Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils Electric Zeus Bobber And Café Bikes At EICMA

"Zero to 60 in 2.1 seconds."
How could this not grab your attention? It was the first thing that jumped out to me when I heard Curtiss Motorcycles had just launched two new versions of its Zeus electric motorcycle, the Bobber and Café. The second thing was the fresh design of the Bobber. While the prototype Zeus I saw at the 2018 Quail Motorcycle Gathering was big and boxy, the Zeus Bobber actually has some sexy lines. I like how all the press photos are deliberately dark; perhaps they should take it a step further and launch the first murdered-out electric? But I digress.

What we do know is Curtiss Motorcycles has a new Advanced Powertrain Division helmed by Paul Ogilvie. Its new Zeus electric motorcycles are slated to be built at Curtiss' headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, with a projected 2020 production date.

“We are working with our proprietary technology now, so our hands have been untied in terms of design,” Curtiss’ Director of Design Jordan Cornille said.

“Our original Zeus concept prototype featured obsolete battery and motor technology that was as graceful as a cinder block. This made it difficult for our team to engineer the machine we all aspired to create. With our new Advanced Technology division, we are developing new battery, motor, and control system technologies that enable us to deliver on our clean, modern aesthetic vision,” Cornille added.

Curtiss sourced two Zero electric motors for its original E-twin platform, so we’re eager to see what they develop in-house. “We are excited to showcase what we believe is the best technology in the industry,” Ogilvie stated in a company press release. “By utilizing cutting-edge energy storage systems to balance power and range, we aim to deliver a range of 280 miles (450 kilometers), 145 foot-pounds of torque, and a 0-to-60 time of 2.1 seconds, all with a 140-kilowatt motor.”

Hmm, 280 miles per charge, 145 foot-pounds, 2.1 seconds—Ogilvie can certainly claim high marks on all the e-tech moto buzzwords. Hitting those marks is another thing. One thing’s for sure, though, it’s a big step forward for the company. It also doesn’t hurt that the girder front has a hint of B120 Wraith to it now. Most importantly, both the Zeus Bobber and Zeus Café look much more rideable and appealing than their forebear, which is a good thing since motorcycles, after all, appeal to one’s emotions. Zero to 60 in 2.1 seconds. Now that strikes an emotional chord.