Did you think all the sleek and slick Yamaha and Suzuki superbikes had the monopoly on optimised aerodynamics? Think again.
Witness the ingenuity of the WMC250EV (Catchy!). An electric superbike with a ‘Venturi’ air duct running through the centre for ultimate aerodynamics. White’s are looking to beat the current semi-streamlined electric motorbike speed record, hoping it will push 250mph to beat the current, 228.05 set on the Voxan Wattman, at Bonneville.
The innovative ‘V-Air’ technology is a unique looking air duct running through the centre of the motorcycle, looking to drastically re-design how manufacturers look at aerodynamics. The Venturi duct displayed a 70% reduction in drag in a wind tunnel compared to top road bikes. This aerodynamic efficiency, from studies conducted by White’s, have concluded the WMC will achieve twice the milage in comparison to an electric motorcycle equivalent. This will solve a major anxiety for potential electric motorbike owners.
The air tunnel is an idea that could find its way to road bikes, as it could allow for a conventional riding position, unlike other land speed bikes.
This aero style reduces front-end lift and allows for two-wheel drive. This maximises traction and power, which can be an issue on salt flats, where the land speed records are measured. At speeds of 200mph+ front end drag can be fatal to reaching even higher speeds. The 2-wheel drive system also allows for a potential ‘energy recovery’ system, that recharges the batteries and you brake, something missing for almost all electric bikes and motorcycles.
The bike began using a 100kW powertrain (137bhp eqv) but the final model will have around 250kW available (335 bhp).
The final innovation, the ‘F-Drive’ is a fully enclosed chain drive that is inside the swingarm and increases efficiency. Compared to a conventional design.
The Voxan Wattman used raw power to achieve the record while White’s intended to beat this using clear technology and design. The bike itself is built from billet aluminium and carbon-fibre.
Rob White, the creator of the company, will ride the bike in an attempt to beat the record.