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[Richard230]

I can't recall a time that I have heard a radio or seen a TV ad for an electric motorcycle.  But if any manufacturer decides to promote their products to existing IC owners via the enthusiast media or over the air, I think I have an approach that will work:  Today I heard an ad for Indian motorcycles on the radio specifically aimed at Harley owners.  It asked them to add an ($20K+) Indian to their collection of Harley motorcycles.  Sounds like they know their potential customers.   

To me it would make a lot more sense to add an electric motorcycle to an IC owner's garage and make a point that it would be perfect for shorter trips and save the cruiser for the big trip to Sturgis each year.  That would cut down on both wear and tear on the IC bike, as well as cleaning all of the chrome every time it is ridden.  No chrome on Zeros and Brammos and that really cuts down on the time cleaning the bike - leaving you more time to clean the Harley or Indian.   

[bigd]

Not to mention how convenient it must be. It is a pain backing out, stop and go (clutch, sorry brammo) and all the other chores associated with big bikes for daily commutes. When I get one it will be the daily driver and the VTX will be for the weekend trips which are a blast.

[Richard230]

Zero needs to have an ad (and girl - wearing a Zero leather jacket) like this.    Not that it helped BSA say in business, though.   

[ctrlburn]

To me a "news" story about electric motorcycles is a commercial.

That said - I've not seen a traditional commercial for any electric motorcycle without a news story cover.


EV ad:
Pick up your date on an EV and they will spend the night. (or walk home)
Why just start your commute with electricity, when you can commute with electricity?
Contrast the impressive power of Lightning Storms - and Oil spills.
Run everything electric in a house with individual engines... (done already for weed trimmer or leaf blower?) then question everything not electric.
Don't get charged with battery - get a charged battery.  (too soon?)

[tommi]

Hahaha, that last one is a winner.

[ut-zero]

I wonder why electric motorcycles haven't tried taking over support for events like Tour de France, Kona Ironman, etc.  Seems like huge exposure to the right audience.  I'm sure the racers would prefer quiet support vehicles without tailpipes as well.

[Richard230]

I wonder why electric motorcycles haven't tried taking over support for events like Tour de France, Kona Ironman, etc.  Seems like huge exposure to the right audience.  I'm sure the racers would prefer quiet support vehicles without tailpipes as well.

My guess is that the answer to your question has something to do with money, and the lack thereof.   

[Mike Werner]

I wonder why electric motorcycles haven't tried taking over support for events like Tour de France, Kona Ironman, etc.  Seems like huge exposure to the right audience.  I'm sure the racers would prefer quiet support vehicles without tailpipes as well.

Tour de France is too long to ride on one charge. Also the cyclist will be surprised when suddenly an electric bike comes alongside them...

[Justin Andrews]

I wonder why electric motorcycles haven't tried taking over support for events like Tour de France, Kona Ironman, etc.  Seems like huge exposure to the right audience.  I'm sure the racers would prefer quiet support vehicles without tailpipes as well.

I recall Zero UK, before the Dark Ages overtook us, was looking at providing bikes for the London Marathon.

[AustinSZF8.5]

I wonder why electric motorcycles haven't tried taking over support for events like Tour de France, Kona Ironman, etc.  Seems like huge exposure to the right audience.  I'm sure the racers would prefer quiet support vehicles without tailpipes as well.

Tour de France is too long to ride on one charge. Also the cyclist will be surprised when suddenly an electric bike comes alongside them...

I'd think that range issues could be mitigated by staging the bikes so that support riders ride in shifts. Plus, average speeds should be pretty low so EV range should be high. How far do they ride in a single stage anyway?

Quiet as they are, my Zero isn't perfectly silent. I'd think that a cyclist would be able to hear me approaching especially on an otherwise quiet course. Still, if lack of noise and cyclist surprise is a concern then small "EV chirp" style noisemakers could be added.

I've thought about volunteering with a local group of riders/first responders/HAM radio operators (jeez, there's a niche group!) which works with events such as bike races, marathons, and other event support activities. I actually haven't revisited the idea since getting the Zero, I bet they'd love to have a quiet zero emission bike to send out among cyclists and runners!

[benswing]

The longest stage in last year's TDF was about 150miles. 

[ctrlburn]

I've spooked my share of cyclists - TREK bicycles is just a few miles away and someone is almost always making the commute at speed.

Sometimes coming along side with a greeting in the form of an apology for the startle. (sorry again guys & gals)

After a short chat and any would consider an Electric Motorcycle the ideal support vehicle. The sound, once tuned to the ear, may not be such as issue.

Even if an EV couldn't make the whole TDF  stage at pace it would certainly be able to run most of it.

(then I thought perhaps the support vehicles exhaust is needed to cover some cheating)

I trolled a recent IronMan for leads - those groups are well oiled machine with every decision already made. The good idea that is an EV support vehicle would have to niche in with local races to catch on.  So I too will keep asking around.

Last month puttering on a FLUX scooter I couldn't help but think the Zor Shriners would love these things for parades.

[Mike Werner]

The longest stage in last year's TDF was about 150miles.

yeah, but remember you're either two up, or heavily loaded (two up like time keepers, stewards, medical or heavy loaded with water). That will sap a lot of battery power, and then when going up the mountains....

I've done the TdF twice on my motorcycle (1150GS), and can tell you that it takes a lot of energy (rider and bike). One major advantage over ICE bikes is the heat coming from the bike. Since you're at slow speeds, you really feel the engine heat. Personally, I'd prefer to do it on an electric bike, but I'm sure ASO would put a stop to that. If I have the time, I'll talk to their press rep, see what they say.

[vchampain]

For me they are still improving the product/quality/services and aiming at niche customers. In this context it makes no sense to buy mass media ads costing amounts they cant afford.

They should do more PR - ie trying to appear in the news not by paying, but because something (the bike itself, or a celebrity riding it) is interesting enough to be in the medias.
The problem for this is that it is usually a country by country effort, and Zero's presence in lost countries where they operate it limited to sales teams. And also you do this once your product is good enough to ensure a good return on money invested. We probably are not far from this.

[firepower]

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Saw this visiting webOS nation forum.