With gobs of torque instantly on tap, electric powertrains lend themselves particularly well to certain applications such as off-roading. Another area that hugely benefits from the unique power delivery of a proton-powered powertrain is the flat track sector, which requires enough oomph to break traction for proper slides. And this is ultimately what prompted Toby Roberts of Australia’s Ed Motorcycles to create his fully-electric “Concept Z” flat tracker.
The Royal Australian Air Force technician-turned-builder started by designing a custom frame and battery box in CAD, before fabricating the chassis from 4130 Chromoly and then producing the box in 6061 panels that have been TIG-welded together — affording the battery box the structural integrity to act as a stressed member of the chassis. The one-off frame’s paired with a CR85 mono-shock, a vintage Yamaha R6 front-end, and a pair of 19” Excel rims shod in Mitas rubber front and back. Putting down more torque than Ducati’s latest flagship V4 superbike, the Concept Z features a Zero 75-7R PMAC motor. Rounding out this dirt-oval racer’s a classic flat tracker tail, tracker bars, stacked LED headlights set in a traditional front number plate, and a faux tank that now accommodates the bulk of the electronics and controller.
