Electric Motion
In an ever-changing world, I had to take a second look at the entry list for the 2020 Scottish Six Days; two Electric Motion entries, really? Would the battery power have staying power for the long, testing days found in this event? The French motorcycle manufacturer had two riders accepted for the event: the first being Spain’s Marc Colomer, former FIM Trial World Champion from 1996 and the first-ever FIM Trial-E World Champion in 2017; and Matthew Alpe, an experienced British rider and Electric Motion UK distributor.
With electric vehicles of all types undergoing massive development, it was inevitable that the Scottish Six Days Trial would eventually be targeted. It has always been an event for manufacturers to contribute positively to the development of their new models — a ‘benchmark’ if you like, for any machine.
In an evolving world, where green credentials are so important, welcoming electric machinery to the SSDT would have been a positive and momentous move. History would have been made in 2020 with the arrival of electric trials machines in the event for the first time.
The cancellation of the event has put this electric evolution on hold for 12 months. Still, the SSDT organisers had already addressed the different safety aspects, logistics and refuelling arrangements to include batteries both for this year and going forward as the use of electricity to power motorcycles progresses into the future. We chat with Matthew Alpe to see how Electric Motion would work at the SSDT.
Wow this would have been some challenge?
No, not really. Believe it or not, the Electric Motion machines have progressed very much over the last two years. The Epure models are the result of an intensive development programme carried out at the factory in France, which has responded well to our expectations. We have worked closely with them to help manufacture an electric machine more than capable of the challenges found in the testing conditions to compete – and finish – all the six days of this event.
What has changed so much from the earlier models?
I will just briefly explain the specifications of the new model we would have used in the SSDT so the readers can understand it more.
Model: We would have used the Epure ‘race’ model with high-end wheels, sprockets, chain and suspension including the very new M4 air front forks, CNC machined triple clamps and a R16V Olle rear shock. The motor uses a hydraulic diaphragm clutch, the same as you will find on the petrol-powered machines currently available from the other manufacturers. The frame is fabricated using the cutting-edge of technology, with its middle section micro-fused. It is fabricated with 15CDV6 steel, which is only 1mm Ǿ and weighs less than 5kg.
Transmission: This is manufactured in Italy. Selection is perfect, and the design is new. The package delivers much smoother power than before. The superior quality of the frame and the transmission allows it to use a new motor mounting, making it all run very smooth.
Clutch: The master cylinder is a hydraulic Braketec, and the diaphragm clutch is very close to that of some of the more conventional two- and four-stroke models available. It allows for a more controlled riding style just like any petrol-powered motorcycle. With this clutch you can make the machine ‘rev’ just before a big obstacle, for example, making it ideal for the SSDT with its flowing hazards.
Power: The power goes from a constant 6kW to a ‘peak power’ of 11kW. Torque at the rear wheel is 600Nm.
Road Speed: Top speed is around 65km/h to 75km/h.
Battery: Held securely in position by three locating screws and is very easy to change. It weighs around 10kg, but the physical size has been reduced, and the power is so much better. I would imagine, at the SSDT, we would use either four or five batteries per day depending on the nature of the terrain and the length of the day. In a typical event the use of just one battery would be enough to finish the trial easily, often with around 45% left, so that indicates how much the 2020 Epure models have evolved compared to the 2019 5.7 models.
It all sounds terrific!
Yes, we know! Without sounding ambitious, I believe we would have really ‘shocked’ (excuse the pun) so many people at the SSDT with the electric machines. I have tested with them in all conditions, and they are very good. It is the result of an exhaustive testing programme of development to arrive at where we are now; it’s not just happened.
How long have you been competing at the SSDT?
My first year at the SSDT was in 2013 on a Beta Evo 250cc. It was a steep learning curve! I had been accepted in the centenary event in
2011 but, due to just getting started with Inch Perfect Trials Display, my commercial vehicle test had to take priority over the trial.
“We have worked closely with them to help manufacture an electric machine more than capable of the challenges found in the testing conditions to compete – and finish – all the six days of this event.”
By the time 2013 came along, I was 20 years old and couldn’t wait to get going. I’d been doing a lot of shows up until then so my natural riding was a little out of shape, to say the least. With the help of my good friend and work colleague, Aran Drachenberg, my riding has improved year on year. I’ve ridden every single SSDT since 2013. It’s an amazing event and one where experience really counts. The first time you do it, it’s a real culture shock, but, as each year that goes by, in your mind, the once huge rock slab seems to get smaller, and you become accustomed to the magnitude of the event. The Edinburgh and District Motor Club Limited truly do a fantastic job with the organisation, and I would like to thank them for their endeavours personally. I can’t wait to back for next year to carry out the 2020 mission to be the first manufacturer to take an electric trials machine around the Scottish Six Days Trial.
Tell us about Marc Colomer.
He needs no introduction as he not only won the FIM Trial World Championship in 1996, he was also crowned the first-ever FIM Trial-E World Champion in 2017. Marc is no newcomer to the SSDT either, having competed for the first time in 2006 when he finished ninth overall and was a member of the winning Gas Gas manufacturer’s team. He returned the following year to take seventh place on the prototype fourstroke Scorpa.
He has since been involved in the development of several different trials marques including Scorpa, Gas Gas, Ossa and now Electric Motion. He has so much development knowledge of trials machines in all areas, and he is a very valuable asset to the French manufacturer.
Will you be at the 2021 SSDT with the electric machines?
It was sad news that the 2020 event had to be cancelled; we fully understand the decision. The event will still be there in 2021, but unfortunately, many people will not be; including those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. It’s been a very sad time, but sometimes in life, other things become more important than what we take for granted every day. We will be back once again in 2021 with the Electric Motion Epure to embrace the freedom and adventure of the greatest of all motorcycle trials, the Scottish Six Days.