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[MostlyBonkers]

Given that the energy density of batteries is unlikely to improve significantly within the next few years, I can't help thinking that a hybrid powertrain might just be the catalyst that could help the transition to pure electric motorcycles.  I didn't think I'd ever say this as I've always felt that hybrids are over-engineered. However, just like they have with cars, a hybrid powertrain could do a nice job of filling the gap until the technology catches up with fossil fueled capabilities.  It needs to exceed in all areas, including cost, before mass adoption happens.

Some applications have already reached that point, although for motorcycles it's really just the scooter and commuter market.  The latter still needs the rider to invest in a new bike and start reaping the rewards after a four year break even on cost.

I'm thinking of the day trip and touring market.  A 5kWh battery could be coupled to a 100cc petrol generator.  The generator could kick in over 50mph when wind noise will drown out the engine noise and ensure the bike remains at zero emissions as much as possible in densely populated areas.  Could a small, air cooled petrol powered generator be packaged within the space, cost and weight requirements of the extra 6-7kWh of battery we see in a current ZF14.4 power pack? I like to think so.

I'd love to see the current crop of touring bikes be given a hybrid powertrain.  I think the riders would enjoy the torque and refinement of having an electric motor as the means of propulsion.  Better fuel economy and better range with a smaller fuel tank would mean a lot to high mileage riders too.

[ashnazg]

I'd have considered a bike like this, particularly after experiencing the ease of a Chevy Volt.  Of all the EV conversations I've had over the years of owning a Leaf and Zero since 2012, then a Volt since 2017, I've only ever been able to convince someone to get a Volt... and they love it.  I was stunned when GM decided to drop it altogether, as my EV experience has convinced me that:  a) it should be a new EV owner's first EV, since it doesn't insist on learning a new way to drive (by having to plan charging); b) it's a perfect second car behind a pure electric, as it is now the long-distance-trip vehicle for the family.

[Fran K]

I like the hybrid idea.  Hybrid could mean a whole range of thngs.  I believe the air cooled Yamaha xt250 with it's sae 19 horsepower is likely a safe hp for 250cc and air cooled.  After all similar riding lawnmower horsepower air cooled is around 725cc.  I think that is at 3600 rpm.  I was more thinking along the lines of water cooled turbo diesel, maybe something out of a military drone which might work this way.  I rented an excavator lately not sure how many hp but it used 0,3 gallons an hour at idle and 2.3 gallons an hour full power tracking up hill.  Diesel electric like a railroad locomotive.  If they could make it so you set the rpm and as you twist the throttle it barks lowder.  Like you propose maybe 10 or 15 miles at 30mph after the engine is shut off.

[Richard230]

As I recall Alta Motors was working on a hybrid for the DOD.  I wonder what happened to that project? 

Of course the real hassle with a hybrid motorcycle or scooter (like the very slow and expensive 50cc Vespa hybrid) is packaging.  There just isn't enough room for both an ICE and a battery drive train.  Maybe with a large cruiser platform. But then few manufacturers seem to be interested in marketing a cruiser - not even Harley Davidson.   

[ashnazg]

Thinking out loud here... a Volt-like hybrid bike would just need the gas generator addition to the existing bike, right?  So maybe let the gas generator take up the space where the monolith is now, and let the battery only be a Power Tank... the electric motor etc would all be the same, right?

[NEW2elec]

Nah that's too much motor and not enough battery.
I couldn't find the old demo engine that I was thinking of but this is pretty close.  The pistons just move a magnet through the wire coils to make electricity and not rotation.  I guess it could look like a BMW boxer engine hanging off the sides.
Have two long bricks set up to use one and charge the other and flip when one goes down. 
In the long term I don't like hybrids as to me you get the worst of both worlds.
Here's the engine though for kicks.

[valnar]

I can't watch that without thinking of this.

[MostlyBonkers]

Thinking out loud here... a Volt-like hybrid bike would just need the gas generator addition to the existing bike, right?  So maybe let the gas generator take up the space where the monolith is now, and let the battery only be a Power Tank... the electric motor etc would all be the same, right?

That's a good idea. The 2.5 kWh powertank battery would probably be enough.

[MostlyBonkers]

I can't watch that without thinking of this.

That was hilarious. How he managed to do it deadpan like that, I don't know...

[MostlyBonkers]

Nah that's too much motor and not enough battery.
I couldn't find the old demo engine that I was thinking of but this is pretty close.  The pistons just move a magnet through the wire coils to make electricity and not rotation.  I guess it could look like a BMW boxer engine hanging off the sides.
Have two long bricks set up to use one and charge the other and flip when one goes down. 
In the long term I don't like hybrids as to me you get the worst of both worlds.
Here's the engine though for kicks.

I like that idea of the GS style setup. Agree about the long term.  Hybrids don't need much battery if the aim is just to be electric around towns and up to 40mph.

[MostlyBonkers]

Great comments folks, thanks.

[DonTom]

I think our military now has a hybrid bike and so do others, such as:



-Don- Auburn, CA

[Richard230]

If I was a big tough special forces goon I would be embarrassed riding that thing into battle.