Zeromotorcyles http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ since at least 2008 http://www.wired.com/2008/12/the-greening-of/

Yeah, Zero's claiming 171 miles, which is about 271km - besting that snail by about 50%.

Plus, they look like traditional motorcycles, which is a big bonus in my eyes.

Without the fairing and controls, the J1 looks pretty rad. I'm guessing they get to 200km with some specific aerodynamics, but I'd really like to see a naked/clubman/streetfighter version.

I ride this 650 http://instagram.com/p/VtGOXeldRY/

I fill it once every 2 weeks and get about 200km for $20AUD. I could probably get more but i can't help but strap it everywhere. It also takes less than a minute to fill the tank, and about the same to pay the cashier.

I can kind of see where they were going with the design - its harping back to classic designs of the 1950's - but its no Morgan http://www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk/desktopindex.html

Wired was not kind. http://www.wired.com/2014/04/johammer-j1-electric-motorcycle...

Ugh, I love the concept of electric but we saw what happened with cars. You have to make these look as good if not better than the existing motorcycles for this to take off. These look awful aesthetically. I own a gsxr 600 and I would definitely upgrade to electric and pay more but the bike has to look awesome.

"we saw what happened with cars" What does that mean? I drive a Leaf and its the best car I've ever driven. I've practically forgotten how to pump gas and the only maintenance I have is tire rotations and brake pad changes.

I'm referring to the EV1.

Oh, in 2007 we could have had one for only $2100. To dream. http://www.treehugger.com/cars/intriguing-electric-bike-the-...

All that said, Johammer certainly looks interesting.

I don't know what its range is, but I'd rather ride this: http://youtu.be/6EI6IhNqGCU

    Power: 11kW

In something that weighs 200kg? no thanks...

For reference, a ninja 250 has 27 kW, weighs 350 lb, and costs only $4500. (And if driven carefully apparently can get 80mpg.)

My personal reference point is my old 1984 GSX-R400. Which has 59hp == 44kW and weighs around 165kg.

It felt fast enough, but was by no means the fastest bike around. I can't imagine less than a quarter of that power being enough.

Battery swap might be even more workable for motorcycles.

Electric is less compelling for motorcycles from the get-go because you can easily get ludicrous gasoline fuel efficiency. A conservatively driven 650cc bike can get 60+ mpg. There are hobbyist diesel motorcycles that get crazy mileage.

This of course hints at the major problem with car efficiency, which is excess weight. Federal safety mandates have made cars way more heavy than they used to be, so that despite 20% improvements in engine efficiency modern gasoline cars merely match the cars of 30 years yore. The big culprit, from what I gather, is the roll safety requirement. Take a hacksaw and welder to a modern sedan and electric doesn't really make much sense. Gasoline is still the way to go.

I know a guy who has an electric motorcycle (a zero) and while I'm sure it's fine for going around town, it's crap for pleasure. He's always proposing weekend rides that, of course, happen to pass by charging stations where we will be required to spend a multi-hour lunch. Definitely does not fit in with my idea of what a motorcycle is for. If I want to take short urban trips I'd just as soon use a bicycle.

Let's be honest. It will probably be hit by another vehicle far before that distance is reached. Cue safety discussion.