Michael Rutter about to start the one-lap TT Zero race at the 2013 Isle of Man TT races on the MotoCzysz E1pc

MotoCzysz (pronounced MOH-toh-chish) was an American motorcycle company based in Portland, Oregon that intended to compete in MotoGP.[1] The C1 prototype engine was designed with perfect balance not needing a balance shaft. Some of the patented innovations included a slipper clutch with twin clutches, and a unique front suspension. The business also developed a successful electric racing motorcycle, the E1pc.

History

MotoCzysz was founded by late American engineer and professional motorcycle racer Michael Czysz.[2][3] In June 2009, MotoCzysz raced in the world's first zero-emissions motorcycle grand prix. The race took place on the Isle of Man TT course. This race was the subject of the 2011 documentary Charge where the MotoCzysz team were referred to as the "swaggering American hotshots".[4] In October 2009, MotoCzysz and Bajaj Auto announced a joint venture to create a green automobile.[5] Analysts speculated that the vehicle could be a hybrid vehicle.[6][7] MotoCzysz teamed with Remy Electric Motors LLC to develop an electric drive system for four-wheeled vehicles.[8] The company then signed a deal with TAC Motors of Brazlia in 2012 to supply those drives for TAC Motors' Stark SUV.[8]

C1

Frame

The C1 features a carbon fiber frame that exhibits more stiffness than most other motorcycles.[9] The frame also serves as the bike's airbox.

Engine

The 990 cc four-cylinder engine is mounted to the frame longitudinally, rather than transversely as on most similarly configured motorcycles. A transverse arrangement fights a bike's gyroscopic tendency to stand up when leaned over and applying throttle. The C1, in order to negate the resulting gyroscopic forces of the longitudinal orientation, has its lengthwise-mounted inline 4 engine cut in half, with the resulting crankshaft halves counter-rotating. Thus, the bike handles with no noticeable gyroscopic force from the engine.[10]

Two of the bike's four throttle bodies are controlled mechanically, while the other two are controlled electronically by the ECU, hypothetically smoothing power delivery. The ECU-controlled throttle bodies can be adjusted by computer for refinement of the throttle curve.

For the 2007 MotoGP season, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna Sports reduced the engine capacity to 800 cc for the class, rendering the C1's configuration ineligible for competition. Michael Czysz commented in a blog post[11] that they were looking towards racing the bike in either AMA or WSB competition.

Production

Michael Czysz riding the MotoCzysz E1pc, on his way to victory in the Laguna Seca e-Power race, 25 July 2010

As of mid-2010, MotoCzysz was offering to take down payments towards 50 MotoGP replica bikes offered for $100,000.[12] A production date was unspecified.

Awards

The C1 was recognized with Robb Report MotorCycling's 2007 Achievement in Design Award.[13]

E1pc

The E1pc all-electric sportsbike[14] was announced in June 2009 as an entrant for the TTXGP but did not finish the race. In 2010, it took first place in the 2010 TT Zero event at the Isle of Man TT, and set a new course record.[15]

For the 2011 TT Zero Race, MotoCzysz riders Michael Rutter and Mark Miller took first and second places and for 2012 the same riders finished first and third.

In the 2013 TT Zero Race, Rutter again won at a new record race-average speed of 109.675 mph,[16] with team-mate Miller suffering breakdown.[16]

References

  1. ↑ Cameron, Kevin (August 2006). "Forging a Future". Cycle World. Vol. 45, no. 8. p. 84. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-01-22.
  2. ↑ Michael Czysz, Portland designer and electric motorcycle innovator, dies at 51 Oregon Live, May 11, 2016, Retrieved June 12, 2016
  3. ↑ "History of the Czysz Family". MotoCzysz.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-21.
  4. ↑ "Charge (2011) on IMDB". IMDb.
  5. ↑ Bajaj Auto and MotoCzysz JV on "Dream" project (press release), MotoCzysz, October 2, 2009, archived from the original on November 18, 2010, retrieved 2010-06-20
  6. ↑ MotoCzysz/Bajaj Create Joint-Venture for Next Generation Automobile, Asphalt and Rubber magazine, October 23, 2009, retrieved 2010-06-20
  7. ↑ MotoCzysz + Bajaj = dream?, Autoblog Green, October 4, 2009, retrieved 2010-06-20
  8. 1 2 Williams, Christina (May 25, 2012). "Brazilian company taps MotoCzysz for electric drive". Sustainable Business Oregon. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  9. ↑ Sam Fleming (September 2006). "Building the Dream / MotoCzysz Factory Tour" (PDF). Road Racing World. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-12-01.
  10. ↑ Alan Cathcart. "American Beauty / C1 First Ride". Motorcyclist magazine.
  11. ↑ "Michael Czysz Responds To Some FAQ's". December 2006. Archived from the original on 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2008-02-25.
  12. ↑ "MotoCzysz website". Archived from the original on 2008-02-29.
  13. ↑ Buchanan, Jeff (February–March 2007). "True Believer: Perchance to dream / MotoCzysz C1". Robb Report Motorcycling. p. 63. Archived from the original on 2003-09-23.
  14. ↑ MCN Article - Exclusive photo: finished MotoCzysz E1pc revealed, claiming V-MAX-beating acceleration
  15. ↑ MotoCzysz Wins TT Zero, Sets New Electric Speed Record, Popular Science, 2010-06-11, retrieved 2010-06-14
  16. 1 2 Cycleworld.com MotoCzysz Claims Fourth Consecutive TT Victory. Retrieved 2013-07-01
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