Electric Motion
Battery and motor technology in the motorcycle trials world is gathering pace at such a rapid rate that it is now, more than ever, becoming a threat to the fuel-powered two-wheeled machines that we have become so accustomed. The French manufacturer, Electric Motion, is dedicated to this future, with a wide variety of different specification of machines in its EPURE range to suit both the pocket and the ability of the adult trials rider.
Finding a rider to push the boundaries of the two new models we had on test became easier when we had a casual conversation with Michael Brown after he rode older Electric Motion models in a Las Vegas stage show earlier this year. He was keen to throw his legs over the latest French offerings in the form of the LITE and RACE models from its EPURE range.
PERFORMANCE
Our attention turned first to the highest specification model the RACE. It is the first fully homologated electric trials motorcycle to be equipped with a full-blown hydraulic diaphragm clutch. It is very similar to the ones found on some of the current two-stroke models available and the significant difference between the RACE and LITE models as the LITE has no clutch. We'll explain further later in this feature.
Essential for high-level performance, the engine flywheel is coupled with a set of different balancing weights which allows several inertia settings. It's an essential system for high-level competitors to help them to attempt the most extreme hazards.
Three engine mapping systems are controlled through a set of LED lights: red for the most power, blue in the middle and green providing the least power output. These settings can be changed by the simple touch of a readily accessible handlebar-mounted switch whilst on the move.
This new model provides a better feeling with more engine inertia which, in turn, improves the machine's control and sensitivity to throttle openings at very low RPM enabling the rider to gain more power and reaction time at mid and high power when needed.
BATTERY
Yes, you are correct; however, the question we are consistently asked is the life of the battery.
The EPURE range comes with a compact battery pack. It's light at 10.5kg and easy to remove from its secure location. Depending on the engine setting using the three-light system, it can run for between three-and-a-half to five hours on one charge. Charging is through an easy, accessible connection; plug the connector into the machine from the charger, and it will reach its full charge in just over three hours. 60% charge can be achieved in 40 minutes.
You can quickly check how much charge is in the battery as it is displayed as a percentage alongside the LED light system in the centre of the handlebars.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
One other major difference between the LITE and RACE models is the front TECH branded forks. It is reflected in the price as the LITE has the steel sliders fitted and the RACE has the aluminium anodised slider fitted – the RACE is the more expensive machine. They both share the same well-proven R 16 V rear shock absorber. The RACE also features the latest wheel and hub technology, which are both lighter and superior in quality than the LITE. The EPURE range uses a lightweight tubular frame, the lightest trials frame on the market, fabricated using 15CDV6 steel which is only 1mm and weighs less than 5kg.
To protect the essential electrical items, an aluminium engine guard acts as a stressed member for more rigidity. An impressive lightweight aluminium swinging-arm finishes off a very attractive looking-chassis and suspension package.
ELECTRIC MOTION EPURE RACE
Michael: "After the invitation to move to Las Vegas, in the US, for the stage show, the next question was, how would an electric trials machine compare to the two-stroke ones I have ridden all my life? We used the Electric Motion, although it was the older, heavier version. Before we flew to America, we tested them in the UK with the help of Christophe Bruand, the French rider who works with Electric Motion. The idea of the electric trials machine for the stage show came about because they did not want any exhaust emissions floating around indoors, which has to be a good thing. I was immediately impressed with how well they ran, and that they also gave a nice sensation when riding, putting a smile on my face. In the show they were excellent, and it only took a short period of training to become confident on them!
"It was the EPURE RACE I tested first thinking that this would be the one for my style of riding. It certainly looks the business straight out of the box, which both test machines were. The quality of the components hits you straight in the face, with the nice TECH aluminium front forks very eye-catching. The aesthetic approach from the French has always been very different, but on this occasion the colour match against the black on the frame work well together.
"Once you turn the machine on, the very attractive — shall we call it 'cockpit'? — an area in the middle of the handlebars immediately lights up; it was a little like a disco I must admit, but very bright and attractive, and easy to understand. You have the choice of the three power settings – from left to right: green, blue and red.
"Trial Magazine had chosen the Inch Perfect Trials Centre for the test and, I must admit, the selection of hazards was very impressive. As I was on the highest specification machine of the two – you guessed it – they found me the biggest rocks!
"I had learned quite a lot about the power settings while in America, and so I started with the blue setting for the test. The suspension package needs no introduction as it can be found on the modern two-stroke machines and it worked very well, the front in particular; it was exceptionally good. The hydraulic diaphragm clutch feels different on an electric machine with the biting point, but it still performed well, as they do; they are the best. Feedback and the feel when riding was very good, and the move to change the motor and battery location in the frame for the EPURE range certainly gives a good, well-balanced feel.
"On the blue setting, the aggressive edge found when you moved to red becomes less evident when feeling for grip, and the throttle response time gives you a more controlled feeling. What is nice is the fact it's so easy to swop the settings while in a hazard. It's hard to explain, but you can load up the motor like on a two-stroke before you unload to attack a rock step, but once you have the desired technique, the results are very impressive.
"Moving around on the machine is faultless and, as expected, all the controls, including the brakes, worked second to none. Selecting the green mode gives a very calm sensation when riding, but the power output is still very adequate for most situations."
ELECTRIC MOTION EPURE LITE
Michael: "When you take a closer look around this LITE model, it catches your eye that it does not have the same high specification as the RACE, such as with the wheels and hubs and the steel slider front forks, although it still carries the superb Michelin tyres.
"When you look at the price difference between the two machines, it's a good option to suit the pocket by purchasing an EPURE LITE if you are not sure about moving from fuel to electric power. With excellent residual values on the Electric Motion machines, it gives you the chance to upgrade to the higher specification if you wanted to pursue riding with electric power. We moved away from the high level of grip found on the prominently man-made hazards onto more natural terrain to put the LITE model through its paces.
"Yes, we found some water and, yes, you can guess once again correctly – they wanted me to ride through it. As I explained before I got wet, the reliability from the electrical components in these conditions is perfect. We then found a really good hazard up a steep wall-like step which, if I am honest, did look quite intimidating. Once up the step, it was a landing on some very damp grass. I was thinking red mode for maximum power, but with no clutch fitted on the LITE model, I was not sure about traction when I landed. I went for the green mode setting, and I was pleasantly surprised when it launched me easily up the step and, more importantly, when I landed the power was smooth enough even without the clutch to gently pull away when I was expecting to 'Spin Out'.
"Having no clutch lever is a little strange at first, but such is the usable power, you can concentrate on your throttle control. It's all down to the technique of each rider, but the more I rode the LITE model with no clutch, the more confident I became. With no clutch, you concentrate on your coordination between the brakes and throttle, and it makes the whole machine more effective.
"Handling-wise the steel slider TECH front forks work very well, and the rear shock has no hidden surprises and performs very well. The next hazard was totally different to the step and took you up a rocky water-filled gully. Concentration was key, but using the now tried and tested the throttle and brakes technique, it levelled it with ease."
HOW GOOD?
Michael: "Am I sold on electric power? The answer is 100% yes. I have agreed to contest some selected events on the new generation Electric Motion. They really do have a very good feel and fun factor. Making very little mechanical noise is strange, but the whole balance and power sensation is incredibly good; no pressure on me, but I will still be trying when you see me in action."
WHY ELECTRIC?
Trial Magazine: "Yes, the milliondollar question, why electric? No emissions, no noise makes it very user friendly. Maintenance is less as we have no carburettor or air filter, and the reliability is, without question, at a very high level now. When it comes to riding, it takes a new approach from the rider to understand you have no gearbox and, of course, no selection of ratios to suit your needs. Throttle control becomes paramount and what was interesting was the fact that during the test it took a rider of the standard of Michael Brown to get the very best out of these two test models on some very demanding hazards. Many will argue electric is the future. If you are not sure, then try and have a ride on one of the models from Electric Motion and decide for yourself."