Most electric motorcycle designers endeavor to create a countenance that appeals to those captivated by the appeal of internal combustion engines. Here at Ultimate MotorCycling, we are not immune to that affection. Much to his credit, Pablo de Chaves sees things differently.An alumnus of the Lamborghini Design Center, the Design Department Manager at Tohqi Europa, and the holder of an MS in Motorsport Engineering from Oxford Brookes University, he has created the DCH Electric Motorcycle Project that makes the aluminum battery housing the centerpiece—visually and structurally—of a motorcycle with a highly functional industrial presentation.With only a single bicycle-inspired seat and a top speed of 65 mph, the motorcycle is intended as urban transport. The minimalist DCH uses a bespoke 3.45 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that keeps weight down and charging time to a minimum (two hours with a 17-amp source).With the intention of licensing the design to another manufacturer, Chaves has kept assembly simple. The ST-52 tubular steel frame backbone is bolted to 6082-T6 aluminum CNC-machined parts. The aluminum swingarm is a TIG welded a air, with simple suspension at both ends.The seat height is an inviting 31.5 inches, and it can be raised an additional two inches to accommodate taller riders. Rake is an aggressive 24 degrees, and the wheelbase stretches 57 inches—about the same as a Suzuki SV650. Michelin Pilot Sporty tires, with identical 100mm widths, are mounted to 18-inch 36-spoke rims.“We could call it a 21st century café racer,” Chaves says provocatively. “It leaves nobody indifferent.”As with any creative thinking applied to a motorcycle by an artisan, we are intrigued.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!
