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[Alan Stewart]

https://electrek.co/2017/05/08/motogp-all-electric-2019-bike-racing-season/

[Fred]

That would be great - especially if the big manufacturers get involved.

[JaimeC]

It'll be nice to watch a race without having to stuff my ears with earplugs.  Ever go to a MotoGP race?  The noise is MIND BOGGLING!  even if you're nowhere near the track, you can tell when the Superbikes are on the track and when the MotoGP bikes are on the track.

I saw an eBike race at Indianapolis when they were one of the support classes for MotoGP.  Unfortunately there were only like a half dozen bikes on the grid but it was fun to watch.  One of the Bostrom boys (Eric, maybe?) ran away with the race but it was fun having a normal conversation with my friends as the race progressed.  That was also the year we met and befriended Shelina Moreda, who was racing a Brammo in the eBike race, and an XR1200 in that series.  Very nice lady; as pleasant as she is attractive.

[Richard230]

Here is another article regarding this subject.  Nothing new, though: 
http://www.autoblog.com/2017/05/09/motogp-all-electric-support-class-2019/

[Brammofan]

FIM tried this a few years ago and had little financial support behind it, almost as if they wanted it to fail. Let's hope they do it right this time. I'm not going to hold my breath, though.

[Erasmo]

The time might be ripe this time, Formula E is also taking of quite well and on events such as the Isle of Man electric bikes haven proven they're well worth.

[Richard230]

The main problem with all motorsports racing is that the fans really like to hear all of the noise (and of course watch the crashes) during the race.  But will they be as excited just watching electric vehicles racing without all of the related noise?  That is going to determine if the series is successful or not. Right now I am not so sure if quiet racing will attract fans.  Can you imagine NASCAR racing without the noise - and beer, of course.

[JaimeC]

The main problem with all motorsports racing is that the fans really like to hear all of the noise (and of course watch the crashes) during the race.  But will they be as excited just watching electric vehicles racing without all of the related noise?  That is going to determine if the series is successful or not. Right now I am not so sure if quiet racing will attract fans.  Can you imagine NASCAR racing without the noise - and beer, of course.

I would point out that there are PLENTY of racing series that aren't nearly as loud as motorcycle or auto racing:

Bicycling
Track & Field
Horses

And they all have their fans.

[Mike Werner]

I covered one of the first e-motorcycles races and indeed, the lack of noise was strange. But on the other hand, it brought another item to the race; the shouting between the racers could be heard. At one stage you could clearly hear one racer "say get out of the way, I'm faster".

They weren't as fast as the ICE ones, but fast enough to make it interesting. Too bad the races are always very short...

[JaimeC]

I covered one of the first e-motorcycles races and indeed, the lack of noise was strange. But on the other hand, it brought another item to the race; the shouting between the racers could be heard. At one stage you could clearly hear one racer "say get out of the way, I'm faster".

They weren't as fast as the ICE ones, but fast enough to make it interesting. Too bad the races are always very short...

In Indianapolis, the announcers were saying the racers liked it because they didn't have to look up at the Jumbotron to see where their opponents were... they could CLEARLY hear the announcers telling them (and the entire audience) where each racer was on the track and the time/distances between them.  Who needs in-helmet radios or pit boards?

[Richard230]

The main problem with all motorsports racing is that the fans really like to hear all of the noise (and of course watch the crashes) during the race.  But will they be as excited just watching electric vehicles racing without all of the related noise?  That is going to determine if the series is successful or not. Right now I am not so sure if quiet racing will attract fans.  Can you imagine NASCAR racing without the noise - and beer, of course.

I would point out that there are PLENTY of racing series that aren't nearly as loud as motorcycle or auto racing:

Bicycling
Track & Field
Horses

And they all have their fans.

Ah, but did those fans have rednecks?   

[MajorMajor]

Too bad the races are always very short...

They could have pit stops with replaceable batteries for extended races.

[Mike Werner]

Too bad the races are always very short...

They could have pit stops with replaceable batteries for extended races.

Indeed. FIM had that idea, but since there were only bikes racing at that time, the race series died. Maybe with Dorna's deep pockets things will pick up. eFormula have a car swap towards the middle of the race, so why not have a bike swap?

[Richard230]

Here is a story about Sarolea's entry.  It looks really nice.  That sure is a strange looking headlight, though.  It looks like a USB port to me.  :  https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2017-sarolea-sp7/

[Doug S]

They could have pit stops with replaceable batteries for extended races.

I've always thought the same thing. The ICE bikes have to stop to refuel, why shouldn't the electrics?