This electric motor-powered Yamaha FZ-16 makes peak power of 40bhp and torque of 6.11kgm at zero rpm! Yes, you read that right. This prototype has been created to make you take your perceptions about electric motor powered motorcycles and throw them out the window. After riding Tork’s electric FZ just a few minutes, the future of electric bikes doesn’t seem as bleak anymore.
The Tork FZ is the creation of Pune-based Kapil Shelke, founder and director of Tork Motorcycles, and he’s an expert at making fast electric bikes. Tork Motorcycles finished third in the Open Class category at the 2009 TTXGP (it was only a single race event at the time) held at the Isle of Man TT. It was also the first time an Indian team competed and finished on the podium at the famous island race. In 2010, they participated in the UK’s first electric vehicle championship, the TTXGP. Tork Motorcycles not only won the opening race but also managed to come third in the final championship standing.
To highlight the company's capabilities as an electric motorcycle maker, Tork Motorcycles decided to ‘electrify’ a popular Indian motorcycle. The Tork FZ is the company’s first prototype based on a street motorcycle. Apart from the new motor, all other parts, including the frame, suspension, body panels and brakes are stock, exactly as you’d find on a regular Yamaha FZ-16. The electric motor has been fitted onto the FZ frame on the same four bolts as the original petrol engine!
The first thing that you notice about the Tork FZ is the lack of an exhaust, and then there’s the big black box underneath the petrol tank. The latter has been designed to conceal the battery box. The idea is to ensure that no rotary parts are visible. The ventilated strip below it covers the motor and the armature is its only moving part. The air intake next to the motor feeds air to the armature on the move to ensure it stays cool. The petrol tank conceals the charger, controller and other electric components.
