Author Topic: An e-bike now chain free - And did he flip it? (Read 3228 times)

Kelly Olsen · « **on:** February 08, 2011, 07:37:30 PM »

I don't want to post the name of this bike since this is the Brammo forum and I don't want it to look like I'm promoting the maker because I'm not, but there is an e-motorcycle now using a belt drive which they claim is "maintenance free." I still like the form factor of the Enertia better and I'm sticking with my Brammo loyalty.

The unmentioned bike seems like it is 3/4 size in comparison to the Enertia, but I really like the belt drive concept and really like how quiet it is. Also another place to cut the ties to oil even if it is just lubricating oil and it is one less thing to have to take care of. Hope someday Brammo might make the switch to a belt drive system.

Also, at the end of the video, do you think the rider was able to bring the bike down or did he go over the bars and flip it? Looks like he crossed the line of no return to me but they end the video just before the outcome but I've never been in that position on a bike so I don't know the possibilities.

http://zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/zero-s-on-track-wom.html

Brammofan · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2011, 08:18:16 PM »

It's a pretty impressive stoppie, that's for sure.

I use Teflon lubricant on my chain. Not sure what the country of origin is.

Kelly Olsen · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2011, 08:30:23 PM »

Here's a review of two of Dupont's chain lubricants. Is it one of these?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-saver/

craigq · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2011, 08:44:14 PM »

Belts are nice but they can get annoying when they're squeaky. They also wear (not as rapidly as chains), stones/pebbles/rocks between the belt and sprockets is bad, and gearing changes are not as easy as swapping chains & sprockets.

Enertia's can do stoppies too

Brammo Stoppie Picture

Brammofan · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:00:27 PM »

Quote from: Kelly on February 08, 2011, 08:30:23 PM

Here's a review of two of Dupont's chain lubricants. Is it one of these?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-saver/

It's the Teflon Multi Use. I get it in the liquid form - seems less messy than the spray.

Brammofan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:01:50 PM »

Quote from: craigq on February 08, 2011, 08:44:14 PM

Enertia's can do stoppies too

Brammo Stoppie Picture

Awesome!

Kelly Olsen · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2011, 04:07:04 AM »

I'm going to try the Dupont multi on my bicycle chain.

And as far as the Enertia picture: Very cool and I'm going to accept it at face value, but........ to satisfy any skeptics out there, let's see the video

Gavin · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2011, 11:36:37 AM »

Well Zero is getting some good press....

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/02/09/zero-motorcycles-2011-lineup-reveals-dramatic-changes-w-video/

I like the belt...through the holy grail is direct drive....

Good for Zero, hope they do well...still prefer the Brammo...not in love with the motocross look of the Zero...but having options and many companies do well will help everyone.

Maybe Brammo will have a few surprises on the Enertia Plus and Empulse...though I doubt we will see the belt drive...we begged too much for the O-Chain already

Gavin

Gavin · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2011, 11:40:40 AM »

http://www.amazon.com/Dupont-Multi-Use-Lubricant-oz-Spray/dp/B000GL19TY

good price...expensive shipping...no tax...

so a good deal if you can't find it local.

Gavin

ps...never had a chain...small scooter is direct drive, bigger scooter is belt drive...is it a lot of effort to keep chain clean??

Brammofan · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2011, 12:02:35 PM »

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/LUBRICANT-MULT-USE-4-OZ/dp/B00030BFEM/ref=pd_sim_auto_2
I think it ended up costing about $7 through amazon -- this, after I was unable to find it at any of the local autoparts or motorcycle shops.

Is it a lot of effort to keep the chain clean? I haven't done a "proper" cleaning of the chain yet - although I've lubed it about half a dozen times (every 200 miles). It's easy to lube. Had the bike checked by BrammoJen a couple months ago and she said the chain (tension and cleanliness/condition) looked good. I've also never had to adjust the tension on it.

HighlanderMWC · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:15:38 PM »

Direct drive is supposed to have major issues with unsprung weight. Any of you having experience with machines using direct drive do you feel any difference in how it handles?

I've never cleaned a motorcycle chain and am unsure of the benefit. Of course, most of my bikes were shaft driven. In the case of the Enertia (with non-o-ring) I wouldn't worry about cleaning at all as the chain doesn't last very long in my experience. Mine stretched to the limit pretty quickly (5k miles). The o-ring I replaced it with has been much better and I haven't even had to adjust it yet (1200 miles so far).

Brammofan · « **Reply #11 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:27:05 PM »

Highlander - and Gavin - by "direct drive" do you mean hub motors? I've heard that they have handling issues.

But, aren't Enertias basically direct drive already? No clutch - motor tied directly to rear wheel (via chain) without any sort of transmission.

Maybe I need some help with definitions here.

protomech · « **Reply #12 on:** February 09, 2011, 03:20:48 PM »

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/2011-zero-motorcycles/

It looks like the quick-charge option is in fact for J1772. Very cool, the gauntlet has now been thrown down for Brammo to do the same : )

PS one cool thing about motorcycles and J1772 .. while a Nissan Leaf might recharge approximately 10 miles / hour (3.3 kw), and a Ford Focus EV might recharge at around 20 miles / hour (6.6 kw) .. a electric motorcycle could recharge > 50 miles / hour (5kw) if the batteries could handle it. Zero's quick charge is about 20 miles / hour due to the smaller pack size (0.5C), but a 10.0 kwh pack could potentially accept a higher absolute charge rate.

Brammo hasn't officially released details of their fast-charging capability, the latest from BrammoBrian is that they're considering a proprietary connector for the fast-charge output port. I'm still carrying a torch for a non-proprietary charge connector.. J1772 seems to the dominant standard here in the US. Hoping that Brammo is keeping their cards close to their chest.

Gavin · « **Reply #13 on:** February 09, 2011, 03:33:12 PM »

well my vespa clone is direct drive as the motor sits on the rear wheel...motor and wheel are all one piece...

and hub motors are a grand idea to perfect one day...

but mostly i just messed up my terminology...

I meant Shaft Drive...mmmm, would love a shaft drive one day on an EV bike, but till then we have chains and belts...neither of which is perfect, but it is what it is.

Gavin

Gavin · « **Reply #14 on:** February 09, 2011, 03:37:22 PM »

ps...i agree on the level 2 charging...please offer as an add on...

Zero is charging 500 or so for level 2...

Will everybody get it? Nah. Will everybody need it? Nah. Heck, in reality few will need it.

But it is nice to have just in case.

When I ordered my LEAF I raised the price 700 bucks by adding the level 3 charge port. Why? I don't really know. Nobody around here has level three charging. Heck, it will be years likely before New Mexico has level three charging. But I wanted to be future proof (which you can never be with electronics...which the Brammo powercycles are).

So have it as an add on option and at least I will be getting it....even though my commute is short and my bike can easily charge by 110 everynight...well it is just good to know the option is there if I need it one day.

Gavin

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