C1 prototype

[FreepZ]

I was rather skeptical when I first heard about this machine, and yet here it is.



Check out the video.

Read the full article over at:
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/lit-motors-c1-two-wheeled-encased-motorcycle-prototype

[Richard230]

I have mentioned this before, but BMW has the copyright on the C1 nomenclature.  They built a C1 roofed motor scooter during the early 2000's, which didn't sell well enough for their bean counters and was withdrawn from the market. They then took a leftover C1 a few years ago and developed it into a prototype electric vehicle using the Vectrix drive-train. From there, they moved on to their C600 Sport bodied EV scooter, which they are still fooling around with.

[CliC]

I'm skeptical of the 200 mile range claims. I don't see that much room for batteries. With a full-body fairing, it's probably more aerodynamic than a standard bike, but you're running those gyros all the time, too. And speaking of gyros, I wonder how the various regulatory bodies will view this (helmet or m/c license required?).

But it's a cool idea, and I wish them the best.

[Brammofan]

This guy* is a bit skeptical:
Lit Motors. Or was it 'bongs'?

*disclosure - Mark is a friend.  If you like motorcycles, I highly recommend that you read his book, "Riding Man" which is for sale on Kindle, or, if you're feeling wealthy, you can pic up an autographed copy of the first (and only) edition for a mere $130.00.

[Richard230]

In my newspaper today was an article by Susan Carpenter, writing for the LA Times, describing the Lit Motors C-1 (Concept 1), a fully-enclosed motorcycle prototype.  It is all electric, powered by an 8 KWh battery pack, has a couple of gyros spinning at 12,000 rpm to keep the vehicle upright and balanced on its two wheels.  Lit says that in production form, the vehicle will be powered by both front and rear wheels employing hub motors, with a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 220 miles per charge. The projected weight is 800 pounds and its price is claimed to be $24,000.  Production is planned for early 2014.  Lit Motors is a start-up company based in San Francisco.