Kingston University unveils zero-emission racer

SIX OF Kingston University’s final-year engineering students have built a battery-powered bike to compete in the world’s first zero-emissions Grand Prix this summer.

The Kingston team will join 24 eco-bikes from America, India, Italy, Germany and Austria on the start line at the 2009 Isle of Man TTXGP.
Work on the bike began last October, under the guidance of course director for motorsport and motorcycle engineering Paul Brandon. The motorbike, which has gone through many designs, will run on non-fossil fuel but will still be able to clock-up an average 70 mph around the course.

Kingston's bike is run from a custom-built, 72-volt battery and the team estimates it will reach speeds of 102 at the fastest downhill section of the 38 mile course.

The machine was officially unveiled to motorcycling enthusiasts, guests, staff and students at Kingston University on Wednesday 22 April.

TT veteran Maria Costello is set to ride Kingston's machine, when the competition takes place on June 12.