San Francisco-based Mission Motorcycles has unveiled two brand-new electric bikes which it bills as the most advanced on the market: the Mission RS and Mission R. The track- and road-ready RS is produced in an ultra-limited edition of 40, but the R will be manufactured in larger quantities at a cheaper price, while still retaining the key specs of its edgier sibling. However, if the name Mission R seems familiar, well that's because it is ...
What's in a name?
The Mission RS is a direct descendent of the Mission R prototype race bike that snagged Mission Motors a win at Laguna Seca’s 2011 FIM/TTXGP electric-vehicle race event. It’s sold in a run of just 40 to celebrate the 40-second lead that rider Steve Rapp enjoyed when crossing the finish line.
However, confusingly, this original Mission R was produced by Mission Motors, not Mission Motorcycles – so what's going on here? It's more than a name-change, as Mission Motorcycles is a wholly new, independent company that's taken the technology developed by Mission Motors and ran with it.
Whoever is in charge, the result is a bike that looks much the same as the one we were drooling over back in 2010, but with updated 2013 specs.
Infinite Drive
Both the RS and R bikes are hand-built in the US, and sport a custom electric drivetrain, labelled "Infinite Drive." This provides 133.4 ft lb/180.9 Nm (0 – 6400 RPM) torque, and over 160 hp (150 kW), to push each machine to a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h). Acceleration from a standstill is similarly healthy, with 0 - 60 mph (96.5 km/h) clocking in at three seconds.
The Mission RS and R are powered by a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a 140-mile (225 km) range, though lower-capacity 12 kWh and 15 kWh iterations are also available for the Mission R to enable a lower retail price.
The on-board charger is the same for both models and is reckoned by Mission Motorcycles to be "the most advanced on-board charger ever designed for two wheels." PR spiel aside, the optional twin charger system does offer impressively quick charging times, and can have the bikes fully-juiced within two hours.
Mission OS
The Mission RS and R both feature a fully digital instrument cluster with an on-board computer system dubbed "Mission OS." That system makes use of a touchscreen-based UI to offer turn-by-turn navigation, communications, ride telemetry data, and track-mode setup.
There’s also GPS and Bluetooth integrated within the dashboard, and support for a heads-up-display (HUD). The unit receives free automatic over-air software updates, via free cellular data.
Arriving next year
The flagship model Mission RS will begin shipping in mid-2014, and prices start at a U$56,499, depending on which extras you choose to splurge on. The Mission R is said to be slated for release soon after the RS has sold out, and will in turn be available from $29,999 – though be aware that both quoted prices are based on a US tax credit reduction of $2,500.
Further details and an option to pre-order are available via the source link below.
Source: Mission Motorcycles via Uncrate
San Francisco-based Mission Motorcycles has unveiled two brand-new electric bikes which it bills as the most advanced on the market: the Mission RS and Mission R. The track- and road-ready RS is produced in an ultra-limited edition of 40, but the R will be manufactured in larger quantities at a cheaper price, while still retaining the key specs of its edgier sibling. However, if the name Mission R seems familiar, well that's because it is ...
What's in a name?
The Mission RS is a direct descendent of the Mission R prototype race bike that snagged Mission Motors a win at Laguna Seca’s 2011 FIM/TTXGP electric-vehicle race event. It’s sold in a run of just 40 to celebrate the 40-second lead that rider Steve Rapp enjoyed when crossing the finish line.
However, confusingly, this original Mission R was produced by Mission Motors, not Mission Motorcycles – so what's going on here? It's more than a name-change, as Mission Motorcycles is a wholly new, independent company that's taken the technology developed by Mission Motors and ran with it.
Whoever is in charge, the result is a bike that looks much the same as the one we were drooling over back in 2010, but with updated 2013 specs.
Infinite Drive
Both the RS and R bikes are hand-built in the US, and sport a custom electric drivetrain, labelled "Infinite Drive." This provides 133.4 ft lb/180.9 Nm (0 – 6400 RPM) torque, and over 160 hp (150 kW), to push each machine to a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h). Acceleration from a standstill is similarly healthy, with 0 - 60 mph (96.5 km/h) clocking in at three seconds.
The Mission RS and R are powered by a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a 140-mile (225 km) range, though lower-capacity 12 kWh and 15 kWh iterations are also available for the Mission R to enable a lower retail price.
The on-board charger is the same for both models and is reckoned by Mission Motorcycles to be "the most advanced on-board charger ever designed for two wheels." PR spiel aside, the optional twin charger system does offer impressively quick charging times, and can have the bikes fully-juiced within two hours.
Mission OS
The Mission RS and R both feature a fully digital instrument cluster with an on-board computer system dubbed "Mission OS." That system makes use of a touchscreen-based UI to offer turn-by-turn navigation, communications, ride telemetry data, and track-mode setup.
There’s also GPS and Bluetooth integrated within the dashboard, and support for a heads-up-display (HUD). The unit receives free automatic over-air software updates, via free cellular data.
Arriving next year
The flagship model Mission RS will begin shipping in mid-2014, and prices start at a U$56,499, depending on which extras you choose to splurge on. The Mission R is said to be slated for release soon after the RS has sold out, and will in turn be available from $29,999 – though be aware that both quoted prices are based on a US tax credit reduction of $2,500.
Further details and an option to pre-order are available via the source link below.
Source: Mission Motorcycles via Uncrate
A Zero DS electric for $15 (somewhat overpriced) with with $5-10k modifications to upgrade breaks/suspension, motor, battery pack and current controller would accomplish the same thing. Granted, the Phoenix looks a little better. ...but not as nice as the zecOO.. :) http://www.gizmag.com/zecoo-electric-motorcycle/22391/
For that matter, its disappointing that electrics still try and look like ICE machines. A lot of the limitations around economically mating an ICE to the wheels is now gone, so the shape of the machine can be substantially redesigned to accommodate the driver. No more lurching over a fuel tank !!
@BP. Whether I'm riding a sports bike or a Harley, nothing can replace the buzz from hearing the engine. NOTHING.
Any idea on total weight ready to rock??
As for this bike...beautiful and inspirational in design and execution...well done! Too bad it and other electrics are so darn expensive still.