Kawi getting into the ebike game?

[roma258]

Could be a big deal, could be noting. Still pretty cool to see:


Oh and there's this 

The most recent patent refers to a design incorporating a clutch and gears, with the transmission fed by an oil pump which automatically activates before a gear is selected.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/kawasakis-electric-ninja-plans/26382.html#ixzz3U78Pdwfi

[Richard230]

Eventually the Japanese motorcycle companies will finally embrace electric power.  But they won't do it until they see a market that will make them money.  The Japanese companies are really adverse to financial risk.  Right now I bet Kawasaki is just throwing patents are the wall in the hope that some will stick and be useful to them in the future.   

[roma258]

Eventually the Japanese motorcycle companies will finally embrace electric power.  But they won't do it until they see a market that will make them money.  The Japanese companies are really adverse to financial risk.  Right now I bet Kawasaki is just throwing patents are the wall in the hope that some will stick and be useful to them in the future.   

Most likely, but if they throw their resources and R&D into the mix, could be huge. Also burried in the article:

Honda is known to be working on an electric motor design which replicates a gear change, using an electro-magnet which moves to alter the power-delivery characteristics.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/kawasakis-electric-ninja-plans/26382.html#ixzz3U7CPyHcq

Not an EE, but that sounds like a pretty nifty solution.

[Richard230]

You would think that Honda idea could be accomplished by controller programming.