Lightning electric motorcycle bests gas-powered bikes at Pikes Peak

[bananas]

http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/01/lightning-electric-motorcycle-bests-gas-powered-bikes-at-pikes-pe/

Lightning electric motorcycle bests gas-powered bikes at Pikes Peak

By Myriam Joire posted Jul 1st, 2013 at 2:43 AM



With 156 turns over its 12.42 miles (19.99 km) course and elevation changes ranging from 4,720 ft (1,440 m) to 14,110 ft (4,300 m), Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most grueling races in the world for both humans and machines. It's particularly challenging for gas-powered vehicles, since the air contains less oxygen at higher altitudes. As a result, electric cars and motorcycles have gained popularity at the event in recent years. In fact, 2013 marks the first time an electric bike's beaten its gas-powered rivals, with Carlin Dunne and Lightning Motorcycles finishing the race in 10 minutes 0.694 seconds -- ahead of Bruno Langlois who managed 10 minutes and 21.323 seconds on a Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. While electric vehicles are expected to dominate Pikes Peak in the near future, it's going to take a few more years before autonomous cars win the event.

Image Credit: Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber
SOURCE: Asphalt & Rubber

[Deep13]

1. more instantly available torque. nt

[geckosfeet]

2. 20 seconds is huge in this kind of race. Absolute domination.

[East Coast Pirate]

3. They didn't say what that bike's top speed is.

Or how long it takes to go from 0 to 60.

[HooptieWagon]

4. Obvious its not slow.

But range wasn't a consideration in the engineering. Still, its a pretty major accomplishment.

[grahamhgreen]

5. Eat my dust, fume suckers HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!