5 future focused motorcycles

While the first patent for an ‘electrical motorcycle’ was filed in 1895, and an electric tandem bicycle was exhibited at the 1896 Stanley Cycle Show in London, it wasn’t until the 2000s that electric power became a viable alternative to the combustion engine. Like all emerging technologies, electric motorcycles are not currently able to keep up with the high speeds and long distances of their established fuel-guzzling counterparts. However, new brands continue to enter the electric market to showcase the latest in innovative technology and designs.

RELATED: SOCOVEL ELECTRIC 1942

Socovel Electric c.1942 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle

Socovel Electric c.1942 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle / View full image

Electric and petrol-alternative motorcycles have promise to be the future of sustainable transport. Compared to cars, they generally cost less to purchase, consume fewer resources and cause less pollution. Motorcycle designers are now also experimenting with more sustainable materials to build motorcycles, including recycled plastics, bamboo and wood.

‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021.

DELVE DEEPER: Browse the FULL LIST OF MOTORCYCLES

RELATED: Read more about THE BIKES ON DISPLAY

1 Vespa Elettrica 2019

Vespa Elettrica 2019 / Vespa Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Vespa Elettrica 2019 / Vespa Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

Seventy-four years after the Vespa debuted in 1946, this iconic scooter has been reinvented with the introduction of the electric-powered Vespa Elettrica. Designed for navigating city streets and crawling traffic, the Elettrica is envisioned to be the electric equivalent of a 50 cc combustion-engine scooter. With the same curved fairings and smooth lines that Vespa riders know and love, the Elettrica aims to not only provide people with affordable mobility but also make their movements more environmentally sustainable. This scooter has a reverse gear for ease of parking, and will take 4 hours to fully charge when plugged in to a regular household socket.

Specifications

Country: Italy
Power: 4 kW (5 hp)
Engine: Electric motor with 4.2 kWh battery
Designer: Piaggo
Production: 2018-present

Vespa 150GS 1960 / Collection: Vespa House and Frank Tonon / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Vespa 150GS 1960 / Collection: Vespa House and Frank Tonon / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

2 Tarform Luna Prototype 01 2019

While many future-focused motorcycle brands have turned to electric technology to deal with growing concerns regarding sustainability, Tarform has gone a step further to consider the environmental impact of all elements of their groundbreaking Luna Prototype. This 40 kWh lithium-ion battery-powered motorcycle’s bodywork is made from fully recyclable and biodegradable materials. With a sleek modern look, environmentally friendly approach and lack of noise and fumes, the Luna is appealing to atypical motorcycle riders looking for a clean way to travel the city. Designed to withstand the test of time, the Tarform Luna Prototype 01 has been built for ‘upgradeability and not obsolescence’ — any element from the battery to the panelling can be swapped for a custom look.

Specifications

Country: USA
Power: 40 kW (54 hp)
Engine: Electric motor with 10 kWh battery
Designer: Taras Kravtchouk
Production: 2018-present

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA / View full image

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA / View full image

3 Zooz Concept 01 2019

In the words of Zooz designer Chris Zahner, ‘The amazing thing about electric bikes is how simple they are. Motors, heat exchangers, exhaust systems and gas tanks are requisite masses on combustion motorcycles. But the electric motorcycle can leave a whole lot more room for interpretation, by minimising the number of elements necessary.’ The Zooz electric bike is an incredibly simple concept presented in an elegant, linear package. The battery is concealed under the seat, and in the middle, where all the propulsion happens traditionally, there is nothing – a void. The Zooz shows what a contemporary electric bike looks like when stripped down to its most basic elements.

Specifications

Country: USA
Power: 4.3 kW (6 hp)
Engine: Electric motor with 0.84 kWh battery
Designer: Christopher Zahner
Production: Custom

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA / View full image

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

4 Cake Kalk OR 2019

The Kalk OR is an electric off-road performance motorcycle that handles bustling cities as well as rocky cross-country paths. This minimalist bike has injection-moulded polycarbonate bodywork and is dominated by a 51.8-volt battery, which allows the rider to choose between four-stroke and two-stroke modes. Despite its futuristic look, the Kalk OR is fully street legal. With a top speed of only 90 km/h, the Kalk OR may not be able to keep up with many of its road-going counterparts, but provides a green alternative for modern riders.

Specifications

Country: Sweden
Power: 11 kW (15 hp)
Engine: Electric motor with 2.6 kWh battery
Designer: Stefan Ytterborn
Production: 2019-present

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

5 Savic C-Series 2020

The motorcycle industry is embracing electric technology, with electric vehicles entering the market at an increasing rate. Savic Motorcycles founder Dennis Savic describes the Savic C-Series – Australia’s first full-size electric motorcycle – as ‘a unique offering with the most advanced features and functionality that the materials, engineering, electronic controls, electrical technology and 3D printing can offer today’.

DELVE DEEPER: SAVIC C-SERIES 2020

Specifications

Country: Australia
Power: 60 kW (80 hp)
Engine: Electric motor with 11 kWh battery
Designer: Dennis Savic
Production: 2020-present

Savic C-Series 2020 / Courtesy: Savic Motorcycles / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Savic C-Series 2020 / Courtesy: Savic Motorcycles / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

Read more about Motorcycles / Subscribe to QAGOMA YouTube to go behind-the-scenes

Show off your ride with #MotorcycleGOMA #QAGOMA

Related Stories

  •
    Read •

    List of Motorcycles: Humble origins to cutting-edge prototypes

    We list the motorcycles displayed in ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ — by year from 1871 until 2020 — these motorcycles were carefully selected for the technical achievements and aesthetic merits they represent. Showcasing 100 motorcycles, ‘The Motorcycle’ spans the history of this dynamic and versatile vehicle, from its humble origins as an engine bolted to a bicycle to the cutting-edge electric prototypes of the twenty-first century. The world’s first steam-powered ‘motorcycle’ was assembled in the late 1860s, more than a decade before the first automobile was designed, and by the early twentieth century all the elements of the modern, internal combustion engine–powered motorcycle had developed. Over the next 120 years, changes in design reflected developments in technology, engineering and manufacturing, as well as the motorcycle’s evolving functions as an inexpensive mode of transportation, racing and on- or off-road vehicle and as an expression of individual creativity. These innovations changed the face of transportation, and the motorcycle has not only become an enduring design icon, but also established its place in society through popular culture, literature and film. ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ offered a rare opportunity to see geographically and historically diverse motorcycles together in one place. From the hubs of motorcycle manufacturing in the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan to less likely sources of unique designs in New Zealand and Australia, ‘The Motorcycle’ showcased a machine at the pinnacle of design excellence and evokes a world of innovation, excitement and desire. ‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021. RELATED: Read more about the bikes in ‘THE MOTORCYCLE’ exhibition AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED: Read about our LOCAL MOTORCYCLE HISTORY List of motorcycles by year of manufacture 1871 Perreaux Steam Velocipede (above) France Collection: Department of Hauts-de-Seine / Museum of the Departmental Domain of Sceaux WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #1 Perreaux Steam Velocipede DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride 1898 Cleveland Tricycle (above) USA Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen, Curator DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride 1903 Minerva with Mills and Fulford Forecar (above) Belgium Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1906 Spencer (above) Australia The Australian Motorlife Museum – Paul Butler Collection DELVE DEEPER: Australian-born: The Spencer motorcycle story WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #2 Spencer 1908 Indian Single CeDora (above) USA Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator DELVE DEEPER : Indian Single 1908 owned by pioneering stuntwoman Cedora 1912 Henderson Four (above) USA Clyde Crouch Collection DELVE DEEPER: Henderson Four the largest and fastest motorcycle of its time DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1914 Whiting (above) Australia Lowe Family Collection DELVE DEEPER: The Australian Whiting: The last word in motorcycle luxury 1914 Harley-Davidson 10F (above) USA Harley City Collection 1916 Indian 8-Valve (above) USA Arundel Collection 1919 ABC (above) United Kingdom Courtesy of the Clyde Crouch Collection DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride 1920 (engine) Indian Scout Special (above) USA; New Zealand Collection: Clyde Crouch DELVE DEEPER: Bert Munro’s 1920 Indian Scout Special still the worlds fastest WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #5 Indian Scout Special 1921 Ner-a-Car USA Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator 1924 Moto Guzzi Tipo Normale Italy Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA 1924 BMW R32 Germany Collection: Trevor Dean 1926 Indian Hillclimber USA Arundel Collection 1926 Peugeot P104 France Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum 1927 Harley-Davidson FHA (above) USA Harley City Collection DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1928 Harley-Davidson Model SA Peashooter (above) USA Harley City Collection DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1928 Scott Flying Squirrel United Kingdom Collection of Mr and Mrs Hans Sprangers 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Special USA Harley City Collection 1928 Indian Model 401 USA Arundel Collection c.1929 Majestic (above) France Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum DELVE DEEPER: The MotoThe Majestic, the greatest of all French motorcycle designs 1929 Opel Motoclub Neander Germany Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum 1929 Ariel Model F (above) United Kingdom Collection of Bob Muss, Australia WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #4 Ariel Model F 1929 Norton CS1 United Kingdom Collection of John Richardson 1929 Douglas DT/5 Speedway (above) USA Private Collection, Sydney DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers 1931 Dresch Monobloc France Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum 1933 Harley-Davidson DAH USA Harley City Collection 1934 Crocker Speedway (above) USA Harley City Collection DELVE DEEPER: The Crocker motorcycles: Built for speed DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers 1935 Brough Superior 11-50 United Kingdom The Peter and Frances Bender Collection 1936 Koehler-Escoffier Motoball Special France Collection: Bobby Hass and Hass Moto Museum 1938 Crocker (above) USA Harley City Collection DELVE DEEPER: The Crocker motorcycles: Built for speed WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #3 Crocker 1938 Triumph Speed Twin United Kingdom Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA 1940 Indian Chief with Sidecar (above) USA Arundel Collection DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1942 Socovel Electric (above) Belgium Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum DELVE DEEPER: The Socovel Electric — the world’s first mass-produced electric motorcycle WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #6 Socovel Electric 1943 Harley-Davidson FL USA Kendal Maroney Collection (KMC) 1948 Moto Guzzi Super Alce (above) Italy Calleja Collection, Melbourne DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger 1949 Imme R100 (above) West Germany Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA WATCH THE...
  •
    Read •

    5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

    Motorcycling’s celebrated history of technical and design advancement had modest beginnings in the Age of Steam. In 1868, Parisian inventor and engineer Louis-Guillaume Perreaux (1816–89) patented a steam engine small enough to be used in a motorcycle, and within a few years had fixed it to a frame modelled on the pedal-powered bicycle. Perreaux’s experiments, and those of a few other early innovators, marked both the beginning and end of the era of steam-driven motorcycles. Their inventions nonetheless sparked a thirst for two-wheeled transportation that led to further experimentation, and in 1894 the first commercial motorcycles went into production. The industry developed rapidly from there: in 1895 Count Jules-Albert de Dion (1856–1946) and Georges Bouton (1847–1938) produced a compact internal combustion engine in Paris and, a year later, were designing and selling tricycle frames fitted with an improved version of the engine. This configuration was so successful that it was adopted by a number of French, English and American manufacturers, including Cleveland in the United States. Growing enthusiasm for the motorcycle as an economical means of transport led to other innovations, including petroleum–powered; spring-fork suspension; duplex cradle frame; six-speed transmission; automatic lubrication system; among others. Recently, visionary inventors recognised the benefits of electricity over gasoline with the introduction of battery–powered engines that has changed the fundamentals of motorcycle design. Showcasing 100 spectacular motorcycles, and more, ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ spans the history of this dynamic and versatile vehicle, from its humble origins as an engine bolted to a bicycle to the cutting-edge electric prototypes of the twenty-first century, these motorcycles trace this history of innovation, and have been carefully selected for the technical achievements and aesthetic merits they represent. ‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021. DELVE DEEPER: Browse the FULL LIST OF MOTORCYCLES RELATED: Read more about THE BIKES ON DISPLAY 1 Perreaux Steam Velocipede 1871 The steam velocipede, designed by Frenchman Louis–Guillaume Perreaux, is one of the first motorcycles ever made, with different sources citing the date of its creation between 1867 and 1871. This incredible feat of mechanical ingenuity is a modified ‘boneshaker’ Michaux bicycle powered by a steam engine. With wooden wheels, flimsy handlebars and a high seat perched precariously above the boiling steam engine, the Perreaux would have been an uncomfortable, yet revolutionary, mode of travelling Paris’s streets. Specifications Country: France Power: 2 hp Engine: 30 cc steam at 3.5 kg/cm² (50 psi) Designer: Louis-Guillaume Perreaux Production: Prototype Interesting facts Many credit the Perreaux as the world’s first motorcycle, while others recognise the Roper steam velocipede created by American Sylvester H. Roper, created at around the same time. While the Michaux bicycle that the Perreaux was based on had a brake on its front wheel, the Perreaux had none. The Perreaux on display is the only example of this pioneering motorcycle ever manufactured. 2 Cleveland Tricycle 1898 This 1898 motor–tricycle is thought to be the earliest example of a motorcycle with spring-fork suspension. Very similar in appearance to a child’s tricycle, only larger in size, motor–tricycles such as this were marketed as a safer alternative to the motor–bicycle, due to the increased stability offered by the third wheel. Specifications Country: USA Power: 3.5 hp Engine: 376 cc four-stroke single Production: 1898–1901 Interesting facts By the late 1800s the peddle–powered tricycle had become the vehicle of choice for those unable to ride the high–wheeled bicycles of the time, especially women who were limited by the long dresses they wore. The first motor–tricycles, developed in the 1880s, were driven by steam, and by 1891 reports of the first petroleum–driven motor-tricycle appeared in Australian newspapers. The first petroleum–powered motor–tricycle arrived in Australia in March 1898. De Dion-Bouton tricycles were born in 1895 and remained a popular choice of vehicle across Europe until 1901. 3 ABC 1919 The 1919 ABC was a British bike marketed as an innovative gentleman’s touring motorcycle. Reputedly designed in only three weeks, the motorcycle caused a sensation on its debut at the 1919 Motorcycle Show. The ABC offered riders a comfortable jaunt, with an enclosed flywheel, car-type gear change lever and both front and rear suspension, similar to that used in luxury automobiles at the time. Despite its small engine capacity, the ABC promised good performance. Between 1919 and 1925, 2200 ABCs were produced in the United Kingdom, and a further 3000 with an improved 493 cc engine in France, produced by Gnome et Rhône under licence. Specifications Country: United Kingdom Power: 8 hp Engine: 398 cc OHV boxer twin Designer: Granville Bradshaw Production: 1919–21 Interesting facts One of the first motorcycles ever made with a duplex cradle frame — two parallel frames that hold the engine between them — instead of a single frame, as seen on a bicycle. BMW’s first motorcycle, the 1923 R32, looked remarkably like the earlier 1919 ABC with its horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine — so much so that ABC challenged BMW’s use of the patented designs in 1926. 4 Suzuki T20 250 Hustler 1966 The T20 is a lightweight, high-performance 250 cc motorcycle capable of exceeding 140 km/h. It was the first motorcycle in the world at the time to feature a six-speed transmission, advertised with the slogan, ‘When the rest run out of stick, shift into sixth’. The Hustler’s sales brochure also touted that the bike was able to ‘accelerate like there’s a cyclone in the tank!’ One innovative feature of the T20 is its Posi–Force automatic lubrication system, which directly pumped oil into the petrol tank. Prior to this, many riders had to manually mix oil into their tanks. Specifications Country: Japan Power: 29 hp Engine: Two-stroke parallel twin Designer: Suzuki Motor Company Production: 1965–68 Interesting facts In Japan, the T20 was called the Super Sport;...
Loading...