Gates Races ‘to the clouds’ at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Gates powered to fifth place in heavyweight division in Colorado

Gates Races ‘to the clouds’ at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Gates sponsored Zero Motorcycles and rider Cory West in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, ‘Race to the Clouds’, is to highlight the advantages of Gates belt drive technologies versus chains on high-torque electric motorcycles, such as the Zero SR/F.

The Zero uses the same Gates belt as the production SR/F available to the general public.

The Gates carbon drive belt is delivering the power behind Zero Motorcycles on the U.S. racing circuit.

The results are looking good, evidenced by fifth place in the heavyweight division and 23rd overall at the Peak International Hill Climb, in Colorado.

Unlike chains, carbon fibre belts do not stretch, slack or corrode.

Zero’s Vice President of Product Development Brian Wisman points to the advantages as a result: “The Gates belt is proven to handle the unique torque characteristics of an electric drivetrain, without the need to constantly monitor the tension and wear associated with chains, which allows our team to focus on getting the bike set up.”

The Gates Carbon Drive’s near silent operation complements the quietness of the electric motor.

It makes a whirring sound that is remarkably different than the louder chain-driven and gasoline-powered motorcycles competing in the same events.

Under racing conditions, West – who briefly held the fastest time (10:46.233) – claims to be able to hear his tyres tracking on the road, his brake pads squeezing the rotors and his knee pucks skimming the tarmac.

He adds that it allows him to become better attuned to the operation of his machine.

“I’m amazed by the torque of the Zero electric motor and how quiet and strong the Gates Carbon Drive belt is while I’m putting the power down.

This bike has more torque than any superbike I’ve ever ridden,” he adds.

The Gates sponsorship of Zero comes as the company expands its focus on electric mobility, with a growing portfolio of belt drive products for electric motorcycles, electric scooters, eBikes and other light electric vehicles.

This focus comes 12 years after the company entered the pedal bicycle market with its Gates Carbon Drive belt system, which is now used by more than 500 brands worldwide.

Chris Vasiliotis, Global Product Engineering Manager for Gates Carbon Drive says events like the Pikes Peak are great proving grounds as Gates expands its offerings within the electric mobility space and brings solutions to consumers and manufacturers of high-performance electric vehicles.
“Zero is a leader in high-performance electric motorcycles.

“We were excited to partner with them at such a thrilling event watched by powersports fans worldwide.”

For further information about Gates, select ‘more details’ below.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.