The number of electric motorcycles and scooters on the world's roads will dramatically rise over the next few years, according to Pike Research. Pike estimate there could be 138 million electric motorcycles and scooters on the road by 2017. This figure would be over eight times higher than the 17 million found at present. The reason for the growth of this industry is likely to be due to improving popular perception, government incentives and high gas costs.

Chip Yates is pioneering the use of electronic motorcycles and at the forefront of transforming their image. Recently at the Mojave Mile, set in the Californian desert, on his 241 horsepower superbike he set a new unofficial world record of 190.6mph on his Swigz Pro Racing electric motorcycle.

This has smashed the previous top speeds achieved by electric motorcycles at various events where speeds of around 170mph were achieved. The Mojave Mile is a racing event where speed enthusiasts take their vehicles and try to go as fast as possible from a standing start over a one-mile course.

Yates believes that the bike can beat that speed as computer modeling of the bike suggests it can do at least 200mph once the team addresses the rear buffeting that’s causing drag. Yates states that a key problem with the electronic superbike is chain life “we have serious chain life issues with our front chain - we just upgraded it to a 530 but it runs around a 15 and a 16 tooth sprockets at 8,000 RPM so there is no hope for long life - we typically change the chain several times a day at the track.”

To reduce their chain problems the Swigz Pro Racing team are installing the Scottoiler eSystem. The eSystem is the most technologically advanced chain oiler on the market and competes with the best motorcycle accessories.  Scottoiler chain oilers have be found to increase chain life by up to 7 times and significantly improve performance as they reduce friction, which releases more power.

The eSystem is currently being fitted to the Swigz Pro Racing superbike and we will have a further update shortly! To see more pictures of Chip Yates, the bike and the Pikes Peak Dirt Testing Day join on us on http://www.facebook.com/scottoiler

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