Richard Hatfield of Lightning Motorcycles has stated, (on the FF facebook page) that his company is working on an enclosed, two seat electric FF. They're very excited about it apparantly. Maybe someone more literate can put the actual page up here - Ctrl C & V doesn't do it. No specifics or dates, but it's easy to send a message to Lightning Motorcycles to encourage them... Lets hope they've done their homework

This relates to the recent posts on altering the light patterns on FFs to make twin headlight patterns easier to identify and range, (eg. "Twin headlights on FFs"). The excellent site https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/, source of everything needed to fit out a motor vehicle, has a range of LED lights and https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/daytime-running-lights looks promising - cheap, easy to fit. (Describe it as "auxilliary lighting" rather than "daytime running lights" to run it with headlights on)

I have a location on FJ in mind, I'll try and post a picture unless someone else does it first.

I've been looking into the regulations invoved in registering a prototype electric two wheeler. Specifically "Motorcycle single vehicle approval" which covers FFs.

It's chaos.

Here's another entry from EMN; a Chinese product that demonstrates probably the best example of imagination failure so far https://electricmotorcycles.news/niu-introduces-two-new-electric-vehicles-at-ces-2020/ See, in one entry, a more or less conventional electric motorcycle with moderate range, desgined for urban commuters. See, in an immediately adjacent entry, what would be an improvement on BMW's C.1. lower, electric and in all respects an E-FF - except that it's got two front wheels and it's a tilting three wheeler - and the seat back is shown in the passenger position...

Here's a mail recently recived from Peraves, which I reproduce in full. Ability to speak German not essential as there's a paragraph in English. This goes some way to explain recent events. Basically, the production of the 'K' powered monotracers stopped because they couldn't meet current EU emission rules. Hence the E-tracer announced a couple of years ago. Then it seems there was a breakdown on the relationship with the people supposed to supply the electronics and other bits that can't be fixed with a hammer. I expect m'learned friends may well have some input there.

Peraves CZ boss Arnold Wagner has announced this years new Monoracer (The new name of the Monotracer/Ecomobile family), an all-electric development of the earlier (2016) e-powered model. Reasonably claimed to be the worlds most efficient street vehicle and a "super Tesla on two wheels", it's scheduled for market launch in summer this year, with sales due to start in August. A downpayment with order of 44,500 Euro's, followed by a final payment on delivery of 44,000 Euro's, makes a Tesla look cheap.

Interesting entry on Electric Motorcycle News (EMN) the online "newspaper". See https://electricmotorcycles.news/blitz-is-hiring-a-technical-manager-and-technicians-for-its-benelux-operations/ for an early example of an electric cargo scooter from a company that overtly recognises the potential market, rather than relying on enterprising youth tacking deivery boxes onto cheap ICE scooters.

The seventies 'oil shocks' showed the need for more efficient vehicles, a need that has not become less urgent... Two wheelers are the most efficient way possible of transporting two people and some luggage but will never achieve a mass market and any useful effect, unless they avoid the deficiencies in comfort, handling and safety sufffered by the motorised bicycle.

This is for the people who follow this site for whatever reason - but either don't know or don't care what an FF two wheeler is. (Hint. This is not an FF)

https://electricmotorcycles.news/dutch-innovation-unites-car-with-scooter-the-carver/

Peraves has arrived on Electic Motorcycles News with some nice pictures of their latest offering, significantly raising the bar amongst the rather mundane electric motorised bicycles found on that site. Arnold giving a new generation of would-be vehicle designers something to think about!
https://electricmotorcycles.news/discover-the-power-of-electric-cabin-motorcycles/

For people with deep pockets who can't be doing with all this primitive open-cockpit, petrol driven FF nonsense, Peraves now have their brochure for 2018, offering the most efficient production vehicle on earth, the all electric Monoracer for only 79,500 Euro. plus a selection of second hand Monotracers using the BMW K1200 motor for rather less money. Accurately described as the worlds only premium class cabin motorcycle.

For further information www.peravescz.com

My VMCC magazine* tells me that as of next May, bikes over 40 years old will become MOT exempt**, and this will roll on every year maintaining the 40 year period. This does not apply to modified vehicles or Q-plated vehicles (damm!).

This should make keeping early Quasars on the road easier at least.

Royce

*both I and my bike are over 25 years old, it's the obvious club to join, insurance discounts, news, easy outrage.

There are several really good technical reports on BMW's very advanced E-powered scooter. It does seem to have all the power management features needed in a two wheeler and the i-3 car the software was developed from is a really nice drive. Performance, speed, range and so on, are all first class for current battery technology and bound to improve. Only the eye watering price, for what is basically a large scooter, is a deterrent.

A link you may have missed, having not selected 'read more'. Other FF advocates may like to contribute..

It's obviously time for electric FFs to spread their wings! Good to hear of Dave Arthurs project, another person who's found the Niche Vehicle group ("promoting disruptive low carbon vehicles") completely useless, but pressed on regardless - Monoliner is still moving towards first run.

I recently came across this 'publication'* that might interest anyone with an interest in the future, rather than the past - https://electricmotorcycles.news/

Regrettably it is all about electric motorcycles, they're another group that's never heard of FFs, including E-tracers and the X-prize. But anyone can put them right on that, perhaps by sending them links to this very site. You won't be the first to do this but don't let that hold you back!

Royce

*Through linkedin. Imagine that!

Bob Tait. 1935-2017
in memoriam
Bob Tait, engineer and innovator, responsible for key developments of the 'double wishbone' hub centre steering system pioneered by Jack Difazio, died peacefully at home on the 16th July 2017.

Recent news that a Quasar, or strictly speaking a Phasar, had been stolen from a barn in Heddington appears to be just one version of events. Another version is that the person who owned this bike before it went to live in the barn found a buyer and simply removed it in order to deliver it to the new owner. Obviously the person who was keeping it in the barn may have other ideas, but who am I to unravel a little local difficulty in a far away land (Wiltshire) of which I know little?

A unregistered Quasar, bought as an uncompleted bike at the end of the Qusar project is reported as stolen last Thursday (20th. October 2016) from a barn near Heddington Wilts. (The village where Malcome Newell lived). Quasar specialist Mark Crowson has been put in touch with the owner and more details may be forthcoming. In the meantime anyone hearing of a Quasar for sale should contact Mark.

Just a reminder that the period for making an offer for Voyager 04 is coming to a close. Details below, if you haven't already looked. If you want to buy this bike make sure your offer is in by the 30th. April. "You have to be in it to win it"