Eric Buell launches ' FUELL '

[Ssscooter66]

[Quote-Fuell]motorcycle-pioneer-erik-buell-launches-new-electric-motorcycle-brand-fuell/



Famed motorcycle designer Erik Buell unveiled his new electric motorcycle brand today. In addition to a futuristic-looking new electric motorcycle design, the company also debuted a tech-infused electric bicycle.

Erik Buell is known in the industry as a pioneer of motorcycle racing technology. A former Harley-Davidson engineer, he founded Buell Motorcycles, which was eventually purchased by Harley-Davidson.

Now the prolific designer has unveiled his latest venture, the electric mobility brand Fuell.

But Buell isn’t going in alone.

He has teamed up legendary engineer Frédéric Vasseur, the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team principal and founder of Spark Racing Technology (which builds the Formula E racers).

With Vasseur’s electric vehicle experience and Buell’s motorcycle design mastery, the team represents a potent mix of skills needed by any new electric mobility startup.

Together they dropped the veil on two new electric rides, the Flow electric motorcycle and Fluid electric bicycle.

Fuell Flow electric motorcycle


The Fuell Flow electric motorcycle will come in two variants: 11 kW (14.8 hp) or 35 kW (47 hp).

Despite the founders’ racing pedigrees, the Flow electric motorcycle is designed primarily for urban applications. That’s been a common theme in many new electric motorcycle unveilings lately.

A rear hub motor is mounted in a single-sided swingarm with an off-center rear monoshock.

While the hub motor may add unsprung weight that would be less than desirable for high performance racing, its advantage in a commuter is that it frees up cargo space in the bike. The Flow should feature 50 liters (1.75 cubic feet) of cargo space. That’s huge in the motorcycle world, where space for a pair gloves or sunglasses is often considered a luxury.

Charging should also take just 30 minutes on a 20 kW public charger.



The Flow appears to lack a foot brake but also has an empty left bar where a rear hand brake would otherwise rest, meaning a single right brake lever might control the hydraulic disc brake in the front and regenerative braking in the rear.

Fuell indicates that the Flow should start at $10,995. Fuell Fluid electric bicycle


Fuell’s new electric bicycle is innovative in its own right.

It sports not one but two 500 Wh batteries for 1 kWh of total on-board energy storage. Fuell claims that should be enough for 125 mi (201 km), though we’re assuming that’s in ECO mode with pedal assist. Even so, that’s some serious range.

The electric bike features a mid-drive motor that uses a belt drive to transfer 100 Nm of torque to the rear wheel.



The Fuell Fluid will be available in both 20 mph (32 km/h) and 28 mph (45 km/h) versions. The bike should start at $3,295. That’s high compared to some budget-level $500 e-bikes we’ve tested, but actually quite reasonable considering the high battery capacity, mid-drive motor and belt drive. Other belt drive bikes we’ve ridden cost even more and don’t have nearly the same aesthetics as the Fuell Fluid.

Fuell plans to have a fully functional website by next month where they’ll start taking orders for the Fluid. The company expects to begin deliveries for the Fluid e-bike this year. Don’t expect to see a Fuell Flow electric motorcycle in your garage until at least 2021 though.[/Quote]

https://electrek.co/2019/03/05/motor...e-brand-fuell/

[C8-wannabe]

The Fluid looks good, but just like Buell motorcycles, not into the Flow design.

Wish him luck, hopefully doesn't end up like his others...

[Milliwatt Rob]

In my lifetime, I rode something like 200,000 miles, and still walk without a limp

In any kind of traffic, car drivers tend to not see motorcycles. And with an electric motorcycle, there is nothing to hear either. On the other hand, probably the most serious accident I ever had was when a large dog dashed out in front of me from a blind driveway. I t boned the dog and went down at about 55 mph. I assume the dog was alerted of my passing by the engine sound.

In any event, I question whether a quiet electric motorcycle will introduce more hazards to what is already an activity with its own special dangers.

[John]

Good question. Why I always like my Vance and Hines pipes on my Harleys. Nice and loud — and they sounded so glorious.

[Boomer]

In any event, I question whether a quiet electric motorcycle will introduce more hazards to what is already an activity with its own special dangers.

Plenty of noise with my Triumph 500 Chopper in 1978 Pittsburgh. Bright orange. Still needed lotsa defensive driving.

[C8-wannabe]

Yup, even in a car you have to drive defensively, on a bike you have to as if invisible, because basically you are.

The loud pipe thing works if you aren't going that fast and close to a vehicle, however on the road I don't buy they will hear you any quicker.