Electric Boogaloo

Image from https://ridecake.com

 

I’ve discussed electric motorcycles multiple times in this blog, but I really haven’t thought about them that much lately. Then, I ran across a few articles about electric dirt bikes. I know that Zero Motorcycles have been making them for a while, but I haven’t heard or read about any others. Now, Yamaha created an electric trials bike concept and a company called Cake is developing an electric bike that is kind of a hybrid motocross / mountain bike. I think that the dirt is where electric motorcycles can shine in the near future.

 

My biggest concern with electric street motorcycles is the lack of range between charges. With the current technology, 100 miles is definitely pushing it. If you were on any lengthy ride, needing to stop every 80-100 miles to recharge (charging can take more than an hour) would get annoying. I think that riding range won't be as much an issue with a dirt bike. Spending 90 minutes riding hard in the dirt between charges is more than enough. With my kids getting into off road riding, I will be in the market for a dirt bike in the near future, so an electric one could be an option.

 

My fear would be getting stranded in the woods with an electric bike that ran out of charge. However, this has happened to me on dirt bikes I’ve owned in the past, so it can definitely happen with an internal combustion engine as well. I think with some planning ahead, someone could avoid getting stranded barring some sort of breakdown. In my opinion, off road should be the market electric motorcycle manufacturers target.

 

“I really do encourage other manufacturers to bring electric cars to market. It's a good thing, and they need to bring it to market and keep iterating and improving and make better and better electric cars, and that's what going to result in humanity achieving a sustainable transport future. I wish it was growing faster than it is.” - Elon Musk

Wednesday Evening Rides

 

 

Two weeks ago I hoped that a mid-April ride might happen. The weather says otherwise. Another winter storm is in the forecast for this weekend. Snow accumulation predictions vary, but we will definitely get snow. In years past, I’d be pulling out my hair in frustration and looking at real estate and jobs in the south. Oddly enough, I’m not that stressed about it this year. Actually, I’m pretty sure I’m too busy to worry about it. I’m absolutely slammed at work and between that and family obligations, I barely have time to write this blog let alone worry about a snowstorm. I think that it’s a good thing to be busy, especially this time of year. My fear is that I’ll also be this busy when riding season actually does come and I’ll have a repeat of last year, which I rode WAY less than I’d like.

 

With that being said, I’m going to prioritize riding this year. In years past, I’ve gone on weekly rides on Wednesday evenings. I think I’m going to be sure that happens again this year. My mom usually stops by every Thursday evening to spend time with my kids. I think I’m going to politely ask her if she can switch to a Wednesday visit. Thursday is far too busy for my family to be able to ride.

 

I think I might even start posting rides on the KLK Facebook page to let local riders know. Actually, a local group of riders have a Wednesday meet up throughout the riding season, so maybe we’ll periodically stop and say hello to those guys (and ladies). Hopefully, getting others involved will keep me from getting “too busy” to ride. I’m actually getting excited even writing about it.

 

Shit! Now I actually am pissed about this snowstorm!!

 

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” - Socrates



Motorcycle Hauling Advice

Early spring is the time of year that many motorcyclists who live in an area that still has snow will haul their motorcycle somewhere that they can ride. As a person that’s loaded and hauled a motorcycle dozens of times, I might have some advice for someone who doesn’t have this experience. I’ve loaded motorcycles into vans, pickup trucks, and trailers. I’ve loaded them by myself and with others. I’ve even ridden a Sportster up a makeshift ramp made from an old door into a pickup truck (I don’t recommend doing that). I’ve hauled motorcycles 1/2 mile, 2000 miles, and any anywhere in between. Here are my tips.

 

Get a proper ramp. The aforementioned door was a bad idea. Use a metal grated ramp that is both structurally sound and allows for some traction.

 

Someone should be helping you. Don’t be a hero, get assistance. I’ve learned from a couple of close calls that loading a motorcycle by yourself will drastically increase your chance of injury or damage to your motorcycle.

 

The front brake is your friend...Use it! If you need to adjust your position or rest, clamp on the front brake to hold the bike in place.

 

Use ratchet strap tie downs to anchor the motorcycle. There are also cambuckle straps that tighten by simply pulling the loose end. However, in my experience, these tend to loosen over time.

 

Put the kickstand down and strap that side of the motorcycle first. This will hold the bike in place as you install the other straps.

 

Squat the front suspension slightly and increase the tension in the straps. This will keep the straps tight when you drive over a bump.

 

Fasten at least one strap to the rear of the motorcycle. On occasion, a large bump could allow the rear end to move.

 

Make sure to periodically check the tension of your straps on your trip. A shift in the strap hooks is possible, which could cause slack in the straps.

 

Finally, use the same tips when you’re unloading as when you're loading. Use the front brake when needed and ask for help! Then, the hard part is over. Enjoy your ride!

 

“Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it.” - Benjamin Franklin