28 June, 2021
02 April, 2013
28 August, 2011
Voltra Electric Motorcycle Concept
Ironically, one of the features designers of electric motorcycles seem to have the hardest time getting away from is the gas tank. My hunch as to why is a motorcycle just looses too much of it’s identity as soon as you take away the tank. Eventually our minds may learn to accept the tanks absence. Until then Dan Anderson‘s Voltra electric motorcycle concept, with it’s trellis frame forming the skeleton of a gas tank lets our minds wander just far enough to be comfortable with the no tank look.
Suspended on the end of the vestigial tank structure is a cafe racer inspired seat and tail section hinting at Dan’s inspiration for the bike. This 4th year University of Western Sydney Industrial Design student has a deep rooted respect for the culture of ICE motorcycles and their design. His father Chris successfully raced Norton Manx in a classic race series in Australia in the late 80’s and early 90’s and currently owns a Commando and a few Ducati’s. He was Australian champion 3 times and state champion 6 or 7 times. Dan’s personal bike is a Ducati Pantah 600 that he restored himself.
The striking aesthetics of the Voltra bike speak for itself. Combine the visual presentation with cool features like a removable instrument cluster that doubles as a key and records data for review after the ride and it would have the most vain of squids jumping at the chance to add it to their garage furnishings. However, the more you dig into the design the more you realize the beauty is more than skin deep.
Earlier this year MotoCzysz unveiled an equally stunning carbon fiber framed E1PC that has the batteries attached to the side of the frame in 10 modular packs. Dan took a quite a different approach. What appear to be side panels on the Voltra are actually part of the carbon fibre monocoque frame. It is designed as a load bearing exoskeleton that has a hollow cavity inside to hold the batteries.The motor and lithium ion batteries are directed by a programmable control unit. The design translates to a 441 lb machine with 129 Nm of torque and a top speed of 124 mph. All very realistic specs based on today’s technology, a further testament to Dan’s thorough research. As with all electric vehicle designs weight and energy density of batteries will come down and specs will only get better.
Be sure to have a look at the gallery below as there is a lot more information in the sketches and renderings. He includes ergonomics analysis for average, large and short riders, analysis of stressed members of the construction and a view of how the motor is fitted inside the swingarm pivot.
Dan told me I have the most information of any site on the net so let me know if I missed any information contained in the pics. I’ll also mention Dan is in his fourth year and looking for a motorcycle company to begin his career with and he is open to any form of propulsion. Someone might want to snatch him up before he gets together with Tom Miceli and Tony Helmholdt and creates more competition in the market.
31 December, 2010
Yamaha SZ-R

Yamaha wants to achieve its target of capturing 10% market share in the coming years by riding on volumes. The Japanese bike maker has been successful in capturing the imagination of the youth by producing performance oriented bikes likes the R15 and FZ series. The firm launched new models under SZ series that excited the masses who are looking for a reliable commuter bike. The models are:
- Yamaha SZ
- Yamaha SZ-X
Now, Yamaha India has took a step further with the launch of Yamaha SZ-R. It is a sportier version of Yamaha SZ-X and comes with new features and shades. The much needed addition is front disc brake which enhances the braking power for more safety.
Fast Facts About Yamaha SZ-R
- Powered by same 153cc engine that powers SZ and SZ-X
- Generates maximum power of 12 Bhp with maximum torque of 12.8 Nm
- Ex-Showroom Delhi price is Rs. 55,000
- Gets front disc brake, tachometer and has tank protector
- Gets clear lens flasher, colored handle grip end ba
- Features painted muffler end caps along with special graphics
- Available in 3 shades: Quality Black, Quality Red and Quality Blue.
Engine of Yamaha SZ-R
Yamaha SZ-R is aimed to deliver power with comfort and might sport the 153cc engine from the FZ range. Previously it was expected Yamaha SZ-R will feature the 125cc engine from the Gladiator series but Obviously seeking buyers who are looking for more out of their commuter bikes Yamaha India decided to plonk the 153cc engine from FZ Series. So what they get is more power, comfort and styling. The engine of Yamaha SZ-R generates maximum power of 12 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 12.8 Nm at 4500 rpm.
Expected Fuel Economy of Yamaha SZ-R
It is expected that Yamaha SZ-R will return mileage of around 60-70 kmpl in mixed driving conditions.
Price of Yamaha SZ-R
Yamaha SZ-R is Rs. 3000 costlier that the simple SZ-X, Yamaha India has priced the Yamaha SZ-R at Rs. 63,000 (On-road). The ex-showroom Delhi price of Yamaha SZ-R is Rs. 55,000.
Shades Available in Yamaha SZ-R
Yamaha SZ-R is available in 3 shades - Quality Black, Quality Red and Quality Blue.
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Yamaha SZ-R
23 December, 2010
18 December, 2010
Tron Lightcycle : The Future Vehicle
As Ducati gets ready to unveil its 2011 line-up in Milan tomorrow, there’s one bike we are more than certain won’t make the showcase: the Ducati Tron Lightcycle. While Ducati is expected to make a cameo-appearance in the new Tron Legacy movie, we don’t think the Bologna-based company’s product placement will go quite as far as this Ducati fan’s imagination. One of the better photoshops we’ve seen in a while, the oil filter protruding from the bottom of the bike makes us squirm with delight
14 December, 2010
Zero MX : Zero Motorcycles
Once you’re in the air, it’s all about the landing.
The Zero MX takes our revolutionary electric motorcycle technology to the track. Incredibly tough and lightweight, the Zero MX uses our newly developed suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain and give you an edge. Combined with our state-of-the-art Z-Force™ technology and ultra-light frame design, the Zero MX is agile and fast where it counts.
By developing a custom suspension system we have made the Zero MX highly responsive while maintaining an industry leading power-to-weight ratio. During aggressive riding the advanced suspension system and alloy wheels take the hits while smoothly maintaining control. Intensity combines with silence to open up a new world of riding possibilities.
Frame – Sculpted Aircraft Grade Aluminum Means Lighter, Stronger, and Faster At the core of the Zero MX lies the ultimate dirt bike frame that we’ve engineered from the ground up and hand crafted using aircraft grade aluminum. The resulting combination of lower weight and higher strength means more responsiveness. In the turns and off the line this translates into greater acceleration. To make the frame even more durable each one is shot-peened and anodized.
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Motor and Energy– High Torque and Acceleration Fueled by Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary lithium ion power pack, the Zero MX delivers more torque than any other motorcycle in its class. This is made possible by our power pack’s ability efficiently dump an incredibly high amount of power as soon as you punch the throttle. Using an advanced monitoring system, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled during charge and discharge. The charger integrates into this system and uses a specially developed charge profile to optimize the power pack’s recharge time. Think of it this way, fuel systems are to gas motorcycles what electrical systems are to electrical motorcycles. Where others use a small carburetor and fuel pump, we use a highly tuned fuel injection system. We’ve found a way of rapidly flowing more energy out of our power pack than any of our competitors. This means more acceleration and more fun. |
Drivetrain – Larger Chain and Sprockets for Increased Durability & Longer Life To accommodate the Zero MX’s increased traction and ability to accelerate in the dirt we use a hardened steel 420 chain and direct drive gearing. The result is a stronger and more durable drivetrain that puts the power from the throttle directly into the dirt.
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Handling – Faster Turns and Bigger Berms We want you to be able to take full advantage of the rapid acceleration the Zero MX has to offer. To do this we’ve taken our riders’ handling wish list and built in the features. The result, this electric dirt bike gives you the control you need to for the acceleration you want.
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Brakes – Stopping on a Dime in the Dirt Because you’ll be going faster and harder on our electric dirt bike we’ve added a few things to help slow you down. The 2010 Zero MX electric motorcycle features beefier brakes all around.
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Instrument Panel & System Upgrades – Quick Look & Easy Access A quick look tells you everything you need to know on the Zero MX. We’ve taken all the important dials and switches and securely located them in a new instrument panel. Accompanying this, is a newer wiring system for increased safety and electrical system longevity. With a bike this desirable, you’ll also be excited to know that this motorcycle comes with a keyed ignition.
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Wheels and Tires- Hook Up on Technical Tracks The Zero MX custom alloy wheels are designed to reduce unsprung weight while not comprising on strength. During acceleration instant torque is efficiently channeled into the dirt through a beefy rear tire and directed using an equally aggressive front.
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Suspension - Designed for the Track The Zero MX uses our newly developed suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain and accommodate larger riders. Taking advantage of the motorcycle’s low weight, the inverted front fork is one of the beefiest, lightest and most responsive in the industry. Riders can quickly dial it in using the externally adjustable compression and rebound damping. On the rear, our rigid double diamond swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a newly developed custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping.
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Higher Power Motor – More Acceleration & Speed
This is your motor if you’re looking to leverage all the latest Zero MX features and push your motorcycle (or yourself) to the limit. It offers more torque and increased acceleration. - Efficient German built high torque/ high power perm motor
- 10% more power than the stock motor for greater acceleration
- Greater acceleration
- Lighter weight and more compact
- Higher efficiency
Stronger & Smoother Fork – Internals are Custom Made Specifically for the Zero MX
For more aggressive riders we’re offering a new stronger and smoother front fork that’s fully adjustable. Using an inverted design this specially developed fork takes the pounding of the track and hides it away in custom designed springs, valves, and damping. - Additional inch of travel on the front
- Inverted design for rigidity & increased responsiveness
- Designed for more aggressive riding
- Custom valved & sprung
| Motor | |
| Type | Brushed permanent magnet electric |
| Torque | 50 ft-lbs (67.7 Nm) |
| Peak horsepower | 23 horsepower |
| Peak electrical input | 17,400 watts |
| Power System | |
| Type | Patent-pending lithium ion array |
| Capacity | 2 kWh (58volts @ 35Ah) |
| Range | Up to 2 hours or 40 miles (64 km)* |
| Recharge time | Less than 2 hours |
| Input | Standard 110V or 220V |
| Drive Train | |
| Transmission | Clutchless one speed |
| Drive system | 12T / 73T, 420 Chain |
| Chassis / Suspension / Brakes | |
| Front suspension travel | 8 inches (203.2 mm) |
| Rear suspension travel | 8.5 inches (215.9 mm) |
| Front brakes | 4 Piston hydraulic, stainless rotor, hand actuated |
| Rear brakes | 4 piston hydraulic, stainless rotor, hand actuated |
| Front tire | 19 x 3.0 inches |
| Rear tire | 17 x 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheel base | 54.5 inches (138.4 cm) |
| Seat height | 34.3 inches (87.1 cm) |
| Rake | 24 degrees |
| Weight | |
| Frame | 13 pounds (5.9 kg) |
| Total weight without Power Pack | 126 pounds (57.2 kg) |
| Power pack | 46 pounds (20.9 kg) |
| Curb weight | 172 pounds (78.0 kg) |
| Economy | |
| Typical cost to recharge | Less than $.01 per mile or kilometer |
Zero MX
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