EVA Track T-800CDI diesel motorcycle launched in The Netherlands, more details emerge

Inundated with orders from interested customers, Erik Vegt, the CEO of EVA products, maker of the Track-T800CDI Diesel motorcycle just got in touch to ask us to stop telling people it's equipped with 2WD. While that may be an option at some point in the future, the system is not currently available. The good news? The bike (sans 2WD) just went on sale. Only 150 units will be built this year, but the company plans to expand production from 5 to 25 bikes a week in 2010.

Our mistake was based on flawed, third party reporting; we were initially unable to get a hold of anyone at EVA, so now that we have, we've gotten a bunch of our questions answered.

It turns out that the Diesel engine is based on that of the Smart ForTwo, but here makes the same power (45bhp) and less torque (Track: 74lb/ft, Smart 81lb/ft), distributing that power and torque across a broader rev range: 1,800 to 4,500rpm.

Some of you speculated that the frame was based on that of the KTM 990 Adventure, but it turns out that's not the case. It is a tubular steal unit, chosen because that arrangement not only looks good, but also is easy for a smaller company to develop and produce. In fact, the Track shares virtually no parts with any other motorcycle and is equipped with high-end components from mostly European sources. Brakes are Brembo, suspension is WP, rims are Excel.

In addition to offering incredible fuel-economy (up to 112mpg at 55mph), the diesel engine provides incredibly long service intervals of up to 31,000 miles, while total engine life is expected to be between 250 and 375,000 miles.

The engine can't currently run on bio-diesel due to the high acid content, but is compatible with gas-to-liquid fuel oil.

Aside from the diesel engine, it's the CVT transmission that makes the Track unique. Similar to units used on ATVs and scooters, it weighs just 5kg and is capable of optimizing both economy and performance instantly based on the rider's throttle input. Cruising takes place at the lowest possible RPM, while full-throttle holds the engine at its maximum power point.

The reason that EVA doesn't currently offer 2WD is that after testing it, they weren't sure if it offered any real benefits. Instead they found that the high torque at low RPM combined with light weight and good steering lock delivered more benefits to off-road handling than the addition of 2WD would.

Want one? Well, for know the Track is only available in The Netherlands. Rest-of-Europe sales begin in 2010 and the US and Canada are being considered for the end of that year based on factors like demand, domestic sales and exchange rate fluctuations.
Asked what kind of audience EVA is pursuing with the Track, Erik responded with the expected Adventure Touring demographic, but also that they were receiving orders from unexpected sources, "We encountered real Harley drivers that did ride the bikes and ordered. We never ever thought this would happen!"

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