Zero is issuing its second recall in a week, this time for insufficient waterproofing for the battery management system on certain 2012 models. The recall comes after a recall on 2011 and 2012 models for the brake light switch. The second recall, related to the battery, is a much more serious one for the electric motorcycle manufacturer.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the battery management system printed circuit board has insufficient waterproofing on its connector pins. Under wet conditions, connector pins may short circuit, potentially causing a sudden drop in power, increasing the chance of a crash.

Zero first first received reports of a problem in March 2012 from a dealer after a 2012 Zero S inadvertently stopped running. The dealer replaced the battery management system under warranty with a new unit which corrected the problem. Zero then began an investigation for the cause. Continue Reading »

Honda introduced a new electric suitcase-styled scooter concept designed to be small enough to fit in the passenger compartment of a car. (Updated with more high-resolution photos).

The Motor Compo concept was unveiled alongside Honda’s futuristic-looking Micro Commuter Concept electric car at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The Motor Compo’s handlebars fold down, allowing the compact scooter to fit beside the single front driver seat of the Micro Commuter Concept.

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Lightning Motorcycles has signed an agreement with lithium-ion battery company Ener1 to supply batteries for its electric superbike and an upcoming lineup of motorcycle and scooter models.

One of the first new production motorcycles is expected to be a street legal version of Lightning’s racebike, the inaugural TTXGP North American championship winner, and official AMA and FIM land speed record holder for electric motorcycles.

As part of the agreement, Lightning Motorcycles will also be a distributor for Ener1′s electric vehicle cells.

[Source: Ener1]

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Lightning Motors Sets Land Speed Record

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From the company that claims to have the smartest battery chargers in the world comes, well, another smart addition to the Comfort Indicator series.  The CTEK Comfort Indicator can be permanently connected to your battery.  If you want to check how much juice your battery has left, just push a button and a one three lights will let you know, the new Pigtail eliminates the need to reinstall new eyelet terminals on the battery or disconnect your O.E. plug if its used for other accessories.

According to Honda’s head of motorcycle operations, Tatsuhiro Oyama, the lithium-ion battery powered motorcycle will target corporate customers which may include Japan Post and delivery companies, the bike will debut in Japan next year.

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My parents never indulged my fascination and passion for motorcycles as a kid, hoping it was merely a passing phase that I would grow out of like wetting the bed. Well nearly 30 years later, I no longer sleep on plastic sheets, but I am just as crazy about motorcycles as ever. If you don’t want to make the same mistake with your kids, Peg Perego has developed a Streetfighter for little ones. Recommended for children aged three and up, the Ducati Monster Motorcycle was made with permission and cooperation from Ducati.

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The Mission One motorcycle was unveiled yesterday at the TED2009 conference in Long Beach. The bike has 100 ft-lbs of torque (available at any speed or rpm) and will allegedly have a top speed of 150mph. Fully charging the lithium ion batteries takes eight hours and its range is said to be 150 miles. 50 bikes will be built and delivered early next year; for a cost of $69,000.

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The Vectrix Corporation introduced its “entry-level” VX-2 and 2009 VX-1E urban commuting model at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in New York this past weekend. These two new models will join the VX-1 in Vectrix’s lineup.The VX-2 is a smaller, more compact electric equivalent of a 50cc internal combustion engine (ICE) bike with a weight of 429 lbs, a wheelbase of 54.5-inches and seat height of 29.9-inches. It features a 40-50 mile range, 30-mph speed capability and a 48V/20A battery charger that plugs into a standard 110V/220V outlet and safe, near-silent operation. Expected to arrive in showrooms June 2009 with an MSRP of $5,195., the VX-2 will be available in green, blue, red, yellow and white.

The VX-1E utilizes the same platform and drivetrain as the original VX-1, yet features a lower price point and a more urban commuter driver profile including less sprightly acceleration and top speed numbers. VX-1E is expected to arrive at dealers in April with a MSRP is $8,495.

Takeo Fukui’s speech this week was a bit on the gloomy side as the company adjusted its profit forecast by 67% in the wrong direction. Slumping auto sales and a sagging U.S. dollar were the main factors for Honda’s third profit forecast cut this year.

But Honda’s take on the motorcycle industry was much more positive (at least, if you overlook the status of its American road racing team). Two-wheeled Hondas are picking up the slack from their four-wheeled cousins.

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