Page 6 - 100% Biker (January 2020)

100%
N E W S
NEWS

RETURN TO HADES

Back in 100% Biker #250, we brought you news of the Hades, a new design by Curtiss Motorcycles which,
having once been Confederate Motorcycles, had taken the brave step to become an entirely electric motorcycle
manufacturer, albeit with the sort of radical and challenging designs that were the hallmark of the petrol-engined
Confederate models

At the time, we described the Hades as
being rather like sitting aboard a giant
shiny suppository because of its, well,
striking battery pack which was housed in
a rocket-shaped casing and cantilevered
under the frame. Other people were
actually even less kind and more mocking
about the design than we were and it
seemed that Curtiss may indeed have
taken note of those comments. Some
critics of a less childish mindset than us
also questioned as to whether the frame
was structurally capable of carrying the
heavy battery pack.
So Curtiss embarked on a redesign
of the Hades, adding an additional
mounting point at the end of the battery
as well as some rather blingy jewellery
detailing which was, quite frankly, a little
odd although it may well have earned
them loads of points on their Hobbycraft
loyalty cards.
But, with production projected to in space. The result is that the Hades horsepower ‘Steady’ rating and there
be the late spring of this year, the now actually bears more similarities than will also be a ‘short wheelbase’ and ‘long
company has now undertaken a second before to the Confederates of the past. wheelbase’ option. The price has also
rethink of the original prototype. The Curtiss has also enlarged upon its been reduced by $15,000 to $60,000
rear suspension linkage is, in the latest original power and torque figures. The (or around £46,000) although there is
pictures, now directly above the battery, first design of the Hades was quoted also an extra and non-refundable $1500
filling in the space which was a key point at 217 horsepower but that figure fee on top of that sum. As yet, there
of the initial design, while the battery is is now listed as its ‘peak Operating has been no news of an actual physical
now part of the bodywork rather than Output; rating, while they also list a prototype, but it seems that Curtiss is
hanging around like a large cucumber 96 horsepower ‘Capable’ and a 49 firmly aiming towards that spring launch.

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