Yamaha YE-01

[Erwin P]

Interesting comments on the DIY and production E dirt bikes. Without the support of the engine in the frame, handling does change, no doubt. At the level 95% of riders utilize, many of these concerns are minimal in the big picture. Even on an ice bike, which are way beyond the average rider, most local mx racers are only on the bike for 12-20 minutes. A battery that can be charged quicker or quick changed is all that the average racer needs. Having ridden a Stark and Alta and owning a DIY bike, Don Cox inspired and assisted, the battery weight is not necessary, in my opinion. Electric or not, when 275 lbs. goes sideways, it's still 275 lbs. I think big batteries for trail - enduro bikes and smaller, quick change batteries are more than enough for the average consumer that buys an MX bike. If we ride to have fun, a lower powered 125 is still a blast to ride AND feel like we are going 100. JMO

Most are only on a bike for 12-20 minutes indeed. However a fast Amature will be very far in the Stark battery in 20 minutes in the sand.
Smaller also adds the issue of more heat.

Having a swappable battery does increase weight and package size since structure and accecability have to come from somewhere.

But lets assume you get away with half the size/weight of the Stark battery. You're still left with 18kg of battery you need to lift from somewhere. Imagine pulling that from under the seat.

 

[Bob Casper]

Funny you say that. My first DIY bike, I did just that. It had a nylon handle with a rubber outer and after releasing the latch, it slide right out the top after removing 4 shroud bolts and setting the tank shell aside. No issues, easy to do and very secure. I guess it would be tough if your a weak suck. I'm 68 and it isn't an issue.

 

[VINSANITY]

Since there are different riding scenarios a manufacture like Stark surely could come up with a frame and battery connection system where the user would have a selection of batteries you could “plug in” like a cordless drill. Imagine the current Stark with swappable battery, Stark could offer a smaller 2/3 size battery for weight / mx - current offering for trail riding and they could also have a mega range option (add width to current for more cells).

Right now buyers have to accept a single battery option, a swappable battery gets rid of the annoying and prohibitive 1 hour charge between rides.

 

[AnthonyZ]

Not news, but another journalist’s (my) quick take. Dirt Bike Test | YE-01

 

[Erwin P]

Since there are different riding scenarios a manufacture like Stark surely could come up with a frame and battery connection system where the user would have a selection of batteries you could “plug in” like a cordless drill. Imagine the current Stark with swappable battery, Stark could offer a smaller 2/3 size battery for weight / mx - current offering for trail riding and they could also have a mega range option (add width to current for more cells).

Right now buyers have to accept a single battery option, a swappable battery gets rid of the annoying and prohibitive 1 hour charge between rides.

What is swappable? I've seen "quick swap battery solutions" that require more bolts to be removed than the Stark.

The plugin is not the issue. The 2 connectors of Stark are a few seconds work. Also disconnecting the battery is 6 bolts, also not much work.
It's the issue of the battery being so heavy. It's 35kg. It's really is a 2 person job, but then it could be done in well under 5 minutes. I have done it alone in the past, but that's very annoying.

 

[VINSANITY]

All I’m saying is manufactures should make a bike that allows owners to select the battery configuration they need, some smart people should be able to figure out a way to do this.

I hate waiting to charge so for me I don’t care about the weight, I want to swap within 5 minutes somehow. Lay the bike on its side, make some kind of lifting assist thing, but I think the optionality is needed.

Looking at the Stark frame I really think some modifications could make battery swaps more practical.

 

[Bob Casper]

On my current ebike, I have dual batteries. The lower slides in the side, and the the more conventional top slide. 2 seat bolts, 1 tank bolt and a couple shroud bolts and out it comes. With the seat off, a quick check of all wiring is reassuring. A battery charge from a low threshold only takes @ 35 minutes with 2 120v chargers. For me, that charge time is just about right to recharge myself between motos.

 

[VINSANITY]

Bob, if guys like us (the Don Cox crew) can figure this stuff out it seems crazy that a manufacturer should be able to do something similar. Maybe the DIY stuff will drive innovation like the hot rodders did for cars.

 

[Bob Casper]

Hopefully this site will help manufacturers to get a better idea of what the general public is searching for in EMX. I do not use my ebike for any trail riding. For this reason, I am more interested in an actual MX application. As with combustion bikes, enduro bikes have always been a bit heavier even though they have gotten closer in weight. I think until battery technology gets much better, off road-enduro applications will suffer most. For now, an amateur riding-racing MX application is closest. Now if they would just design in some of the ideas shown by many.

 

[Beagle]

Hopefully this site will help manufacturers to get a better idea of what the general public is searching for in EMX.

I would argue that a manufacturer should not try so much to understand what we, e bike enthusiasts on this highly specialized forum about electric dirt bikes, would want in an electric bike but instead what could trigger the interest of the majority of riders that are currently not into e bikes

Of course they'd do well to understand what we identify as weakness in current products but what I mean is that there is a vast potential to unlock among ICE riders that are reluctant to e bikes for the moment.