Trystan Casey
The history of electric vehicles dates back to the 19th century, with the first electric start motorcycle being the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, introduced in 1965. Prior to this, motorcycles typically used a kick-start mechanism, requiring the rider to manually start the engine. The Duo-Glide's electric start motor revolutionized the motorcycle industry, paving the way for modern conveniences in motorcycle starting systems. The development of electric vehicles, including motorcycles, has a long history with various pioneers and innovations, including the work of Louis-Guillame Perreaux, who patented the concept of the motorcycle in 1868, and the creation of early batteries in the 1800s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the first electric start motorcycle | Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide |
| Year of introduction | 1965 |
| Features | Electric starter motor |
| Previous motorcycles | Used kick-start mechanism |
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What You'll Learn
- The first electric start motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide in 1965
- Electric start systems were seen as early as 1914 on an Indian motorcycle
- The 1968 Honda CB350 was one of the first important models with an electric start
- The electric vehicle revolution in the 1970s almost changed the future of motorcycles
- The invention of electric vehicles relied on advancements in batteries and electric motors in the 1800s. The first electric start for a car was patented in 1899
The first electric start motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide in 1965
The first electric start motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, introduced in 1965. Prior to the introduction of the Duo-Glide, motorcycles were typically kick-started, requiring the rider to manually push down on a lever to start the engine. The electric start motor on the Duo-Glide eliminated this need for kick-starting, making riding motorcycles more convenient for users.
The innovation of an electric start system for motorcycles was not a new concept in 1965. In fact, as early as 1914, an electric start system was seen on an Indian motorcycle. This early system required two large six-volt batteries to crank the 7bhp motorcycle, which may explain why electric starters did not gain widespread adoption for two-wheeled vehicles until the introduction of the Duo-Glide.
Another early electric start motorcycle was the 1968 Honda CB350. Honda had been using electric starts on some of their home models for around ten years prior, but the CB350 was a big seller in the United States, and the company hoped that the new system would give the model a unique selling point. However, most owners of the CB350 used the kick-start mechanism, which was notoriously fragile and often failed, resulting in numerous warranty claims.
The introduction of the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide in 1965 revolutionized the motorcycle industry and set the stage for the modern conveniences we see in motorcycles today. The electric start feature on the Duo-Glide made starting a motorcycle easier and more convenient, and it is thanks to this innovation that we see electric starts as standard on most motorcycles today.
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Electric start systems were seen as early as 1914 on an Indian motorcycle
The history of electric vehicles goes back to the 19th century, paralleling developments in steam-powered vehicles, and predating the use of petroleum-powered engines. The idea of adding a motor to a bicycle emerged as a natural progression from the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle with a rising throttle. While the first motorcycle was likely steam-powered, the first patent for an engine other than steam to power a motorcycle was Joseph Marie's patent drawing of April 28, 1869, detailing an electric motor to power a "Vélocipède magnéto-électrique."
Electric start systems for motorcycles were seen as early as 1914 on an Indian motorcycle. This early electric start system used two hefty six-volt batteries to crank the 7 bhp motorcycle. However, electric starters didn't become popular on two-wheeled vehicles due to the large battery requirement. The 1965 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide was the first motorcycle to feature an electric starter motor, eliminating the need for kick-starting and revolutionizing the industry.
Prior to the widespread adoption of electric starters, motorcycles typically used a kick-start mechanism, which required the rider to manually start the engine by pushing down on a lever. The development of batteries played a crucial role in the evolution of electric vehicles. Various types of batteries were invented in the early 1800s, and Gustave Planté invented the rechargeable lead-acid battery in 1859, commonly used in cars and motorcycles until the 2000s. The first patent for an electric start for a car was filed in the United States in 1899, over sixty years before the introduction of the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide.
In the 1970s, a pioneering bike engineer, Mike Corbin, created the first-ever production electric motorcycle, almost changing the future of motorcycling. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the 1973 oil crisis, which shifted the focus towards smaller cars and electric vehicles for short commutes. Despite these setbacks, Honda played a significant role in popularizing electric starters with the introduction of the CB750 in 1969, addressing the issues with the fragile kick-start of its predecessor, the CB350. Today, electric start systems have become foolproof, with only older or smaller-capacity classic motorcycles retaining kick-start mechanisms.
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The 1968 Honda CB350 was one of the first important models with an electric start
The 1965 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide was the first electric start motorcycle, eliminating the need for kick-starting and revolutionizing the motorcycle industry. However, the 1968 Honda CB350 was also one of the first important models with an electric start.
The Honda CB350, also known as the Honda CB350 K0 Super Sport, was introduced in 1968 and became the best-selling motorcycle in the world that year. It was an ideal upgrade for those who had started with smaller cc bikes and weren't ready for the more powerful CB 750. The CB350's 12-volt electric starter was a comforting feature, especially for those who had struggled with kick-starting. It also offered adequate lighting, flashing turn signals, dual mirrors, and even a helmet holder.
The CB350 was available in different variants, including the Super Sport (CB), Scrambler (CL), and Motosport trials bike (SL). It featured a chain-driven overhead camshaft between its twin cylinders, generating 36 bhp at a remarkable 10,000 rpm redline. It had a five-speed gearbox, and electric start was standard on all models except the last SL 350 Motosports.
The popularity of the CB350 is evident, with an impressive 626,000 units sold between 1968 and 1972. However, owning one today comes with challenges, mainly due to the difficulty in finding original parts. For example, finding original exhausts and mufflers from this era is nearly impossible, and replacements can be costly. Nonetheless, the electrics on these bikes are fairly reliable, although rectifier failures can occur.
In 2020, Honda launched a new version of the CB350 in India, featuring a new engine, design updates, and alloy wheels. This modern iteration included LED headlights and taillights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a hazard light switch. It was later introduced in other markets, including the UK, Australia, and Japan, under model numbers starting with GB350.
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The electric vehicle revolution in the 1970s almost changed the future of motorcycles
Electric motorcycles have been around since the late 19th century, but they have mostly been considered a novelty until recent times. The electric vehicle revolution of the 1970s, sparked by the Arab oil embargoes, almost changed the future of motorcycles. The oil crisis created a growing interest in reducing the US's dependence on foreign oil, and Congress passed the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976, providing support for electric and hybrid vehicle research and development. This led to a wave of innovation in electric vehicles, including motorcycles.
Chopper builder Mike Corbin built the City Bike around 1970, which was probably the first street-legal electric motorcycle in the US. With a top speed of 30 mph and a range of 40 miles, it was a far cry from the powerful and sleek motorcycles of today. However, it represented a significant step forward in the evolution of electric motorcycles.
The 1970s electric vehicles still had limitations compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, with lower top speeds and shorter ranges. However, the focus on electric vehicles during this period spurred advancements in technology and design. The EMB Electra, built from 1996 to 1999, could reach speeds of 51 mph with a similar range to Corbin's City Bike. While still too slow and expensive, it demonstrated the potential of electric motorcycles to compete with gasoline-powered bikes.
Today, electric motorcycles are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits, sleek designs, instant torque, and silent operation. They are attracting a diverse range of riders and challenging the traditional image of motorcycles. Major motorcycle manufacturers are investing in research and development to meet the demands of this changing market. While challenges remain, such as concerns about charging infrastructure and battery range, the electric motorcycle revolution is here to stay, paving the way for a more sustainable and exhilarating era in motorcycling.
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The invention of electric vehicles relied on advancements in batteries and electric motors in the 1800s. The first electric start for a car was patented in 1899
The invention of electric vehicles was a gradual process that occurred in the 1800s, driven by advancements in batteries and electric motors. The earliest electric motors and battery-powered vehicles were developed in the first half of the century. For instance, in 1828, the Hungarian priest and physicist Ányos Jedlik invented an early type of electric motor and created a small model car powered by it. Between 1832 and 1839, Scottish inventor Robert Anderson developed a crude electric carriage. However, these early efforts were not yet practical for widespread use.
The development of rechargeable batteries in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté was a significant milestone, as it provided a viable means of storing electricity on board a vehicle. This, along with improvements in electric motor efficiency, led to the creation of the world's first practical electric vehicles in the second half of the 19th century. French and English inventors built some of the first functional electric cars during this period.
In the 1880s, inventor Thomas Parker helped deploy electric-powered trams and built prototype electric cars in England. In 1881, French inventor Gustave Trouvé tested what was likely the first human-carrying electric vehicle with its own power source along a Paris street. These early electric vehicles had limited speed and range, but they sparked the imagination of other inventors.
By the 1890s, practical, commercially available electric vehicles emerged, and they gained popularity in early motorsports. The first electric start for a car was likely introduced during this period, as evidenced by the success of electric vehicles in racing events. While the exact date of the first electric start for a car is unclear, it is known that the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide motorcycle introduced in 1965 featured an electric starter motor, marking a significant innovation in the motorcycle industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric start motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, introduced in 1965.
The Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide featured an electric starter motor, eliminating the need for kick-starting, making riding motorcycles more convenient.
Before the electric start, motorcycles typically used a kick-start mechanism, requiring the rider to manually kick-start the engine by pushing down on a lever.
Early electric start systems had problems with the starter overheating and batteries draining too quickly.
The 1968 Honda CB350 was one of the most important models to receive an electric starter after the Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide.
