Homemade Electric Motorcycle Stopped on M25 in Hertfordshire

Re:Homemade Electric Motorcycle Stopped on M25 in Hertfordshire by bananapear on Tuesday August 20, 2019 @07:03AM (#20745525)

I would think so, but I wonder what effect that has on the range? You can certainly feel the difference a 1300kg trailer makes to pulling away and accelerating, it effectively halves my miles-per-gallon.

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Re:Homemade Electric Motorcycle Stopped on M25 in Hertfordshire by ljf on Tuesday August 20, 2019 @08:19AM (#20746035)

Wow - interested to hear it is that dramatic. My only experience is towing a folding camper - this fits nicely in the 'slipstream' of my car, and I assume weighs less than your caravan no doubt.

But since you are limited to 60mph towing, I often find that my MPG is the same if not better when towing, though pulling away and uphill is affected. Not sure my current car would cope with a caravan!

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Re:Homemade Electric Motorcycle Stopped on M25 in Hertfordshire by bananapear on Tuesday August 20, 2019 @12:03PM (#20748495)

I think the air resistance is the main factor. Even with the roof bars/cycle carriers on I notice maybe 5-10 less average mpg. They’re the Thule aero ones which are designed to reduce drag!

Also my car has a 6th gear for more efficient cruising on the motorway, but you can’t tow in 6th, it just sounds like it’s struggling.

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