Electric Spyders on the way

[RideOn]

Agree Idaho, now and for as far the eye can see, this is on some drawing board somewhere. As for the word 'hybrid', is that meaning some combination of gas and electric? I don't see anyway that could work on a m/c.

If you haven't owned one before, a "hybrid" vehicle means it has both electric and gas power. I have a Ford Fusion Energi, which is considered a PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - which runs around town for about 25 miles on battery power, then the gas engine takes over if I need to go farther. When you stop, you can plug it in for a fast charge if a charging station is available or plug it into 110v AC at home. On 110, a full recharge takes about 6 hours. I run about 90% on battery for my purposes, but I still want a gas engine so I'm not stuck somewhere waiting for a charger, like Tesla.

I don't see why a similar system would not work on a motorcycle, although it would likely not have the same power output as a full-time gas engine. On a Spyder chassis, I think a PHEV would be more beneficial that a full electric (battery only) powertrain. Like my Ford, it would probably have a CVT rather than today's SM or SE transmission. Electric motors are a good power source if you have sufficient battery reserve. One of their advantages is they make maximum torque at zero RPM, but they're not a panacea for long-distance driving.

Sorry, didn't mean to get on a soapbox, but with a short commute an electric vehicle makes sense.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Sorry guys, but you're digging up posts that are more than a year old here! ldpost:


Otter28169's post #79 was the first since April last year, so while I reckon the ideal moment to show you got the humour or to jump on the soapbox is well past.... it's still sorta OK, just so long as you realise you're doing a bit of archeology here, rather than posting a snappy comeback! :thumbup:

 

[bikerbillone]

I was gonna do a response, but Peter is right, this is very old news.

 

[Peter Aawen]

I was gonna do a response, but Peter is right, this is very old news.

And we STILL haven't seen any further signs of an electric Spyder (or Ryker?!) actually hitting the streets?? :gaah:




But it IS perfectly OK to continue the discussion started in an older thread, just so long as you realise it's old, and don't necessarily expect people who posted something waay back to respond immediately..... or that the discussion starter raised back then is still actually current?! :dontknow:

PS: the original post in this thread refers to an article from Feb 2019, that states fairly early in the piece that BRP have been 'teasing us' with the supposedly imminent release of a PHEV since early 2011....

 

[Mikey]

But you have to admit, since we have been going threw ( THESE TRYING TIMES) with this virus crap people are BORED to tears, and have been going far into the thread files! We all need to get out and take a good ride, stop at some old watering holes and have some fun again!! If I never hear those words again, trying times, I word really love not to!!! Chin up it will end!! Ride on!!!hyea:

 

[bikerbillone]

OK, my opinion one more time, I'm not a fan of pure EV except for short runs or just commercial delivery vehicles where the battery lasts until the lt delivery of the day. Then, energy is still be used somewhere to charge this battery, therefor some carbon footprint, maybe not as much as a gasoline engine. What ever happened to LNG, which had immediate promise and worked? The Prius which started out strong, a pure hybrid which started out strong in 2002 I think, now sales have plummeted 'caus folks want the bug vans, SUVs, Crossovers, or whatever the term is now. Not selling the Pruis here, but I've owned one since 2003, last one which got wrecked was a 70 mpg vehicle, my 2019 gets 60 mpg on the interstate at 65/70 mph. Why aren't the tree huggers promoting this vehicle? I'm anxious to see where HD Live Wire goes from here, i think I already know.
Just my opinion fellow Spyder riders, everyone seems to have one.

 

[Mikey]

OK, my opinion one more time, I'm not a fan of pure EV except for short runs or just commercial delivery vehicles where the battery lasts until the lt delivery of the day. Then, energy is still be used somewhere to charge this battery, therefor some carbon footprint, maybe not as much as a gasoline engine. What ever happened to LNG, which had immediate promise and worked? The Prius which started out strong, a pure hybrid which started out strong in 2002 I think, now sales have plummeted 'caus folks want the bug vans, SUVs, Crossovers, or whatever the term is now. Not selling the Pruis here, but I've owned one since 2003, last one which got wrecked was a 70 mpg vehicle, my 2019 gets 60 mpg on the interstate at 65/70 mph. Why aren't the tree huggers promoting this vehicle? I'm anxious to see where HD Live Wire goes from here, i think I already know.
Just my opinion fellow Spyder riders, everyone seems to have one.

Easy my friend!! :cheers:

 

[bikerbillone]

Yeah I know, too many words, one of my character flaws, but the good news is, I'm done.

 

[ARtraveler]

The subject resurfaces every couple years or so. I have commented a few times over the years, including my April Fools day posting about the subject, complete with pictures from BRP. That got a rise from many. :roflblack:

The issues, IMO, are still two big questions. Range and cost. Until they get them solved, most riders are not going to jump in. Currently the range is less than 200 miles on most offerings. If they were to build what we on SL like, (tourer with amenities), I am still guessing $40K. That is way out of my range.

Still liking my one year old (bought new) F3L. It has everything I want and need.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Honda has had a hybrid car for several years now. They haven't progressed past the 2015 Neowing concept hybrid motorcycle. That ought to tell us something!

 

[Canamandy]

If an electric version of the spyder comes out and looks like it does in the picture, then I'd buy one.

 

[RideOn]

Nothing wrong with that. But if BRP asked me to be a Beta Tester of an electric, I'd jump at the chance. However, I envision an electric vehicle of any kind to be an errand runner or commuter, not a cross country tourer.

Depends on whether it's entirely electric (e.g. Tesla) or a plug-in hybrid like my Ford Fusion Energi. I have now owned three PHEVs (Ford CMax Energi and Fusion Energi, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid) and I prefer them over gas-only cars. With 20-30 miles range on battery, most errands and trips around town can be completed without ever starting the gas engine. Plug in overnight on 110v and start over tomorrow. The Fusion has only burned through a half-dozen tanks of gas in over 5500 miles.

So while I can't see myself in a full electric (like the Harley LiveWire - not to mention the stratospheric price) I do think a PHEV Spyder could be a good choice if you mostly ride close to home. For touring, both gas and PHEV make the cut since either way you have a gas engine to run.

Let's see what BRP comes up with and at what price; I'm at least interested.

 

[RideOn]

Didn't pay attention to the dates or even realize I'd already replied to this thread months ago. pps:

Still, I am a fan of PHEVs - at least as new cars - as I'm sure you can tell. Vehicles, particularly classics, that came equipped with gas engines (e.g. 60s/70s muscle cars or my 1991 HD Sturgis) deserve to stay original.

 

[Hoginedgewood]

It does sound like BRP is for real this time. Will be interesting to see what they really do come up with.

Of course...I am a fuddy duddy with the "wait and see" attitude. :roflblack:

Speaking of wait and see, HD just announced they are distancing themselves from the Livewire.

 

[Motorcycledave]

I think a plug-in hybrid Spyder would be a neat thing. Just think, you can park in those real close in spaces at the stores, plug in the cable, even if you don't need a charge, and take the short walk to the door. Just as good as using recently passed Granny's handicap placard.

SOUNDS GOOD, except you have to pay to plug in your GREEN vehicle....

 

[Plarimer]

How much fossil fuels does it take to charge up that electric spider. The electricity does not come out of the air. That should work great in Texas.