If EICMA 2018 will be remembered for one thing, it'll be the glut of smaller manufacturers launching electric bikes, while most of the bigger players seem content to sit back and see what happens (with the exception of Harley-Davidson). I fear for the smaller manufacturers, because when, not if, the main manufacturers move into the electric market they'll blow all but one or two out of the water because they have the economy of scale, dealer network and consumer trust. In the meantime all the start-ups are doing the job of concept designers, by putting out designs and getting the market's feedback, that the manufacturers can sift through.
Anyway, until that happens we'll share details on those most in step with Sideburn's world. First up is the Pursang out of Barcelona, Spain.
We first became aware of Pursang, back in 2012, when they developed a concept 450, the Pursang F-Track 450i. Now company founder Jim, Palau-Ribes, is channeling his love for Spanish motorcycles and the flat track aesthetic into a two-pronged electric project, his dream to make Spain known once again as a manufacturer of motorcycles.
The E-Street (above) is a powered by a brushless Ashwoods motor and two Torrot removable batteries, making 6kW, which, if I've worked it out, is 8bhp. I must admit those trade names mean nothing to me, but I feel these, or similar terms are all going to become more commonplace in our vernacular.
The batteries can be charged in situ, or one of both can be removed and charged, meaning them can be swapped out.
It has a chromo frame and plastic bodywork, to be as light as possible. It has 18in wheels and trail tyres, for on and off-road capability. Pursang claim a range of 90km (55 miles) is ridden 'sportily', 120km (75 miles) in urban use and a claimed top speed of 120kph, (75mph).
Price is €8700 (£7700, US $9900)
The more exclusive model is the one these photos are off, the Big Bore. It has an alloy frame and pre-preg carbon bodywork and more power, 11kW, compared to 6 of the E Street. The price is significantly more at €12,900 (£11,500, US $14,700)
We haven't seen the bike in the flesh, but from the photos the bodywork is clearly inspired by flat track framers, and, as such, is not really moving the game on. The tank isn't holding fuel of covering an airbox, so it could be literally any shape, or length, and it seems to be missing a trick to follow 100-year-old conventions when so many other routes were available. Yes, there has to be something for the rider's legs to brace against, and it could be hiding lots of electrical components, but still... The fork angle look very raked out too.
See more at pursangmotorcycles.com
