Motorcycles

New version of the Brutus electric motorcycle unveiled

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The new version of Chris Bell's stunning Brutus electric motorbike benefits from a new drive train, upgraded braking, new bodywork, new electronics and new controls
The first version of the Brutus electric motorcycle announced last year, with SLA batteries, naked headlight and hanging rear mirrors
Brutus 2.0 is claimed to offer aggressive riders an effective range of at least 100 miles between charges
The liquid-cooled, owner programmable Manzanita Zilla 1k motor controller manages pack voltage at 153 volts but only allows 88/96 volts through to the motor
Chris Bell's Brutus 2.0 electric sport cruiser
The specs quote a 31-inch seat height, although the Link Type 3-Way 22-Point Adjustable Rear Shock caters for three-position ride height adjustment
The front of Brutus 2.0 has full HID and LED lighting, with the headlight area gaining a small fairing
Brutus 2.0 features 153 volt/4.9kWh Lithium Polymer battery packs that are designed to last up to 50,000 miles with minimal maintenance (if any)
The new version of Chris Bell's stunning Brutus electric motorbike benefits from a new drive train, upgraded braking, new bodywork, new electronics and new controls
Chris Bell's Brutus 2.0 electric sport cruiser
The D&D systems brushed DC electric motor has 88 or 96 volts running to it, depending on whether the rider chooses the eco or performance program
The Manzanita digital display of the Brutus 2.0 electric sport cruiser
The rear brake calipers are independently controlled. One by a standard foot brake and the other by a hand brake on the left side where the clutch lever normally is
View gallery - 12 images

Chris Bell has just put the finishing touches to a new version of his Brutus electric sport cruiser. Brutus 2.0 will continue to be tweaked for improved performance ahead of an end of year production window, but has already managed a zero to 60 mph (96.56 km/h) test run in just 4.74 seconds - despite tipping the scales at 535 pounds (242kg) - and is claimed to have a top speed in excess of 100 mph (160.93 km/h), and a range of at least 100 miles (160.93 km) between charges. The new version has been treated to a new drive train, upgraded braking, new bodywork, new electronics and new controls.

While it's true that last year's Brutus electric motorcycle was quite the stunner, the tasty bodywork changes made to Bell's chain-driven 2012 model - Brutus 2.0 - are simply mouthwatering. There have been quite a few performance improvements, too, starting with the batteries. The new model sees 153 volt/4.9kWh Lithium Polymer battery packs that replace the earlier sealed lead acid outing, and that are designed to last up to 50,000 miles with minimal maintenance (if any). The batteries are recharged using a household mains outlet (110 V), and it's said to take just three hours to reach full charge.

Bell says that it's better for riders to know the minimum range because different riding styles will yield different maximums. Brutus 2.0 is claimed, therefore, to offer aggressive riders an effective range of 100 miles between charges.

Brutus 2.0 features 153 volt/4.9kWh Lithium Polymer battery packs that are designed to last up to 50,000 miles with minimal maintenance (if any)

The D&D Systems brushed DC electric motor has 88 or 96 volts running to it, depending on whether the rider chooses the eco or performance program. Bell explained that the liquid-cooled, owner programmable Manzanita Zilla 1k motor controller manages pack voltage at 153 volts but only lets 88/96 volts through to the motor, allowing for "virtually no sag in amps or volts during hard acceleration and puts less stress on the pack as a whole."

Working with the clutchless five speed transmission, this set up is said to offer more range and better performance in all riding conditions.

New to the front of Brutus 2.0 is full HID and LED lighting, with the headlight area gaining a small fairing. The digital display is also a Manzanita unit, the LighTech carbon fiber rear view mirrors have been shifted to above the grips, and there are 50mm, inverted, 3-way, 14-point, adjustable front forks. The gas tank is not just there for show, it's hinged to allow keyed access to the batteries and a small storage area - big enough to hold a pair of gloves and some tools.

All of the bodywork was hand-made in steel by Bell in his Las Vegas shop. The specs quote a 31-inch (78.74 cm) seat height, although the Link Type 3-Way 22-Point Adjustable Rear Shock caters for three-position ride height adjustment.

With that impressive top speed, stopping power is of obvious importance. Brutus 2.0 has twin 6 piston dual Galfer rotor brakes at the front and dual piston caliper single Galfer rotor brake at the rear.

"The rear calipers are independently controlled," Bell told us. "One by a standard foot brake and the other by a hand brake on the left side where the clutch lever normally is."

Chris Bell's Brutus 2.0 electric sport cruiser

Bell revealed that the next three Brutus prototypes are currently in pieces in his shop, waiting to be built. He also told us that he's currently working with Nevada law enforcement on a version of the electric sport cruiser with better acceleration and bodywork, and features geared more toward the useable office requirements of motor patrol officers.

"If I can get a fast track through all the federal red tape, the end of the year will see models available to the public," said Bell. "As I move forward with meeting federal standards I am working with industry leaders to identify any potential issues and address those issues before they become a problem to gaining all the necessary approvals."

"I really hate to put a price out right now because it will end up being less by the time we get to production but I can say with confidence it will be less than US$35,000," he said, when asked about the cost to future Brutus riders. "With rebates and incentives that price will drop quite a bit. As for the international market, I would love to make Brutus available and plan on it. Only time and demand will tell, for now I will focus my efforts in America but I will always consider special orders for international buyers."

Source: Autoblog

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6 comments
Ozuzi
These electric bikes really need a decent \'look\' done by someone from Ducati or something. There is no need for an external frame like around an engine, I\'m sure the batteries can be split down the middle and maybe form part of a fairing; and the \'tank\' is pointless but traditional. Using gears to take advantage of the low rev torque is interesting but does brutal things to the weight, I would like to see front and rear \'spindles\' that can change diameter in a belt, maybe magnetised.
Pat Kelley
I agree with Ozuzi\'s comments, although I think there are better ways to implement motor speed changes (that I can\'t go into, since intellectual property is involved). The big problem with the Brutus is its price, at almost 3 times the tag of a comparable gasoline motorcycle. The promise that tax credits and rebates will reduce the high price only means you\'ll pay just twice the price of the competing non-electric bike. Besides the fact that a large part of the biking community is never going to give up their noisy gasoline engines, the price tag reduces your buyer community to affluent \"oddballs\" - not a roadmap for a successful business.
Neil
- The traditional styling (fuel tank where it \'should\' be, etc) gives the bike a familiar look. Make it too wacky and nobody will buy it. - The price is high but it follows Tesla\'s model, go high end at first to raise R&D money and then come out with cheaper models. - I\'m not sure what the mental block is, but tax credits *are not* price cuts. They reduce your taxable income, nothing more. I wish Mr. Bell wild and rampant success. I can\'t wait until Ebikes are sold along ICE bikes.
Alexander Lowe
Nice photos, convincingly \'butch\', traditional-looking bike. One of several Gizmag has featured over the last few years. Problem is, to make best use of batteries (much lower energy storage density than petrol or diesel) you need a machine that\'s as light, minimally-constructed and aerodynamic as possible - not a two-wheeled electric brick with retro styling (or even one with racing aeros, held back by racetrack rules from the 1950s).
Rhino Rob
The price is right for the class and market the bike is in. From another article I had read it said that the price will come down with the production.
Thanks Gizmag for another great article, on a cool new toy.
Jim Sadler
For those that don't like a frame that surrounds a bike i wonder if they realize the cost of a sideways flop off of a kickstand. A simple flop can be so expensive to repair that in many cases the expensive motorcycle is written off as salvage. The return of a mule like motorcycle is what is called for. We need bikes that are happy in monsoon like rains and repair with ease for pennies. That mule might spend little time on the interstates but should be able to hold 65mph endlessly without wearing itself out. Mileage needs to be near 100mpg. We really don't need fancy paint, chrome, bloated bikes that are overweight or bikes that make putting a new tire on expensive. A $400 quote to put a new tire on a Harley and $50 to change oil is absurd.