Mission R Electric Racing Superbike Unveiled

American electric motorcycle manufacturer Mission Motors has recently took the wraps off its new all-electric racing superbike at the Long Beach Progressive International Motorcycle Show.Featuring the company’s latest powertrain technology and an entirely new race-ready design, the motorcycle will lead the company’s upcoming 2011 racing program.

“This bike represents the culmination of all the company’s learning in both electric powertrains and motorcycle engineering, and is the purest expression of electric performance," said Mission Motors’ Founder Edward West.

The Mission R packs 14.4 kWh and 141 horsepower in a package smaller than a modern 600cc sportbike. The liquid-cooled 3-phase AC Induction motor creates 115 ft-lbs (156 Nm) of torque at 6,400 rpm, propelling the Mission R to a top speed of over 160 mph (258 km/h) in a singe gear.

The MissionEVT 100kW motor controller, with customizable regenerative braking maps and throttle maps, allows riders to tune the bike to their preferences. All vehicle and ride data is accessible via WiFi or 3G connections.

In terms of design, the Mission R chassis is intended for integrating and balancing the weight and volume of a large EV battery pack into a motorcycle chassis. The chassis is wrapped in a new and aerodynamic industrial design, with a small frontal-area and aggressive ergonomics.

The Mission R will hit the track in early 2011 and will compete in the TTXGP racing series along with other races, events, and demonstrations. Pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

“Racing is in our DNA,” West said. “We are excited to be returning to the track in 2011 with the phenomenal Mission R. The crucible of the racing circuit is one of the key ways we advance our technology. Pushing the envelope for what is possible with electric drive shapes not only the future of motorsports, but the future of transportation.”