Imperial College enter TT Zero

Added on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Imperial College London has announced their 2010 electric motorbike and rider for the TT Zero event. The ‘Electric Hayabusa’ motorcycle, which was designed and built by a team of 16 undergraduate students led by final-year student Ben Smith, will be ridden by Maria Costello on the Isle of Man.

Ben Smith said: “We’re really excited about this year’s race and letting our bike loose on the TT circuit. Our team are confident in the Hayabusa-based design and look forward to putting it through its paces on the Isle of Man. Having a high calibre rider like Maria on board will allow us to test the limits of what the machine can do.”

Featuring unique swingarm mounted motors, the Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa based design retains the suspension and main chassis of the legendary 190mph Suzuki donor bike, whilst adding a bespoke aluminium alloy battery cage and motor mounting. All new bodywork completes the bike and improves on the Hayabusa’s already impressive aerodynamic properties.

Propelling the bike are twin Lemco D135 Rag DC brushed motors, each outputting 16kW (34kW peak) giving a combined 68kW/91bhp and 160Nm (peak) at the back wheel. These are controlled by a single Kelly KDH12800B unit allowing custom throttle ramps and thermal monitoring. Delivering power to the motors are 90 Thundersky LFP40AHA LiFeYPO4 battery cells offering a combined 96V and 360A continuously.

The TT Zero race will take place on Wednesday June 9th, with various teams competing over one lap around the historic TT course. There is a £10,000 special prize to the first team and rider to complete a 100mph average lap speed in TT Zero.

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