With performance claims like a 0-60 time of 3 seconds, 140mph top speed and a projected 120-mile street range, the Ion Horse from Kingston University and Ecotricity looks to be a promising addition to the electric motorcycle racing world. With power coming from Ecotricity windmills, the only CO2 emissions coming from the Ion Horse will be from its tires and the riders breath.
Photos: Amadeus Photography :continue:
In this previously unreleased footage from the 2009 TTXGP, a helicopter tracks Rob Barber as he rides the Agni X01 to victory across The Mountain section of the TT course. Consider it a zen-like meditation on the silent performance. :continue:
Jamie Robinson got the chance to put together this video of five-time 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan as he put in an exhibition lap at the Isle of Man. Remember when Mick said, “If I faced the same obstacles on the race track that you do on the road, I’d probably be dead.”? Looks like that applied here. :continue:
Sitting down? Good. Swallow your coffee, clear any potential choke hazards, take a deep breath and cover your eyes. Then hit play. That? That’s what it feels like when your sphincter constricts sympathetically. :continue:
This is likely the best footage we’ll ever get of this week’s TT Zero, at least until “Charge 2: The Revenge of McGuinness’s Foreskin” comes out. And that’s a damn shame. At 56 seconds long, this anonymously uploaded torrent of a foreign television show is not exactly the kind of coverage that’s going to be able to attract big name sponsors or even participation from new teams. Why fly halfway around the world to enter a race that only gets covered on a website with a funny name? Why bother when the presenter can’t even get the name of the race right? If electric motorcycles race on an island and no one’s able to watch it, does anyone care? :continue:
John McGuinness found himself in an awkward situation in Supersport Race 2 at the Isle of Man TT this week. Speaking during the press conference after the race, he talks about what it’s like to have 50 finishes and 32 podiums on the mountain course, says there were no problems during the race and then, things get weird. Hit the jump for video with very clear explanation of his predicament. :continue:
Riding the 2011 MotoCzysz E1pc, Michael Rutter has won the Isle of Man’s TT Zero electric motorcycle race. But, even though teammate Mark Miller placed a close second, the victory is somewhat qualified. MotoCzysz was widely expected to break the 100mph average lap barrier this year, something Rutter missed by just .4mph.
“Another couple laps and i could have done it just right,” said Rutter just seconds after finishing. The disappointment was palpable in his voice as he went on the describe how difficult it was to predict the speed/battery capacity conundrum with only a couple practice laps under his belt. :continue:
We caught up with Michael Czysz this morning when rain delayed the Isle of Man’s TT Zero race until tomorrow and finally squeezed details of the 2011 MotoCzysz E1pc out of him. Is this new bike really a significant step forward from last year’s revolutionary machine? Is a 100mph lap finally in sight? What’s his response to MCN calling him a liar? How does he plan to steal Chip Yates’ thunder? The answers to those and many other questions below.
Photo: Grant Ray :continue:
This trackside video captures seven of the nine teams that participated in yesterday’s TT Zero practice. What’s impressive is how fast all these bikes look as they fly down the straight at Ago’s Leap in Douglas. Unsurprisingly, its the two MotoCzyszs that appear the fastest. There were some timing errors during the practice, but Michael Rutter appears to have edged close to the 100mph average lap barrier.
Video: Amadeus Photography
Exclusive to Hell For Leather, this professional photo shoot reveals the 2011 MotoCzysz E1pc in its full glory. Much more than an update on last year’s bike, this year sees the usual less weight and more power, but also dramatic packaging differences. The frame moves outboard of the battery packs and changes from aluminum to carbon fiber while the suspension moves inboard, under the tank for both front and rear. Making 200bhp and weighing less than 500lbs, Michael Rutter is expected to shatter the 100mph average lap barrier for the TT Zero race on Wednesday, 8 June.
Photos: Amadeus Photography
