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"

For a full description and sale details, as well as a larger picture click on 'Latest image' - if it's still a picture of a white Voyager... If it's been replaced, the infortmation and picture can still be found in 'Image Galleries' in 'Royce Creaseys creations' - 'Production Voyagers', below the listed Voyagers

Voyager 04, the 1989 show bike is for sale. Full details will be posted, with a picture, in a couple of weeks
In the meantime anyone interested can mail roycecreasey@gmail.com with "Voyager sale" as the subject.

Here's a mail from Arnold Wagner covering his version of events at Peraves, and the news that he's continueing FF production under the name 'Monoracer' There's also an attachment of his current type approval, conformity of production certificates, and new years greetings that I haven't included. Not neccesary to read between any lines to see that he's a bit cross with Mr. Riedener....

But anyway, good news that this luxury Swiss FF production continues. (Over to you ford, etc...)

Dear friends,

I read, in a badly computer-translated, German news item found on Google, that Peraves AG, manufacturer of the 'Ecomobile' and later 'Monotracer' luxury FFs, have gone into liquidation. The story suggests that funds "evaporated" in the development of an innovative engine, unconnected with FF production and that legal action is brewing. An attempt is being made to re-start the company which does not hold much external debt. Sounds like an internal falling out between Peraves principles, into which I would not wish to intrude.

Armerican friends report that Craig Vetter, motorcycle streamlinging expert, is (15th. August 2015) unconciouse in hospital with serious head and chest injuries after hitting a deer while riding one of his bikes.

Doctors say "His numbers are going in the right directions" and we must hope that he makes a good recovery.

The 2010 Cmax will be available for sale shortly - owner no longer able to ride due to disability. It'll come with the complete set of Tmax bodywork and other parts removed for the conversion to FF, a spare new fuel pump, and be taxed and MOT'd.

When it arrives here I have to fit a new speedo drive, then I'll upload a current photo and the details supplied by the owner. If you want to see a picture now there are several on this site - image galleries - Royce Creaseys creations- 2010 Cmax.

Following my previous comments about insuring an FF I've been corresponding with Jordan Maddix of Adrian Flux Insurance (Bikesure)

Thankfully, the problem isn't FFs, or my personal habits. It's the thorny subject of 'modification'. Once, if you didn't modify your English motorcycle it wouldn't work. Now it's more like the German model, where 'modifications' largely amount to fitting parts from an 'after-market' supplier. Harley's and their legion of after-market parts are an example.