KSL recently reported on an electric motorcycle called the Zero.  John Hollenhorst says "Mysteriously absent is the ear-splitting racket of a motorcycle..."  Maybe John does not realize it or does not ride but that "ear-splitting racket" is a sweet sound to most to most motorcyclists.  There is a rising tide of legislation across the nation meant to limit the noise from motorcycles.  I do not know if Mr. Hollenhorst was intentionally trying to create debate but that will be a topic for another post - back to the motorcycles.

A couple of weeks before the KSL article on the Zero motorcycle.com had an article titled 2010 Electric Motorcycle Shootout written by Jeff Cobb comparing and contrasting the Brammo Enertia versus the Native versus the Zero.  I will not rehash the entire article which is a must read for anyone considering the purchase of an electric motorcycle.

The conclusion, from the article:

In all seriousness, potential consumers can make their own minds up about fit and aesthetic considerations, but we otherwise feel most confident with the $7,995 Brammo Enertia, over the $9,995 Zero and $7,500 Native S, in this order.

Although not able to match the Zero’s power-to-weight ratio, and lacking some of the assiduously thought out weight-saving details, the Brammo has its own qualities and is the most all-around solid. If the Zero had better brakes and suspension, it would have been closer, but despite the Brammo’s slightly lower range potential, its 20% lower price tips us over the edge in its favor.

“The Enertia feels solid and well-engineered,” Kevin comments. “It’s what I imagine Honda might’ve built if it had taken the plunge as early as Brammo.”

Further, Brammo’s dealer support may be best, especially if the company’s plans to roll out a national network come to pass. Zero’s determination to make all sales flow through its California Web-based distribution model along with regional sales reps is questionable, and the Native has spotty support as well.

Any one of these bikes should be investigated further – and based on new offerings from Brammo already, and promises by Zero for 2011, who knows what innovations next season’s models may offer in this rapidly developing field?

To be sure, it’s an unusual time, in which questions arise faster than we can provide answers, so we’ll just cut it here: At this juncture at the dawn of the proposed EV revolution, our e-bike pick of the day is the Brammo Enertia.

I have ridden an electric motorcycle and I really miss the loud "racket" that they make.  Call me crazy but I even like the smell of gas and exhaust.  In the KSL article the rider notes that sometimes they come up behind horses and the horse does not realize a motorcycle is there.  I have had this same experience with a car changing into my lane when riding on my motorcycle - all it took was a rev of my engine to let him know.  We cannot live our life in a bubble folks...

I have been a motorcycle rider for over 30 years and have also been a registered nurse. My law practice focuses on representing injured and killed motorcycle riders and their families. We can help you with medical bills, getting your bike fixed and getting you the money you deserve from the person that caused the crash. Utah Bike Law and its attorneys are licensed to practice law only in the State of Utah and maintain offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. No attorney client relationship is established by simply visiting this website.

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