Curtiss Motorcycles reveals electric V8
It's designed to pay homage to Curtiss' heritage
CURTISS – formerly Confederate – Motorcycles has been on a bit of a bender recently, churning out bizarre bikes with looks only a mother could love.
Take the limited edition Warhawk, for example, or this delightful *ahem* Zeus prototype…
And the American manufacturer’s latest model is perhaps the wackiest of the lot. Introducing the Hera – an all-electric homage to the iconic 1907 Curtiss V8.
I know what you’re thinking. How could an battery-powered motorcycle ever come close to imitating that marvel of conventional motorcycling. Thanks to a very clever design team – that’s how… And eight “cylinders” of high-density lithium-ion batteries.
Curtiss Chairman and CEO Matt Chambers said, “With Hera, we set out to create the world’s most luxurious motorcycle. Featuring the world’s first V8 battery architecture, an ultra-powerful, yet refined, E-Twin motor, and a 66-inch wheelbase, Hera will occupy a class all her own.”
Hera is inspired by Glenn Curtiss’ land speed record-setting 1907 V8 motorcycle, on which he achieved the title of “Fastest Man on Earth” when he reached 136.3mph on Ormond Beach in Florida on January 23, 1907. But this electric model promises higher speed and greater comfort than the original, while retaining it long wheelbase and low stance.
Detailed specifications and pricing for the Curtiss Zeus have not yet been released, but a launch is expected within the next 18 – 24 months.
Curtiss aren’t alone in the eccentric electric market, however. Remember Harley-Davidson’s Livewire? The manufacturer has announced a production model based on the concept, due to be launched by 2022. Could there be an all-American electric showdown on the cards?
