursday, 29 July 2010
2010 KTM Ride 4 Kids charity event
Will be held as a fundraiser...
Published : Thursday, 29 July 2010
Brand New Bikes in Stock
Location
Go
2009 HONDA CB1000R
$13,999^
QLD
2010 HONDA CBR1000RR (Fire Blade)
$16,999^
QLD
2009 HONDA CRF250 X
$10,699^
VIC
2009 HONDA CRF450R
$9,099^
VIC
2009 HONDA VT1300CX
$21,290^
VIC
words - Mark Fattore
Average speed of 140km/h

Indian-Anglo company Agni Motors has etched itself into the history books by winning the first ever electric grand prix at the Isle of Man.

The victory was emphatic, with rider Rob Barber completing the one-lap race at an average speed of 140kmh in just under 26 minutes.

That was well ahead of the XXL Racing Team, which finished second at an average speed of 125km/h, followed by Brammo (121km/h). Six teams finished the pro class.

Barber was riding a 2007 model Suzuki GSX-R600, with the in-line four-cylinder engine jettisoned for two Agni 95 Reinforced motors producing 50hp and fed by lithium-polymer batteries - not the lithium-ion variety used by most other teams.

The batteries feature 63 separate cells of 70 of 70AH, totalling about 16kW hours of energy.

The result is a real flip for Agni, especially as the project wasn't exactly a drawn out affair. The company only purchased the donor GSX-R600 in April, and all the battery and electrical connection were completed in early May.

Only when the team ventured to the Isle of Man did the lithium-polymer batteries get installed.

The just in time approach was successful though, and Agni dominated the inaugural electric TT - despite some inevitable smirks from the internal combustion set…

However, some people probably laughed at no-name marque Honda when it turned up at the Isle of Man in 1959 with some engineers and small team. Now it's the biggest manufacturer in the world...

There were four DNFs in the electric TT, including the high profile entry from the students at Kingston University and ridden by regular Isle of Man female competitor, Maria Costello.

In the open class, as opposed to the pro division which Agni won, Electric Motorsport was the victor with an average speed of 106km/h, from Barefoot Motors (100km/h) and TORK (97km/h).

Tragically, John Crellin, who rode the TORK machine, died later that day after a crash in another event. RIP John.

 

To comment on this article click here Published : Monday, 15 June 2009
Disclaimer:
Editorial prices shown are a "price guide" only, based on information provided to us by the manufacturer. Pricing current at the time of writing editorial. Pricing prior to editorial dated 25 May 2009 may refer to RRP. Due to Clarity on Pricing legislation, RRP for those editorials now means "price guide". When purchasing a bike, always confirm the single figure price with the seller of an actual motorbike or accessory. Click here for further information about our Terms & Conditions.
---