Dutch-made electric crosser almost ready
Last year you could already read about a project from the Netherlands in which the company Dohms Projecten is developing an electric dirt bike together with ELEO with the support of Yamaha Europe and the KNMV. In the meantime, great progress has been made and it is time for an update on this project.
The machine has the frame of a Yamaha YZ250F and all parts such as battery and motor have been adapted to be perfectly integrated. In the meantime, the EMX machine has passed its first test on the test bench with flying colors. The electric motocross machine from ELEO (formerly SPIKE) and Dohms Projecten is on track to compete with the current 250cc 4-stroke machines. Elmar Dohms and engineer Laurens Kusters are the driving forces behind this project. In March last year, the pair started developing the EMX machine at the drawing board. The machine was drawn and built at the speed of light, without references.
'This engine has an impressive torque. From a standstill it is faster than a petrol-engined MX machine.'
ELEO and Dohms are building a fully electric drivetrain into an existing Yamaha YZ250F chassis. In appearance it is a familiar dirt bike, but with the characteristics of an electric machine. The seat position and weight balance are no different than existing MX bikes. However, driving is a new experience. The presence of the electric motor means that no gearbox is needed and there is plenty of torque over a wide speed range. This means it can be used differently than a motorcycle with a combustion engine.
'You feel like you're always in the right gear. The power is always there, from idle to top speed', Kusters explains. 'The thrill of driving is still just as great, but you have one less thing to do. You no longer have to shift gears to use the engine's power. That means you can concentrate more on finding the right lines. The enormous torque at low speed means that driving short lines is easier, and at the same time more challenging.'
They consciously chose a machine that can compete with a 250 cc four-stroke engine, the most common engine type on Dutch motocross tracks, used by young people up to and including seasoned riders. 'One of the biggest advantages of the EMX machine is that the power is computer controlled. This allows you to easily adjust the power to the level of an 85cc or 125cc machine', Dohms explains. 'It makes the EMX a dirt bike on big wheels that is suitable for a wide group of riders. Young people who have never been on a motorcycle can start riding safely, with less power and a lower speed. Later the power can be increased to the level used by professional riders.'
Another advantage lies in maintenance, which is significantly reduced. This machine has no filter, connecting rod or piston that require maintenance. With the EMX you only have to change the transmission oil every so often.
ELEO has developed a special battery pack for the EMX that is suitable for the frame of a Yamaha YZ250F. But the technology behind the electric drivetrain is universal. Motocross is one of the toughest sports there is. The g-forces and impacts that the material must be able to withstand are not encountered in many other sports. 'If the electric drivetrain holds up in motocross, it could also be used in other equally demanding sports,Dohms explains.
The EMX machine will be further developed in the coming months. 'The plans had to be adjusted slightly due to the corona crisis, so there were no international circuit tests yet', Kusters explains truthfully. Yet he remains positive. 'We have still been able to develop a lot on the engine. We will soon be carrying out the first tests on a sand track.
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