Orphiro Electric Motorcycle
The
electric cruiser camp looks to be getting a new member in the utterly gorgeous
shape of the Dutch Orphiro Electric Motorcycle.
The
Orphiro Electric Motorcycle is described as a wide body cruiser, and has been
built from the ground up by Alexander Steegh and his team from the Fontys
University of Applied Science - from the custom drivetrain to the tubular frame
and panels. The five Li-ion batteries concealed behind smooth exterior covers
are said to offer a range of 60 miles (100 km) and the 72V electric motor
offers a top speed of 75 mph (120 kph).
A
chunky belt drive connects the motor to the rear wheel, there's a
"tank"-mounted console that shows speed and distance with a power
switch underneath, and tire-hugging fenders sit atop classic spoked wheels. As
you can see from the gallery, disc brakes also feature. Extended front forks,
twin headlights and rounded mirrors complete the chopper aesthetic. The
recharge time for the batteries is reported to be around 6.5 hours.
The
speed and range is probably not going to persuade any hog owner to part with
his gas-driven beast like.
That's
about as much as is being made available at the moment, although Motorcycle USA
does say that a price of EUR 49,000 (over US$ 70,000) has been quoted - which
suggests that mass production is unlikely.
