There are quite a few things I want when it comes to motorized contraptions, but very few I want more than a fully electric motorcycle. And here is a contraption that’s right up that alley. A pedal powered electric bike from Germany called the eROCKIT allows a rider to go 50 MPH!

I think the general design of the bike is very interesting, although the pedal power part is kind of novel and I’m not sure at all useful. There is just one problem though it’s going to cost you… wait for it… $40,000.
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People who are really wanting to go all electric in terms of their personal transportation haven’t had a lot of options. Sure, you could get a Vectrix electric scooter, or if you had a boatload of cash you could buy the Wrightspeed X1 Supercar.

But of course, there is one other option. You could always build your own electric motorcycle! That’s exactly what these people have done! And you can even find the specs and parts on some of the associated web sites. Of course, even if you don’t build one, its totally cool to take a look at what these other folks are doing. Pretty soon I’m hoping we can pick up full electrics from Honda, Yamaha, and other manufacturers.
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I gotta admit, that old TV show CHiPS from the 1970s helped me fall in love with motorcycles. There was something really cool about the fact that they were chasing people down on two wheels. But really, we never saw Ponch or John do anything amazing on their motorcycles. It might have left one wondering how useful of a tool one of those big bikes actually is.

Well, this post should give you all the reason you’ll ever need NOT to run from a motorcycle cop. To say that these guys are well trained is an extreme understatement. Here now is a collection of police motorcycle competitions that demonstrate what it’s really like to be “one with the machine”.
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I have explained what a CVT or continuously variable transmission is to at least a half a dozen people. So, usually when that happens I take the time to write up a tutorial and share it with you guys.

Now, the CVT discussion came up as a result of a broader car discussion in which I was explaining that a Nissan Murano SUV has a CVT transmission – which I really like. But it’s not the only one. There are quite a few vehicles with a CVT such as:

• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Nissan Altima
• Audi A4
• Dodge Caliber

In addition to automobiles, CVTs can be found in scooters, and even some new bicycles. In fact, the CVT began as a small vehicle transmission and later had to be beefed up substantially to handle large vehicles like the Nissan Murano.

The following is a video of the Variator in a Yamaha T-Max scooter with the case removed. Notice how as the engine revvs up, the centrifugal force changes the ratio of the gearing by simply using the belt.
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