Lito Sora aims for premium electric motorcycle segment

GUIMOND LONGUEUIL, Quebec - The newest entrant in the growing electric motorcycle market comes from Canadian firm Lito.Dubbed the Sora, the new electric roadster combines a curvy art-deco body design with premium components and is clearly aimed at the premium buyer.The frame is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum to save weight, but like other high-powered electric motorcycles, the hefty battery pack is massive. Claimed wet weight for the machine is still a reasonable 573 lbs., over a 59-inch wheelbase.Connecting the frame to the pavement are some high-end suspension parts, including a fully adjustable 43mm fork and an offset Elka shock, also fully adjustable. Tire sizes are sportbike-spec 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 sizes, and triple-disc brakes provide ample stopping potential, with four-piston radial-mount calipers biting 310mm front rotors and a twin-piston caliper clamping a 250mm disc out back.Performance should be quite good, with over 66 lb.-ft. of torque available, multiple riding modes, and a claimed top speed of 118 mph. Range is still the bugbear facing electric vehicles, however, as the Sora claims a peak range of around 120 miles, with a nine-hour recharge time from fully depleted.The truly unique components of the Sora are based around the rider. An integrated GPS navigation unit is built into the “tank” of the machine, along with a locking storage compartment. The ergonomics are also adjustable, with the seat unit actuating electronically to raise or lower the seating position.Based on these first details, the Sora does look like quite an attractive platform, but the price might turn off a few buyers, with a starting MSRP of $49,000 (U.S.).http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/lito-sora-aims-premium-electric-motorcycle-segment #yashta