CURRENTS+
SHOCKING!
Ducati eBIKE È Arrivato After teasing the world with its range of eBikes at EICMA a couple of years ago, Ducati has introduced its first products for U.S. Dealers… and we have seen them in the showrooms. “E-MTBs have various points in common with motorcycles, including the ability to convey great emotions deriving from the sense of escape and freedom, but also the possibility of discovering new landscapes and experiencing unforgettable adventures,” say the folks from Borgo Panigale. “For this reason, Ducati and Thok E-bikes have developed a range of products that have a strong appeal to the sporting soul of the brand and are ready to meet the needs of the most demanding riders, whether they are motorcyclists or not.” “We understand the passion for all things Ducati, but there is a need for performance to live up to the brand’s reputation,” says Mike Guerin, principal of flagship dealership Ducati Newport Beach. “The up-spec Shimano components and Öhlins suspension on the TK-01RR make it more than wall art for our usual customers to display.” How serious? Shimano’s EP8 drive unit is billed as one of the lightest, most compact motors in the segment, delivering 85Nm max torque with a servo assistance ratio of 400% — all charged by an integrated 630Wh Shimano battery. For the less serious Ducatisti, there is the MIG-5 All Mountain with its 150mm front and 140mm rear travel courtesy of Marzocchi Bomber Z2 forks and Fox Float TPS shock absorber. Other highlights include: Sram Guide T 4-piston brakes, THOK e-plus 29” rims at the front and 27.5” at the rear, 12-speed transmission 11-50. And for the eCurious, Ducati offers the e-Scrambler, an “urban ready” trekking e-bike inspired by the design and attitude of the “Land of Joy.” Two colorways — iconic yellow and elegant “Matt Grey” — help it stand out. “Perfect for getting around city traffic and exploring open country roads, the e-Scrambler gets a 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor with 504 Wh battery and Pirelli Cycl-e GT tires.
54
NIKOLA UTV SHORT-CIRCUITED
Teething pains continue. Nikola Corporation dumped CEO/ founder Trevor Milton last fall and has changed its direction, according to its Q4 report —including the termination of its UTV: The Nikola NZT (Net Zero Toll). Billed as a fully-enclosed electric high-performance side-by-side (and later spun as a hybrid) the NZT is no longer a priority. ”In the fourth quarter of 2020, Nikola made the necessary changes to refocus and realign the company,” claims new CEO Mark Russell. “You have seen us restructure our agreement with GM, cancel our battery electric (BEV) refuse truck program, discontinue our Powersports program and realign the company’s resources with laser focus on our core businesses: battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric (FCEV) heavyduty trucks, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.” This time last year Nikola was burning up the newswires with claims of 590 horsepower, 775 ft./lbs. of toque, 4.0 second 0-60 times and a 150-mile range that would be delivered by four e-axles integrating inverter, gearbox and e-motors allin-one. Now all that is left is the smell of burning wires and smoked proformas!
