GREETINGS EARTHLING

By Big Dave

The Ed asked me to tag along for a look at an 'Earthling EV' electric motorcycle this morning, so we headed up to Auckland's Albany Business district and met the 'Alien' in charge. Interesting chap who let us have a fang on his latest creation; the E-bob.

Here's the official line on the machine from the Earthling Web Site:

THE E-BOB IS BORN Developed and built in NZ Utilizing brand new components, our highway commuter is geared for 130KMPH with range of approx. 100K Taking orders now !! This is a brand new production item which will be fully supported by "Earthling EV". View the prototype and order one now!! Limited production (5) units for 2010. Lease or buy.

The acceleration is very crisp and the torque of the machine is everything I'd hoped for (or a preview of it at least).  The instant 'on' is great. The instant 'off' needed a touch of getting used to but the Alien said that could be reduced with a 'tune'.

I thought it is interesting that the weight of the Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries is around 25% of the lead equiv.

The Ed was on a DR650 test bike and Earthing claim that the performance of the E-bob is in the same sort of league. In other words it gets along OK and you don't need to be an extra-testicle to ride it.

The Ed is putting his ride impressions in the next KR and has some cunning plans for another skid.  'Lead me to your charger!' I say.