Jim Gorde

French manufacturer Voxan have introduced the most powerful electric motorcycle in the world. The Wattman, an upscale and extremely powerful machine, is a milestone in French motorcycling history.

The Voxan Wattman uses radical technology and design, with an innovative approach to electric motorcycle construction. The smooth, yet unmistakeably aggressive design language screams business and it looks as fast as it goes. Performance is nothing short of seriously impressive. Going from what the company claims, 0-100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds, while 0-160 km/h takes 5.9 seconds. The top speed is 170 km/h. These numbers are thanks to an unbelievably advanced drivetrain which comprises of an ultra-compact 12.8 kWh Lithium-Ion battery and a star of an electric motor.

The electric motor powering the Wattman uses permanent magnets and puts out a whopping 200 PS between 7,500 and 10,500 electric motor rpm. That number is topped only by the eye-popping 200 Nm of peak torque it produces: between 1 to 6,000 revs, no less. The power is transmitted by the 35mm electric motor belt drive to the massive rear wheel wrapped in Michelin Commander II 240mm-wide rubber. Braking too is significantly advanced, using 230mm discs front and rear, with Beringer’s 4D System. The battery promises a range of 180 kilometres; not bad considering the whole bike weighs 350 kg. Furthermore, when using a ‘Combo-II quick charge’ power socket, 80% of the charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes.

The company stated, “Voxan inaugurates a new motorcycle architecture built around a motor-battery pack carrier set. The frame is replaced by an ultra-rigid exoskeleton, integrating all the components of the powertrain. This results in a very pure motorcycle without a visible technical feature.”

According to Sacha Lakic, its designer, “This aluminium exoskeleton which contains the battery is the motorcycle’s signature. You can tell from this design that it is an electric machine.”

The Voxan Wattman will be produced only on order, with each unit being hand-built in France.

Story: Jim Gorde

Suzuki revealed the new GSR250S at the Tokyo Motor Show, a half-faired 250cc twin street motorcycle based on the GW250 Inazuma which has long been reported to be coming to India. [Read more…] about Suzuki GSR250S: Inazuma plays faired

The day has arrived and British motorcycle giants, Triumph Motorcycles, are finally in India. The company has launched 10 models and has also announced the first phase of dealerships in the country. [Read more…] about Triumph Motorcycles are here!

Hearing the words ‘Harley Davidson’ always evokes images of big, burly cruisers in your mind, doesn’t it? Well, they don’t really get any bigger than this: the 2014 CVO Limited.

CVO is short for Custom Vehicle Operations – H-D’s highly exclusive custom programme. This basically refers to even more customisation options than what the company usually offers a buyer, while also bringing bigger, more powerful engines.

The 2014 CVO Limited is one of the biggest and heaviest models to come out of their portfolio. It also incorporates all the updates that Project Rushmore has to offer. At 428 kg, the CVO Limited is one heavy tourer, and, it needs a special engine just to make sure the performance you would need is there. A 110 cubic-inch, or 1,802cc Twin-Cam, High-Output V-twin engine with the company’s new Twin-Cooling system ensures maximum performance, with peak power, we estimate about 110 PS, together with 160 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm bringing the party. The addition of Reflex-Linked Brembo brakes with ABS, Daymaker LED headlamps and fog lamps and the revised seating and infotainment systems all make for what could well be a benchmark in highway touring.

The CVO Limited is surely an eye-catching addition to the range and at $38,999 in the US (Rs 24.5 lakh approx), it will be an exclusive motorcycle indeed. We at Bike India sure hope it makes its way to India soon!

Story: Jim Gorde