Tag Archives: dirtbikes

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GasGas Fielding TXE Electric Trials Bike in Championship

Electrification continues to revolutionize the powersports world. We’ve seen numerous new electric dirtbikes hit the market, all offering instantaneous energy, silent operation, and elevated service intervals. 

Apart from new gamers like Stark Future, established gamers are dabbling in electrification as nicely. Case in level: GasGas and its TXE electrical trials prototype. The Spanish firm is fielding its TXE electrical motorbike within the Spanish Trials Championship in a bid to “collect data” for future battery-powered off-roaders. It’ll be piloted by GasGas Factory Racing’s former Trial2 World Champion Sondre Haga.

It’s price noting that the TXE isn’t precisely a brand new idea. Back earlier than Pierer Mobility acquired the corporate, GasGas used the TXE within the FIM Trial E World Championship, the place it gained 4 instances between 2017 and 2021. When Pierer acquired GasGas in 2019, it was believed that the TXE venture was shelved. As it will prove, the venture continued, albeit behind closed doorways.

GasGas TXE Electric Trials Bike
GasGas TXE Electric Trials Bike

What makes the GasGas TXE so fascinating is the truth that it makes use of a gearbox and a hydraulic clutch for much more management. The advantages promised by this setup transcend efficiency, too, protecting a broader vary of lovers. Electric motors don’t really want a gearbox and clutch to function effectively, as evidenced by standard fashions like these from Zero and Energica. However, lovers seeking to protect the analog really feel of gas-powered bikes would possibly simply discover what they’re on the lookout for within the tech offered by the GasGas TXE.

Perhaps a fair larger factor to sit up for is the impact bikes just like the GasGas TXE may have on off-road motorcycling as an entire. Given the truth that that is, in any case, an initiative by the Pierer Mobility Group, it’s greater than seemingly that an electrical motorbike with a handbook gearbox and clutch bearing the KTM and Husqvarna logos is nicely and actually on the horizon.

I’m an enormous fan of electrification, particularly in the case of off-road purposes. We’ve seen quite a lot of motocross and journey parks face the risk of closing down all around the globe as a consequence of ever-tightening noise laws. Electric bikes definitely take the noise subject out of the equation, or no less than make it a a lot smaller a part of the problem. On prime of that, electrical bikes have for much longer service intervals, and don’t pose as a lot of a fireplace danger as gasoline-powered bikes.

A giant a part of the way forward for two-wheeled mobility is electrical, and electrical off-road bikes just like the GasGas TXE may very nicely be the game’s saving grace.

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Would You Ride An Electric Supermoto Like The Fantic Motard-EV?

Electric dirtbikes are taking the off-road world by storm, so it solely is smart that the subsequent smartest thing to dirtbikes be given the EV remedy: supermotos. Indeed, supermotos are tons of enjoyable, as these long-legged machines are primarily dirtbikes with sportbike tires strapped on to them, as such, they make for fairly a riot to experience.

Naturally, the torquey and responsive nature of electrical motors appears to be the proper combo with a light-weight supermoto platform, and Italian producer Fantic appears desirous to capitalize on this. Fantic’s all the time been about off-road; even its street-legal fashions such because the Caballero vary have off-road functionality ingrained in them. It additionally has a performance-oriented vary of motards, with the XM50 serving as a Euro 5-compliant two-stroke machine. As such, the Motard-EV is clearly a step in the direction of the longer term, regardless of it simply being an idea, for now.

And what an thrilling idea it’s. Lightweight electrical bikes with a deal with enjoyable and pleasure are all the time welcome, and the Motard-EV idea is exactly that. The Motard-EV was simply one in all many electrical idea machines introduced finally 12 months’s EICMA, and it’s clear to see that there’s a powerful fanatic market in terms of EV two-wheelers.

Would You Ride An Electric Supermoto Like The Fantic Motard-EV?

Fantic says that the Motard-EV suggestions the scales at not more than 95 kilograms (about 209 kilos), so it’s about as gentle as a 50cc two-stroke dirtbike. Speaking of which, the Motard-EV is supposedly categorized as a moped, so anticipate a modest energy output to cater to newbie riders. This additionally means the bike may be pushed with a automotive license in some components of Europe.

As of this writing, it’s necessary to notice that the Fantic Motard-EV is solely only a prototype. One would think about {that a} bike like this is able to nonetheless must bear a lot of testing in order to keep up its light-weight development and respectable efficiency. Nevertheless, Fantic isn’t any stranger to the world of electrical mobility, as we’ve talked about quite a lot of its electrical choices up to now. Bikes just like the Issimo rapidly reworked from idea to actuality, so there’s an excellent likelihood that the Motard-EV may quickly be up for a public launch.

As is the case with most electrical improvements, anticipate the Motard-EV to command fairly a premium ought to it ever see the sunshine of day. For reference, the Fantic Issimo 45, the model’s pedal-assist electrical moped with a novel truss-bridge-style body, carries an MSRP of three,590 euros, or the equal of about $3,700 USD.

News

Watch Guy Martin Race A Stark Varg On The Beach

Electric dirtbikes have gained popularity in recent years due to their quiet operation and instant torque. They are seen as the future of powersports, with new models like the controversial Stark Varg entering the market.

The Stark Varg’s claim of 938 Newton-meters (694 pound-feet) of torque has sparked criticism and skepticism. However, British racer Guy Martin recently raced the Stark Varg in a flat track course on the beach, showcasing its performance in a vlog-style video uploaded by YouTube channel Moto101 UK.

In the race, the Stark Varg initially pulled ahead of the pack but struggled to maintain traction on the sandy surface. It was eventually overtaken by traditional 450cc motocross bikes, with Guy Martin finishing in 8th place.

Stark’s ambitions for the future

The Stark Varg’s manufacturer has big plans for the future, especially in racing. Five-time Erzberg Rodeo winner and AMA EnduroCross Champion Taddy Blazusiak has joined the Stark Future racing team to compete in the SuperEnduro and EnduroCross series. Blazusiak, known for his success with KTM and GasGas, aims to contribute to the development and refinement of the Stark Varg.

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The Husqvarna EE18 Is A Custom Electric Dirtbike We Wish Husky Made

Many exciting electric dirtbikes have been introduced recently, praised for their performance and silent operation. These bikes allow riders to enjoy off-road riding without causing noise disturbances in residential areas. The latest addition to the electric dirtbike market is the custom-built Husqvarna EE18, created through a collaboration between DirtFirst Racing and Hollywood Movie Bikes.

The Husqvarna EE18 is not a bike that Husqvarna actually produces. DirtFirst and Hollywood Movie Bikes identified a gap in Husky’s electric model range, as the brand does not offer electric dirt bikes larger than 50cc equivalents. The EE18 stands as a tribute to the Swedish brand, urging it to embrace electrification in more performance-oriented platforms.

Interestingly, the custom electric dirtbike EE18 is based on an existing model from Husqvarna’s sister company KTM. It is equipped with the motor found in KTM’s Freeride Supermini race bike, featuring an 18-kilowatt brushless electric motor and a 3.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. With 24 horsepower, the motor delivers instantaneous power for young riders aged 12 to 16 years, aiming to bridge the gap between kid-focused rides and full-size electric motocross bikes.

On the technology front, the powerful electric motor is managed by an integrated controller, providing reliable and tunable power and performance. The motor also receives a larger coolant capacity for more effective cooling during spirited runs, along with three-inch diameter cooling fans to manage temps. Additionally, there’s an LED temperature gauge to monitor the motor and maximize its performance.

As for the bike’s underpinnings, it features a range of high-quality components commonly found in KTM and Husqvarna dirtbikes. The EE18 is equipped with 43-millimeter WP Air Forks with Schmidt Performance valving, mounted on XTrig ROCS triple clamps for extra lightness and rigidity. The rear suspension duties are handled by a RaceTech GS3 rear shock, and it comes with Supermini-class wheels and Brembo brakes similar to those found on KTM SXF models. Additionally, a DirtFirst aluminum skidplate is included for extra motor protection.

Completing the ergonomics package are Renthal FatBars, Raptor titanium footpegs, and a G2 Ergonomics throttle tube. For a maximum race-ready package, the EE18 even comes with a Works Connection Holeshot Device, ensuring precise launches, optimal traction, and power delivery.

News

Hero Takes a Step Into Electric Off Road Scene With Vida Concept Lynx

Electric dirtbikes are changing the off road scene. Electric off-roaders are lightweight, powerful, and silent, breathing new life into the off-road game. At EICMA 2023, there were numerous new electric off-roaders on display, including the Vida Concept Lynx, Hero MotoCorp’s first electric off-road entry.

Electric off-road motorcycles prioritize low weight. The Concept Lynx weighs just 82 kilograms (about 181 pounds) and has a mid-mounted electric motor producing 15 kilowatts (about 21 horsepower) for snappy performance and instantaneous torque.

The Concept Lynx is designed to be as agile and maneuverable as the lynx cat, delivering significant power and torque from zero rpm. It excels in steep climbs, rocky terrain navigation, and maintaining traction on loose gravel and sand. The exposed trellis structure frame contributes to keeping the bike’s weight down low.

The full spec list is yet to be revealed, but the electric off-roader will come equipped with modern, connected technology. It features smartphone integration and a dedicated mobile app for customizing performance according to riders’ preferences and the terrain. The Concept Lynx has a compact three-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering about an hour of spirited riding.

The Lynx electric dirtbike is currently a concept, and pricing and availability information is yet to be announced by Hero MotoCorp and its electric subsidiary Vida. This development is particularly exciting for enthusiasts in India, as Vida has previously focused solely on utility and commuting segments with the V1 scooter.