Related Sections: Green Tech Vehicles
Orange County Choppers goes green
Paulie, Mikey and Paul Sr. aren't exactly turning into treehuggers, but their famous motorcycle shop has turned out its first electric motorcycle. The stars of American Chopper traded in their loud, scare-the-pants-off-ya gas engines to create an electric chopper for electronics mogul Siemens.
The Smart Chopper is said to have a 60-mile range with a top speed of 100 mph from the 27 horsepower, single-speed engine. It can be charged up in five hours from a typical 110-volt outlet, or as little as one hour in a special voltage charging station. After a tour of the country, it's going to be auctioned off for charity.
Bummer - it's a clutchless system. What's the point of having an OCC custom build if you can't rev the engine? Vrrrrm, vrrrrm.
By interested at 9:24 AM ON 08/13/09
I like it, now if I can get some one to donate it to me... it would make me happy
By Old Man Dotes at 9:45 AM ON 08/13/09
WTF would you need a clutch for on an electric bike? You've got no gearbox and the motor makes about as much sound as a hairdryer, so unless you're overcompensating for a tiny penis, there's absolutely no point in carrying the extra weight of a clutch.
- NEDRA Charter Member.
By Mr. Gumsandals at 9:58 AM ON 08/13/09
likes it. I wonder what the acceleration is like? With an electric motor it ought to fly off the starting line. Of course, without the all of the sound and fury, it kind of defeats the purpose of a chopper. Still, since it's electric, you could wire up some speakers and into some fake exhaust pipes and play recorded sounds from a real chopper.
By jefff at 10:51 AM ON 08/13/09
Just don't let the Siemens execs drive it, this might happen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV8_meso6kU
By Karpet at 6:16 PM ON 08/13/09
Ho hum. So they built a Razor electric scooter for big people, so what. This is the first bike I have heard they built that actually interests me. I think ACTS has been off the air for a bit but this build would be neat. Dollars to doughnuts they did not develope the drive line, that came in a crate from Siemens. What would be neat is some sort of capacitor bank super launch feature or a front hub motor that makes it 2wd. Other then that, snore.
By Karpet at 6:23 PM ON 08/13/09
UPDATE: My above comment sounds a bit schizophrenic. Between the first and second sentances should be something like, "The actual finished bike seems boring but the design would have been worth observing." Yah, that makes it all less crazy.
By jcraft at 4:28 PM ON 08/19/09
Apparently, they are going on a tour with the smart chopper and the makings of smart chopper is airing on this October. Check out more about the smart chopper buzz @ http://twitter.com/SmartChopper
their facebook page is on the way, as well.
By David Marks at 2:46 PM ON 09/16/09
American Chopper and Siemens build one Stealthy, Sexy and Smart Chopper.
Not only is this bad boy fast (100MPH), it is earth friendly. Made from recycled materials, it sports an electric motor that can go 60 miles before needing a charge. Even Mother Nature would be happy with this chopper. Checkout the chopper at http://www.facebook.com/smartchopper
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David Marks:
American Chopper and Siemens build one Stealthy, Sexy and Smart Chopper. Not only is this bad boy fast (100MPH), it...More »