I?m in two minds about electric motorcycles. The instantaneous torque and low maintenance is appealing, for sure?but I also love the character and intangible ?soul? that internal combustion engines have.
Styling is also an issue. Tesla has it easy, because bodywork hides the powertrain in a car. But the battery packs on unfaired electric bikes are very visible indeed; they don?t have the allure of solid metal fins, cases and covers. And who doesn?t love the curves and welds of a good exhaust system"

To my eyes, Alta Motors has got very close to solving the styling problem with this new street tracker concept, called the Redshift ST. It?s a minimalist approach, with a sliver of baby blue bodywork cleverly drawing the eye away from the inevitable battery.
Alta is pitching the Redshift ST as ?flat track racing and urban commuting in one hooligan-sized package.? And with 120 ft-lbs of torque propelling just 250 lbs (114 kilos) of motorcycle, it?s likely to be a fun ride. For comparison purposes, that?s around the same torque you?d get from a Suzuki Hayabusa or Yamaha V-Max.

If the ST goes into production, it?s unlikely to be dicing it out with Harley and Indian on the dirt tracks, but the styling influence is welcome. The 19-inch BST carbon fiber wheels, shod with DOT Mitas tires, look especially good. And the seat height is a friendly 31 inches.
Range with the current 15-pound battery pack is 50 miles (80 kilometers) and a full recharge takes six hours. For commut...