Famous Spanish two-stroke off-road motorcycle manufacturer Bultaco has returned to production with an electric trials bike called the Brinco.
It will be followed by an “Electrical Urbanmotard” based on the Rapitán prototype.
Bultaco Rapitan prototpye electric motorcycleThe bikes will have lithium-ion batteries and ultra-condensers developed in collaboration with high-speed rail company, Viesca Engineering.
Bultaco announced its return to the market in May 2014 and has set up a new factory close to the Montmeló Circuit, in Barcelona, with production ready to start.
The main building covers more than 2000 m2, most reserved for the manufacture of the new motorcycles, though there is also an area of over 300 m2 designated for offices, arranged on two 150-m floors. The Factory’s design is already completely defined, with an area dedicated to dynamometers for engine work, and two production chains, followed by a quality control area preceding a storage zone. This building will accommodate a group of more than 50 workers by late 2015, for an initial production rate of more than 1,000 units per year. The capacity of the production line dedicated to the Brinco model is over 20,000 units per year.
“Adaptcontrol”, the unique controller for electrical vehicles developed by Bultaco, has been recognized as an innovative technological product by the European Union, which has financially supported the project through the Horizon 2020 program, the financial instrument of the most ambitious research and innovation program ever instituted by the UE.
“Adaptcontrol” integrates into a single compact controller functions that currently require five different systems, for management of the electrical motor, the BMS (Battery Management System), ultracondensers, the recharging system and the VCU (Vehicle Control Unit).
It is a modular system adaptable to all types of electrical motors, which will allow Bultaco to become a leading international supplier of smart vehicle control systems.
The first Bultaco Stores will appear in July in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, and in the Canary Islands, followed by Germany, France, Italy and the UK.
In March, Bultaco Motors recovered its name in the North American market with sales in the next two years.
No word about Australia or other markets yet.
Bultaco has rolled out a limited edition of 175 bikes at €4800 ($A7000, $US5400) in Spain. No word about prices in other markets.
The Bultaco Brinco has an aluminum frame and swingers with sturdy enduro-style suspension, weighing 38kg all up, including its 8kg removable 1.3kWh battery.
The motor on the rear wheel has 60Nm of torque, up to 2kW of power, and a top speed of 60km/h.
It also features a magnetic security and user identification system that unblocks and puts the Bultaco Brinco in operation. To unlock and start up the Brinco you place your start-up bracelet near the control panel – a band that you can wear all day.
Bultaco stopped manufacturing motorcycles in 1983.
Bultaco Brinco
- Price:4,800€ (VAT included)
- Riding modes 3. Sport / Tour / Eco
- Battery life 100% electrical: up to 30 km
- Electric + Pedaling: over 80 km
- Recharge time 3 h
- Charger Off board @ 8 Ah
- Power Rating 1.5 kW
- Maximum Power 2 kW
- Maximum Torque 60 Nm
- Motor On the back wheel
- Battery 1.3 kWh – Lithium-Ion, highly durable – Removable and Portable
- Chassis Aluminum central tube frame
- Front brakes Disc Ø 203 mm with 4-piston clamp
- Rear brakes Disc Ø 203 mm
- Front Suspension 180 cm adjustable inverted fork
- Rear Suspension 217-mm adjustable monoshock
- Gear shift 9 Speeds + Overdrive
- Tires 24 x 3.0″
- Weight 39 kg (8-kg battery included)
- Connectivity Smartphone (Bluetooth – Optional SIM Cards)
- Compatible Operating Systems iOS/Android
- Keyless Start-up System Bracelet/Card