union motion unveils the akira inspired 'phaser type 1' electric motorcycle

responding to the growing environmental need for an increase in electricity dependent vehicles, union motion has designed a motorcycle to engage with commuters on both an emotional and practical level. such engagement is essential to the speedy transition to cleaner forms of transit, and union motion think their ‘phaser type 1’ bike is just the thing to kickstart the revolution.

emotional and practical engagement is essential for the speedy transition to cleaner forms of transit

founded in 2015, this is union motion’s first prototype. ‘we want to challenge the trope of nostalgic and aesthetically led custom motorcycles by encouraging others to experiment with the awesome possibilities offered by electric powertrains,’ explains the team. ‘the phaser type 1 started life as a ‘98 fazer 600. we got it as a rolling chassis, just frame, forks, swingarm and wheels. once de tabbed, the double loop frame made a great base for experimenting with battery location and drivetrain layout. after a little trial and error, we settled on a conventional motor location, echoing the final drive output of the original engine.’

union motion want to challenge the trope of nostalgic and aesthetically led custom motorcycles

the 6 kwh battery pack found a home above the motor and controller, snug between the two top frame loops, keeping the centre of gravity of its 50 kg weight nice and low. the pack sits on a set of rails that allow it to be easily removed from the rear of the bike. this means a fresh pack can be installed in under five minutes, giving another 60 miles of riding. with a top speed of 110mph, the phaser type 1 can be fully charged in just 2 hours.

the 6 kwh battery pack found a home above the motor and controller

CNC milled sheet aluminium bodywork keeps things clean and minimal to allow for easy access to the controller and airflow over the motor. the tank has been reduced to the bare essentials, keeping the profile of the bike low whilst retaining the original ergonomics, allowing you to grip the machine around corners. finishing touches include union motion’s own programmable instrument, an akira-inspired disc wheel and a super-bright halo running light.

CNC milled sheet aluminium bodywork keeps things clean and minimal

the tank has been reduced to the bare essentials, keeping the profile of the bike low

the phaser features a 6kwh nissan leaf cell stack

the rear disc-wheel is inspired by the iconic motorbikes designs from the 1988 film akira

the bike is led by an LED halo headlight

the bike is programmed with a custom UI

the design includes thundercat brake calipers & a modified FZS600 mud guard

the phaser type 1 is union motion’s first prototype

specs

year of build: 2016
chassis: yamaha fzs 600 fazer
top speed: 110 mph
range: 60 miles
curb weight: 160 kg

motor

type: axial flux, brushless, three phase, permanent magnet.
cooling: passive air-cooled.
continuous power: 32 kw (42 hp)
peak power: 48 kw (64 hp)
continuous torque (@ motor) : 44 nm
continuous torque (@ wheel): 120 nm
peak torque (@ motor): 110 nm
peak torque (@ wheel): 300 nm

battery pack

chemistry: automotive spec lithium ion.
type: modular.
capacity: 6 kwh
nominal voltage: 88.8 v

charger

type: off-board
power: 3 kw
input: 13 a household
charge time: 2 hours

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: peter corboy | designboom