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Confederate Motorcycles had a personality to them which was all about mean-looking motorcycles and big, loud engines that gulp down petrol with every twist of throttle. But now, they have a new name – Curtiss Motorcycles – and a new personality as well – electric. We featured two very unique looking motorcycles that Curtiss have built and now we've got another one to talk about – Curtiss Psyche.
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We've spoken many times about how electric motorcycle design can be highly radical because there is no need for a fuel tank or an exhaust. But not many electric motorcycles that we've seen so far have made use of this simple fact. But, Curtiss have. The Psyche is nothing short of art – even better motorcycle art.
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Named after the Greek God of soul and wife of Eros – God of love, Curtiss Psyche was presented by company CEO Matt Chambers as the machine that will put Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycle dreams on hold. “We have the experience and collaborative relationships to ideally grow with this market. Harley does not," Chambers wrote in an email to News Atlas. Curtiss Psyche "The Lover" is also the manufacturer's most affordable motorcycle at $30,000 (approximately Rs 20.91 lakh).
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Psyche has several of Confederate/Curtiss design elements – tiny saddle, outrageous girder front end, long, low proportions and skeletal design. But then, it's also got features we've never seen before on a motorcycle.
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The cylindrical battery extends laterally like BMW's boxer-engine case, the power electronics ride up high where a tank would usually sit, pegs jut from scaffolding encasing the electric motor, hung at the bike's pivot.
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In comparison to Harley-Davidson LiveWire (Harley's first ever all-electric motorcycle), Curtiss Psyche will come in a 48 hp and a 96 hp version – both of which are less than Harley's 105 hp. However, the Psyche weighs about 79 kg less and can go 112 km further on one charge. Curtiss Psyche won't be out for at least two years.
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