White Motorcycle Concepts surprises us again with its latest project in collaboration with Zero Motorcycles, which they have named under the acronym WMCSRS. An intelligent aerodynamic prototype developed on the basis of a Zero SR/S, with which they announce a reduction of up to 10% in terms of resistance offered against the wind
To do this, as is already common in the vehicles designed by WMC, they have worked to reduce the frontal area of the motorcycle, thanks to the incorporation of a duct that crosses its body from its front to the rear exit of its tail.
In essence, the WMCSRS uses the system patented by the brand in the well-known WMC250EV. This has as its main element the central tunnel that runs along the length of the motorcycle, like a venturi. The V-Air is capable of reducing resistance compared to a normal motorcycle by 70% and until now the company declared a Cx of only 0.118. But they have not only applied this technology in this specific model.
They have also developed the WMC300E+, an electric tricycle based on Yamaha’s Tricity 300 platform that promises 160 km of autonomy and a recharge time of less than 15 minutes with a standard CSS connector. This includes WMC’s patented Venturi system, which allows air to pass through the bike between the two front wheels instead of around it, optimizing aerodynamic flow.
WMCSRS: One step further in the field of aerodynamics
Now, thanks to our colleagues at Cycle World, we have learned about this new project that WMC is working on in collaboration with Zero Motorcycles. In it they use a modified SR/S, keeping both its chassis and its drivetrain unchanged. However, it has some elements that help it reduce the aforementioned wind resistance, and therefore substantially improve the figures related to the performance level.
To do this, the White Motorcycle Concepts team has installed a wrap-around fender on its front wheel, as well as side fairings that wrap around its front fork. The rear part has been raised, in order to conveniently install the rear air outlets, seamlessly interconnected with the front air intake.
In order to install this aerodynamic duct on the WMCSRS, some electronic components from the Zero SR/S had to be relocated. Whether above or below this, there is nothing to suspect these changes, at least visually. Everything is anchored under the silhouette of the North American mount.
As explained Robert Whitefounder of WMC: “Currently, the entire industry faces an enormous technical and commercial challenge to produce an electric motorcycle with performance close to that of its gasoline equivalent. “This problem will not be solved by battery technology alone, but requires a combination of innovations to close the gap now and deliver efficiency benefits in the future.”
“When I first saw the chassis and battery architecture of the Zero SR/S, I immediately recognized the opportunity to retrofit a duct. I am proud of what we have achieved, although the pipeline is limited by existing packaging restrictions. “It would offer even greater performance if integrated from the beginning of a motorcycle design.”
The WMCSRS project was agreed during the last EICMA 2023, when both brands discussed the advantages of installing an aerodynamic duct on an electric motorcycle with the characteristics of the SR/S Abe AshkenaziChief Technology Officer at Zero Motorcycles, comments:
“From our initial meeting at EICMA, we were interested in understanding the potential impact of the WMC aerodynamic duct. “We are committed to innovation and, although battery development is advancing rapidly, we believe that a combination of technologies is the key to developing the electric motorcycles of the future.”
Concludes: “This proof of concept has given us valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating an aerodynamic duct into electric motorcycles, and we will continue to explore complementary technological advancements to deliver market-leading products for our customers.”
Now it’s time to wonder if the WMCSRS project could become a reality, or even if SR/S examples could be modified with this aerodynamic duct. Many factors come into play here, such as economic viability, handling efficiency or aspects merely related to the safety of the motorcycle. We assume that both brands are already working to respond to all this and sooner rather than later it could become a technical resource used in street motorcycles.
