Rix said:
Alex Imreh said:
I spent 4 winter holidays in the land of smile, total 6 month, great place to rent bikes, to bike in winter. I know there is a Kawasaki factory in Thailand? John have you tried to get a good price for enduro Kawa? I think I am not offtopic with this, we can consider that the great war bettween gas and EV have started and the Little Dragon will mean a lot in this war. So let as estimate, from a "commercial" point of view, a comparison between FireFly and KLX models. At present most EV buyers are kind of mystical, we buy ebike much because of "ideological" reasons. Soon people will choose EVs because it is better deal, less service costs, less costs with "fuel".
G
The FireFly is equivalent with what Kawa KLX model as power / top speed / acceleration? KLX 140-150cc is about 2500usd in Thailand. Those who had the chance to buy use the FireFly can tell us, the Little Dragon will accelerate like a KLX XXXcc? Top speed for KLX140 is 55m/h, 88km/h? That is over FireFly, true FF is almost half weight. Range is also 2 times better for a gas bikes, at least. If FireFly is equivalent with KLX 110cc as speed/acceleration than we should consider that KLX110 is less than 1700usd in Thailand. How much gasoline can you buy in Thailand with 1000usd?? Many many kms!
In this comparison the FireFly could have the advantage of acceleration. So could anybody make some acceleration tests recorded on Strava.com? Hyena, Aebrennan - please?
I think all someone needs to do is note a 0-50km/h acceleration time for the Sur-Ron to give an idea. Of course there is no e-bike or e-motorcycle that will have the range of their gas equivalent counterparts. My Alpha @ 7KW would smoke my CRF230F from 0-30 MPH, I mean bad. So it wouldn't surprise me if the Sur-Ron is quicker than a KLX140 from 0-30 MPH. Especially if the Sur-Ron has a 58T on the rear.
Interesting comments from you guys, and some very valid points about the cost/performance /practicality ratios of the Light Bee versus gas bikes such as the Kawasaki models you mention.
However, for me the decision is far less rational.. I just really love the complete satisfaction I personally derive from riding an electric powered bike. I love the effortless, quiet performance and also enjoy riding something that is virtually unique in this part of the world. I just get such pleasure from riding my Mxus Fattie that I have never enjoyed in the same way on gas bikes.
Of course, we have the Thai universal Honda Wave 125 for running around locally, the Nissan Navara pick up for longer journeys, and this year I plan to supplement our 13 year old Wave with a new Honda Forza 300 big scooter. I have fancied one of these for ages for longer runs with my wife into our nearest towns, for some lunch and light shopping.
But since I've had my electric Fattie, kitted up with carrier rack and bags I only ever use this for pleasure riding out, and shopping in the village, leaving the Honda to my wife.
The Sur Ron Light Bee is going to be my fun, blaster for exploring further afield from home. Its going to be quite quick enough for my riding needs.. I am fit, 72kgs and 67 this birthday, so I have developed a greater sense of self preservation in the last few years, but still love the thrill of some smooth yet quiet performance out on our local fast, flat trails. 8)
I reckon my mid distance travelling needs for myself and Puy will be well served on the Honda Forza..
The dear old Navara pick up consequently only gets a run out usually twice a month for some bigger shopping trips, and when I have to fit 15 or 20 family members in the back for a trip out somewhere :lol:
Anyway, I'll sure to give an update on my Sur Ron purchase experience.. Currently I'm waiting for a reply from them confirming my quotation to supply and shipping price to Thailand.. :wink: