Sometimes, the most interesting work comes from the the people who make
the least noise. Curtiss Motorcycles, previously known as Confederate
Motorcycles, came back on the scene in 2018 with the Zeus electric motorcycle
at the Quail Motorsports Gathering. Less than a year later, Curtiss has
unveiled a redesign of the Zeus with a beautiful sculptural shape that
offers an electric take on the classic V8 gasoline engine.
Curtiss Motorcycles, whose mission is to "create sustainable, desirable, intergenerational, mean, clean, and green future-proof hot rod motorcycles"
is looking to corner the American motorcycle market. It plans to do so
with high-quality materials and craftsmanship while incorporating a bit
of rebel born-in-the-USA flair. The design-heavy swooping, skeletal
frame is just part of the captivating design.
When building out the next-gen Zeus, Curtiss Motorcycles looked to
its namesake for inspiration and modeled the powertrain after Glenn
Curtiss' 1907 V8 motorcycle. Curtiss notes this was the motorcycle that
set the world speed record of the time with a 136 mph reading.
To
achieve the V-shape of the gasoline motorcycle engine, Curtiss designer
Jordan Cornille created eight cylindrical battery packs. They stick out
of a central terminal and flare out from the center of the motorcycle.
The open design also helps with simpler battery cooling. Curtiss claims
battery capacity to be 16.8 kWh at 399V but makes no mention of any
charging specs.
The controller and motor package were developed
with British engineering firm YASA. Curtiss says it expects the
powertrain, which is still under development, to clock in at 217
horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. No quickness or top speed specs
were provided.
Curtiss expects the Zeus Radial V8 to enter production in 2020 with a lofty price tag of $75,000.
