curtiss motorcycles' electric 'one' celebrates a new golden age of invention

continuing its extraordinary history of invention spanning over a century, curtiss motorcycles introduces a new electric iteration, the ‘one.’ the alabama-based company, formerly confederate motorcycles, began its journey in 1902 with a new revolution in automotive invention. now, the team of engineers and designers at curtiss introduce the ‘one’ as an eager celebration of a new electric revolution. developing the purest ride possible — quiet, smooth, comfortable and precise, and free of distractions — the curtiss ‘one’ captures the spirit of invention and optimism for the future that drove its founder 118 years ago. the design team comments: ‘we seek understanding of what the ancients got right, what they got wrong, and what they did not yet know. to this end, an appreciation and sensitivity to the past, without a prostration to it, carries a responsibility to innovate.‘

image courtesy of curtiss motorcycles

curtiss motorcycle‘s electric ‘one’ reimagines the experience of the ride with no shifting and no clutch. instead, the team introduces a direct connection between the rider’s wrist and a bottomless reserve of instantaneous torque. with the ‘curtiss centered power axis’ and concentric belt direct final drive, nothing stands between the flexible, precise power of the axial flux motor. the flat torque curve offers instant acceleration at any speed without shifting and without any driveline shunt. the team comments: ‘the ability to precisely command liquid-smooth power with a single input from the wrist needs to be experienced to be believed.’

image courtesy of curtiss motorcycles

with the introduction of the electric ‘one,’ curtiss motorcycles seeks to predict and shape the future it desires. smooth, controlled suspension with comfortable springing and damping is tailored for real roads, while a fully adjustable geometry allows the rider to alter their riding experience to their tastes. the ‘one’ is realized with the lightest possible weight, ready to ride at 425 pounds. the high-performance electric motorcycle is 100 pounds lighter than any comparable machine, with a low center of gravity that is perfectly centralized by the curtiss ‘power pak’ and centered power axis. the reduction in weight means better handling, better performance, and easier maneuvering — curtiss one is lithe and nimble in a way no other electric motorcycle can match.

image courtesy of curtiss motorcycles

curtiss motorcycle’s electric ‘one’ will hit the market later this year. 15 limited units of the ‘glenn h. curtiss founders edition’ model will be delivered this summer at 115,000 USD. from the end of 2021, buyers will be able to purchase the ‘one’ version at 81,000 USD. 100 units of this version will be produced each year, with a wide range of possible customizations.

image courtesy of curtiss motorcycles

image courtesy of curtiss motorcycles

project info:

project name: the one

company: curtiss motorcycles

cost: from 81,000 USD

weight: 425 pounds

power supply: ultra lightweight, compact axial flux motor solution packaged via curtiss centered power axis design (patent-pending)

power output: 217 hp (future-proof capable) | 120 hp (peak) | 87 hp (steady)

torque: 272 lb-ft (future-proof capable) | 147 lb-ft (peak) | 120 lb-ft (steady)

images: courtesy of curtiss motorcycles