Erik Buell launches Fuell E-bikes and E-motorcycles

[Citycrosser]

As a former owner of a Buell motorcycle, I'm excited to see what innovations Erik can bring to the e-bike and e-motorcycle market.

https://jalopnik.com/erik-buells-new-company-fuell-jumping-into-the-electric-1833050677

"The Fluid is planned to launch to customers later this year with a price around $3295. The bike has two swappable batteries onboard, which helps it achieve an impressive 125 mile range. Further, it is said to be able to charge fully on a public charger in less than 30 minutes. This bike will be available in a 20 mph version and a 28 mph version. The company says it has planned the bike to be easy to ride and accessible. "

 

[Dewey]

I appreciate the dual battery, IGH, belt drive, and flexibility of having it configured as either a Class 1 or a Class 3 pedelec. Motorcycle manufacturers tend to offer a transferrable warranty, e.g. Buell's owner Harley have a 2-year transferrable warranty on their gas motorcycles, and Zero electric motorcycles offers 5-years. Yamaha Corp have directed their new US market Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles ebike brand to offer a 3-year transferrable warranty. I hope this new brand Fuell follows this sensible approach to promote used and trade-in values.

 

[J.R.]

Eric Buell is a true engineering genius, having been the person to invent the rubber mounted Harley motor and the components he holds patents for, which HD still uses. He holds many engineering patents.

At the price point he has a chance in the crowded ebike market.

 

[Jaxx]

Mmmmm, those rubber mounts, still don't stop your teeth shaking though.

 

[J.R.]

Mmmmm, those rubber mounts, still don't stop your teeth shaking though.

Yeah they do! I've ridden rubber mounted Harleys for 29 years. Full dresser touring bikes. There are rigid mounts, not what I ride.

 

[Jaxx]

Ah JR, now that's a different ride. Always fancied one myself. Had a silver Buell, must have been about 15-20 years ago? Looked a little like Norton Cafe Racer. Couldn't get on with it, went back to Triumph Triple. BTW, still got Norton Cafe from sixties (in bits) been doing it up since 1968. Oh well, may get round to it one day?

 

[J.R.]

I have a friend who owns a HD dealership and he's let me take many bikes for long term demos. I liked the 90's Buells... for short term. They did make that 500 thumper, and I thought that made a good city commuter. 3 brands I'm attracted to are HD, Triumph and BMW. I've owned others; haven't we all!

 

[Jaxx]

Nice friend to have. I'm with you re: BMW, super smooth bikes Everything about them reeks of quality. Seen here in the UK as "Old Mans Bike" it's nice been "old" You mention "Thumpers" was brought up and learned to ride on BSA 650 Singles, wearing old army issue overcoats in the winter (no helmets then also) Many the time I've slid off in the snow going to work whilst doing my apprenticeship. Now they did shake ya dentures. Got a soft spot for those bikes (and not where I fell off onto)

 

[JRA]

BTW, still got Norton Cafe from sixties (in bits) been doing it up since 1968. Oh well, may get round to it one day?

My last year in HS, 1972, I worked part time out of a shop that was mainly centered on MX and Enduro bikes that I was racing at the time. A guy came in one day with a large crate and said he just wanted to get rid of it. Inside was an early 60's Norton Cafe Racer with a featherbed frame, clip on bars, loud pipes, long tank and faired saddle in taken apart condition. We made a project out of it and got it back in running condition and it was a lifetime memory firing it up and roaring down the road on it. A gentleman came into the shop not long after and offered what we thought was a ridiculous amount of money for it and it went away with him but the memory lingers and was re-awakened reading your post.

 

[Jaxx]

My last year in HS, 1972, I worked part time out of a shop that was mainly centered on MX and Enduro bikes that I was racing at the time. A guy came in one day with a large crate and said he just wanted to get rid of it. Inside was an early 60's Norton Cafe Racer with a featherbed frame, clip on bars, loud pipes, long tank and faired saddle in taken apart condition. We made a project out of it and got it back in running condition and it was a lifetime memory firing it up and roaring down the road on it. A gentleman came into the shop not long after and offered what we thought was a ridiculous amount of money for it and it went away with him but the memory lingers and was re-awakened reading your post.

Not surprised JR. Even though mines been in bits since 1967 (I had just had alloy tank polished and barrels also) Couple of years ago, friend from that era asked if I still had it? Mate of his contacted me offered £15,000 for it. Last month restored one went in local auction along with Humber Cars from1950's Norton went for almost £30,000.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

125 miles is a strong claim. As always, I want to know how they got that figure. Was actual testing done? Did they extrapolate from, say, voltage drop after 20 miles? The batteries must be frame-mounted, as they aren't obvious like the down-tube mounted batteries on a CrossCurrent. In which case, they can't be that large, because the frame isn't that large. Which makes me really question how realistic that 125 mile range can be. Under perfect conditions, maybe, but what good is that for anyone?

That being said, Buell is a genius and I'm glad to see that he is thinking about ebikes.

 

[Citycrosser]

They just launched a website: https://fuell.us/

They have the specs listed as:
-100 N-m
-125 miles
-980 Wh
-Starting at $3,295

That would be a similar battery capacity to the Stromer ST5, which lists the range at 60 to 180 km (37 to 111 miles). As we can guess, the 125 mile range would be on lowest assist with plenty of pedaling!

 

[Feliz]

Never owned a Harley or Buell but you've got to give it to Eric as an engineering genius. Nice to see MC manufacturers getting into the ebike fray. I had a friend who owned a MC riding school both for new riders and racers and I could go and ride any of his bikes I wanted, that was an education on what bikes I liked/didn't like. . When I retired work as an engineer I helped a friend, a retired Microsoft engineer, start and run a MC business and one of the bikes we sold was the Zero, I was there two years and don't recall ever selling one, they where overweight and underpowered but that's when they first came out. This is me with a couple of the hundred or so bikes I owned.

 

[Jaxx]

Never owned a Harley or Buell but you've got to give it to Eric as an engineering genius. Nice to see MC manufacturers getting into the ebike fray. I had a friend who owned a MC riding school both for new riders and racers and I could go and ride any of his bikes I wanted, that was an education on what bikes I liked/didn't like. . When I retired work as an engineer I helped a friend, a retired Microsoft engineer, start and run a MC business and one of the bikes we sold was the Zero, I was there two years and don't recall ever selling one, they where overweight and underpowered but that's when they first came out. This is me with a couple of the hundred or so bikes I owned.

I'm looking at the pics on a mobile. Is that a Beezer Gold Star? Looks fabulous.

 

[Ebiker01]

If that’s not a Stromer eliminator , then the Skoda Klement e bike surely will be !

https://electrek.co/2019/03/05/skodas-electric-two-wheeler-klement/

 

[Feliz]

I'm looking at the pics on a mobile. Is that a Beezer Gold Star? Looks fabulous.

1966 BSA Lightning 650. I had lots of Triumphs and Nortons but always preferred the Beezer.

 

[Ebiker01]

125 miles is a strong claim. As always, I want to know how they got that figure. Was actual testing done? Did they extrapolate from, say, voltage drop after 20 miles? The batteries must be frame-mounted, as they aren't obvious like the down-tube mounted batteries on a CrossCurrent. In which case, they can't be that large, because the frame isn't that large. Which makes me really question how realistic that 125 mile range can be. Under perfect conditions, maybe, but what good is that for anyone?

That being said, Buell is a genius and I'm glad to see that he is thinking about ebikes.

That 125 mile range is beginning to sound like a catch phrase that companies like to advertise but is prob. 1/2 of that. Surely if ridden at 18mph with 95rpm and a 135lb rider a 126mph range is doable.
Also congrats to Mr.Buell, he is clearly reading the market, maybe even this website ? , knows what is needed , offers very fair prices and will deliver. I’m ready to buy one Fuell.

 

[Jaxx]

1966 BSA Lightning 650. I had lots of Triumphs and Nortons but always preferred the Beezer.

First bike I owned Beezer 650. Passed my test on it. You could then with L Plates, ride up to any CC. I think now you're restricted to 125cc until you pass. Hope you still have it? Wish I did.

 

[Ebiker01]

They just launched a website: https://fuell.us/

They have the specs listed as:
-100 N-m
-125 miles
-980 Wh
-Starting at $3,295

That would be a similar battery capacity to the Stromer ST5, which lists the range at 60 to 180 km (37 to 111 miles). As we can guess, the 125 mile range would be on lowest assist with plenty of pedaling!

One crucial detail is the advertising charge time- for Fuell it mentions 30minutes !!
Would be nicer to have an 750watts motor for the Fuell s pedelec. This way is done properly And that will be the bike to beat.
For that fast charge rate , they must have some smart cooling and at least an 8 or 10amp charger. Innovation is the key.

 

[onlineaddy]

So the Fluid ebike is going to be made available on Indiegogo. Full reveal on April 23.