Best Buy to sell electric motorcycles

[Triple J]

i would guess a 12k electric moto will have as much impact on the overall market as the Segway revolutionized 'personal transportation '

+1

[bluemoco]

So, according to the previous Kneeslider article, over 100,000 people have 'expressed interest' in buying a Brammo electric from Best Buy. 

100,000 motorcycles would be a HUGE number, representing more than 10% of the current US motorcycle market (in round numbers).  I would also be skeptical about paying $12k for any bike with a 50mph top speed and a 45-mile range.   It sounds like a REALLY expensive scooter. 



What am I missing?

i would guess a 12k electric moto will have as much impact on the overall market as the Segway revolutionized 'personal transportation '

I suspect you're right, unless we see some dramatic performance improvements (and lowered costs) from the batteries.

[ducatiz]

Oh yeah?  The guy on the right is Jack Lewis, who has a regular column in Motorcyclist magazine, and the guy on the left rides a Monster as his daily commuter... Maybe you should think before you make rash judgements about people..

so what?

i dated a fat girl once too.  not everyone shits gold and walks on water.

[psycledelic]

Technology in reverse - probably for the best.

[patroldawg]

holy crap, that dude bit it bad.

[Holden]

That's what the kill switch is for.

(and gear)

[redxblack]

there's so much irony in someone cracking up while burning out on an enviro-cycle.  This has seventeen layers of FAIL all over it.

[Raux]

that's kinda sad. the guy was doing what he could to promote a good idea and well did a stupid. trying to burn out with super grippies on concrete... as we can see bad news.

[Mad Duc]

So, according to the previous Kneeslider article, over 100,000 people have 'expressed interest' in buying a Brammo electric from Best Buy. 

100,000 motorcycles would be a HUGE number, representing more than 10% of the current US motorcycle market (in round numbers).  I would also be skeptical about paying $12k for any bike with a 50mph top speed and a 45-mile range.   It sounds like a REALLY expensive scooter. 


What am I missing?

I suspect you're right, unless we see some dramatic performance improvements (and lowered costs) from the batteries.

I doubt they will sell 5,000 at that price/performance. Ninja 250r @$3500 msrp + $8500 for gas = $12k. $8500 in gas even at $3/gal @ 61mpg = 170,000+ miles. The Ninja 250 will perform better, go faster and have a better range. Brammo has the same issue as Tesla, very little value for the money. It will be a curiosity at best until the price comes down to $5k or less. At that price I might be interested, anything more and I would rather have the Ninja.

[corey]

killa cycle... now THAT's irony indeed.

[bluemoco]

Back to the "Best Buy" story, it appears that there is a 10% tax break available to anyone who wants to purchase an electric two-wheeler.

So, that knocks the $12k price down a little bit...   

[ducatiz]

here is the crash video on liveleak


looks like someone pulled it on utube

[erkishhorde]

I looked at that bike when I got curious what types of electric bikes there were. I wasn't terribly impressed with it. The electric dirtbike (mentioned before) was much more appealing. I believe there's an even better electric street bike around too. It ain't cheap but I don't recall it being far from the 12k that they're asking for this scoot. 

[vw151]

I dunno how I feel about geek squad working on the bikes.

the 12k price tag, I can understand cause it's new technology.  The price will come down.


From what I've read these bikes seem to be very good performers for their weight.  The electric motors make ungodly torque for how light they are.  I can see pulling wheelies all over the place on one these little light way supermoto style things.  Meanwhile not having to buy gasoline.  Hell yes.

Don't get me wrong.  I'll keep my duc and gsxr but still it would be fun. 

[DLSGAP]

so how much is Best Buys extended service plan going to be for this one?  [moto]

I think i'll stick to burning good ol' petrol