tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791273878776097990.post5115438784864484159..comments2008-09-04T11:03:57.335+10:00Sarah Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12186148754487217781noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791273878776097990.post-90940646556721433362008-09-04T11:03:00.000+10:002008-09-04T11:03:00.000+10:00I got a test ride on the HUM bike, so I figured I'd respond with riding impressions. First though, the disclaimer: this bike has absolutely nothing in common with the bike they'll eventually produce, except that they're both electric. This bike was put together from readily available parts to demonstrate to potential investors that an electric sportbike is a reasonable idea. That's their excuse anyway - I suspect that Forrest just wanted an electric motorcycle to ride!<BR/><BR/>Getting moving on the bike couldn't be simpler - just turn the grip and it goes! Electric motors should have maximum torque when stopped, but the bike was pretty soft off the line - it felt like the motor controller was limiting output up to about 10 mph, at which point the bike really took off. Acceleration was quite brisk up to 30-40 mph, but by the time I hit 60 it felt more like a typical car in acceleration. Forrest claimed the motor put out about 20 hp peak, but it felt like a motorcycle with 30 hp. Very similar to a Ninja 250 (which is no slouch) in performance, really.<BR/><BR/>It was really nice when getting moving to not have to use the clutch - it's a pretty ideal bike for filtering to the light between cars at lights and lane-splitting on the freeway, both of which I got to try since my test ride was at rush hour. Cornering on a freeway offramp was a bit scary because the fairing dragged where they'd spaced it out to cram a few more batteries in, but the smooth throttle modulation was very confidence-inspiring.<BR/><BR/>I think that if they build, as planned, a real all-out sportbike with 4x the power, no artificial limitations (don't limit torque to prevent wheelies!), and top-shelf components, it will be a total blast in the twisties, where the very smooth and direct control will be super confidence-inspiring when turning the throttle at extreme lean angles. It'll also be a surpisingly nice commuter, if the riding position isn't too punishing. Unfortunately, it won't be cheap, since they'll have to target the exotic bike market first given current component costs, and it won't be an only bike, due to range (80-150 miles depending on riding style, probably). I doubt I'd buy one due to price, but the success of Bimota, Benelli, MV Agusta etc. show that there are a lot of people out there willing to drop a very large pile of money on an exclusive bike, so I suspect they'll get plenty of buyers. I'm just looking forward to getting an opportunity to test-ride the final result!SethMLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440066023213118381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791273878776097990.post-74127885254970401292008-08-29T03:48:00.000+10:002008-08-29T03:48:00.000+10:00&gt; is completely silent<BR/><BR/>This part&#39;s actually kind of scary. Sometimes the sound of a motorcycle is the only thing keeping drivers from running them over.Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763371844879659730noreply@blogger.com