Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA



When someone tells Terry Hershner that an electric motorcycle can't do a certain feat, he immediately begins trying to figure out how to prove them wrong. Seriously, the man is on a mission to show the world that electric transport is superior transport, with the two-wheeled mode being his validator of choice. The most recent example of this obsessive compulsion has led to him acquiring an iron butt.

For those unfamiliar with that term, relax, it's not a medical condition. Rather, it means that he has officially traveled 1,000 miles or more in less than twenty-four hours on a motorcycle. In this case, an electric 2012 Zero S that he's extensively modified, including the addition of an aerodynamic body kit created specifically for him by Craig Vetter, bunches of batteries (now 21 kilowatt-hours!), and nine separate chargers.

According to Hershner, he's been told many times that this trip, with its lengthiness and time constraint would be impossible on a battery powered bike. So, he decided that the first day of National Drive Electric Week would be a good time to surmount the insurmountable.
Starting at 1:00 PM at Chargepoint headquarters - he would use that company's chargers for the entire trip - he headed towards the Mexican border, about 500 miles away to the south. After covering 1,047 miles in 23 hours and 57 minutes, making nine charging stops along the way, he pulled back into that same parking lot with a big smile and joined the 53,000-plus members of the Iron Butt Association (IBA). Yes, there is such a thing.

Through the magic of GoPro and time-lapse you can watch "Electric Terry" make the entire journey in less than six minutes by watching the video below. While he makes it look pretty easy, constantly moving through traffic, listening to Mord Fustang's Taito, there was a fair amount of preparation involved.

With battery capacity, charging ability, and aerodynamics mostly optimized, Hershner's biggest concern had to do with weight. Carrying the wherewithal to make long distance trips has seen his suspension pretty much maxed out, making harsh bumps dangerous to the integrity of the bikes frame and impinging on its efficiency. Here is where the man's obsessiveness comes into play.

As we mentioned, you can watch fast-forward video of the journey below. Check up (if you can) with Terry at his Off The Grid Facebook page.Continue reading Terry Hershner first to earn electric Iron Butt [w/video]

Terry Hershner first to earn electric Iron Butt [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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