The MSF approves the first electric motorcycle to be used in rider training

[Dodsfall]

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) develops motorcycle training programs for beginning to advanced riders. They also have branched out into training scooter riders and hold off-road training programs. Until now, all the vehicles used were gasoline-powered.

Zero Motorcycles manufactures electric motorcycles. The company has just announced that the Zero XU, a dual-sport 100% electric-powered motorcycle, has been approved to be used in the MSF training courses.

“The Zero XU successfully completed a pilot program on two training courses in Washington state and Florida. Students and instructors alike found the motorcycle to be highly responsive and handle nicely,” said Mark Cummings, Zero’s fleet manager for North America. “The XU allows students to enhance their skills and concentrate on the fundamentals of riding, while still experiencing the look and feel of a traditional motorcycle. Course operators also love that there is very little upkeep in terms of maintenance and, of course, no fuel to add or other fluids that can run the risk of spillage.”

Zero also claims that the XU will reduce the total cost of of ownership for MSF training schools, since the maintenance cost is low and the recharging cost is about 1 cent per mile. With most classes being held on a fairly small closed course, the reduced noise and lack of exhaust using the electric motorcycles should be helpful in running the courses.

“What a fantastic training tool,” said MSF instructor Kyle McCarty of the Department of Licensing in Olympia, Wash. “The Zero XU blends a lightweight motorcycle feel and posture with an electric motor to ‘twist-n-go.’ The suspension, gearing, braking and overall performance would be very favorable as a training cycle.”

[Dealer News]

[ralphlong]

I dunno about this... Seems to me you want to simulate "real life" as best you can in the MSF course. Real life is gas motors that stall when you don't give them enough throttle, and sometimes have narrow power bands. Real life is gas motors that are noisy (which some people need to get used to) and get hot.

Electric motors have 100% torque from 0 rpm. Cannot stall them.

The MSF already says that when you pass their course all you are qualified to do is ride in slowly in a closed parking lot. Are they making this even worse by using such easy to ride bikes?

I have never ridden an electric bike. Maybe I am completely wrong about this.

Ralph

[rowboy85]

I know that some electric vehicles have lot of take off power compared to gas. So maybe they're good for learning throttle control. But new riders really need something with a clutch and the likelihood of killing the engine. To me the most important part is learning clutch and throttle control. The rest was easy.

[Biker Dash]

What about teaching students about clutch control or shifting gears? In the class I took, they taught us about emergency downshifting as well. How will you learn that on an electric?

I think it would be a bad idea to use an electric bike in the MSF course, for the reasons Ralph and I stated.