KTM caused tremors in the motorcycling world by applying for judicial restructuring. The company cannot repay loans due in the near term because of unsold inventory. This is shocking for a motorcycle manufacturer that happily distributed dividends till last year.
We look at the important electric launches from EICMA, an event where Honda finally showed seriousness to electric mobility and came with a mid-size electric sports motorcycle and some scooters. Also, unveilings from Zero, Silence, Can-Am, Kymco and many more.
Are EVs loaded with features that are really smart? Do they create a high-enough barrier to entry? Is there an exclusivity? How long can it stay? What happens after that?
Often what the E2W world calls technology is a smart integration of sensors and rider aids, controlled by software. The ICE world is more mechanical, more metallurgical, more fundamental. What happens when the ICE world figures out software? Can the E2W Technology edge be maintained?
The motocrosser/trial format is the best fit for electric powertrains. You need high torque, yet ride shorter distances and for shorter time-periods. A perfect match, but are we overdoing it?
As ICE motorcycles embrace electronics, sensors, and rider-aids, it is becoming easier for new riders to handle speed. The various automatic transmissions entering the market further dumb down motorcycles. The motorcycling world may not realise but they are taking ICE closer to EVs
The incumbents are reluctant and everyone else is not getting anywhere with large lifestyle electric motorcycles? What makes the equation so impossible? Is it just technology challenges compounded by half-hearted efforts or are we trying to force fit things before the core technology matures?
