Judging by the look and stats of this striking creation, full-size electric motorcycles are clearly gaining momentum - both figuratively and literally!
Dubbed the Brutus 2.0, this electric sport cruiser is the brainchild of American Chris Bell, who designed and continues to develop the model in his own workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The latest version of a project initially unveiled last year, the Brutus 2.0 is slated for limited production at the end of 2012, and it sports an impressive array of technical innovations that combine to deliver some spirited real-world performance.
According to Bell, the aptly-named bike weighs in at 242kg, but it can still manage zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.74 seconds.
Furthermore, Bell claims the latest incarnation of the bike, which sports better brakes, new bodywork, upgraded electronics and a new drivetrain, is capable of at least 100 miles (160km) between charges, even when ridden aggressively. That's an impressive figure, and could be an important factor for its future. Charge range continues to be one of the biggest barriers to the widespread uptake of electric vehicles.
At the heart of Brutus 2.0 is a 153V/4.9kWh lithium polymer battery system - an upgrade from the earlier lead-acid unit - which is said to last for around 50,000 miles (just under 85,000km), with little if any maintenance. The bike can be charged from a standard powerpoint, with a full charge taking around three hours.
The bike has two power modes, 'eco' or 'performance', which see 88V or 96V fed to the DC electric motor, supplied by D&D Systems. The motor's power is transferred to the rear hoop via an auto five-speed transmission and chain final drive. The hinged 'fuel tank' can be lifted to allow access to a storage compartment and the batteries, and the bike's lighting is handled by a combination of LED/HID lights.
Motorcyclists will be more familiar with the bike's suspension package, which comprises a 50mm inverted front fork and a rear monoshock (both fully adjustable), while the 787mm seat height should be accessible for most.
It's certainly not lacking in the stopping department either: The Brutus 2.0 sports a twin-disc set-up with six-piston calipers up the front and an usual twin-caliper, single-disc arrangement at the rear. One rear caliper is operated by a traditional right-side pedal, while the other is linked to a left-hand lever, where you'd expect to find a clutch lever on a traditional bike. The wave discs at both ends are supplied by Galfer.
Bell says he currently has three other prototypes at various stages of construction in his workshop, and he's hoping to begin delivery of production versions for the public from the end of 2012. He says his prime focus will be the US market, but foreign orders won't be out of the question.
Bell says he expects the production Brutus to retail for around $US35,000 ($32,600 at the time of writing).
For more information visit
BrutusMotorcycle.com, and to see the Brutus 2.0 in action take a look at this video: