Gates Unchains Milan
Gates exhibited several Gates Carbon Drive products at EICMA 2021, held in Milan.
EICMA 2021 (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori) is one of the motorcycle world’s largest exhibitions and was held from November 25 to 28 2021 in Milan, Italy. It was the perfect place for Gates to exhibit its Carbon Drive technology and its new partnership with electric scooter manufacturer Gogoro. This partnership comes as Gates celebrates its 110th anniversary, as it was founded in Denver in 1911.
EICMA 2021 was all about innovation. In 2020 people began rethinking the way they got around crowded cities, and the US experienced a massive bike sales boom. Gates Carbon Drive helped improve these bikes, thanks to the Gates belt’s many advantages over the standard chain system. Now, Gates has partnered with Gogoro to develop FLO DRIVE, a vehicle drivetrain system based on Gates Carbon Drive which will bring smart electric mobility to the masses. Gogoro is known for its innovative Gogoro Network, which allows riders to swap out their drained batteries for fresh ones in a matter of seconds. The network is so extensive that in Taiwan, riders are never more than 1 km (0.6 miles) from the nearest battery swapping station.
MOTO X9
Gates displayed several other innovative sprockets and belts, including the Moto X9 (unveiled in March 2021), a synchronous drive belt designed especially for motor-driven two-wheelers which can be used in internal-combustion and electric applications. Moto X9 combines innovation lies in the fact that it can handle higher torque despite being narrower than the previous generation Gates belt.
NEW FRONT SPROCKETS
Gates also exhibited the new Moto-X front sprockets for motorcycles and scooters. These come in a wide range of configurations including custom splines, single or dual flange, and offset variations. The sprockets are made of high-durability carbon steel and are compatible with Moto X9 belts.
MUDPORT TECHNOLOGY
Also on display was Gates Mudport sprocket. Unveiled in November 2020, the Mudport optimizes port design and tooth shape, and eliminates flanges where possible to naturally shed the mud and debris found in off-road conditions. MudPort technology adds to the advantages of a Gates belt drive over the standard chain. Gates belts are lighter, quieter, require less maintenance, and have a longer lifespan.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Gates Carbon Drive naturally sheds debris, is waterproof, and requires less maintenance than a chain. This makes it the perfect component on high-performance off-road bikes like the Nicolai EBoxx GT1 E14. The EBoxx packs a punch with its Bosch mid-drive motor and 45 kph (28 mph) top speed. You also get goodies like an on-board computer, Rohloff E14 hub, and a smooth Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt.
The Riese & Müller Superdelite GT Rohloff HS is a long distance bike that’s equally at home on the road and off it. It’s quiet and smooth and you can throw on some camping equipment for a jaunt to the countryside. The R&M we displayed at EICMA boasted options like a Bosch battery, Pinion gearbox with Rohloff E14 electronic shifter, top speed of 20 mph (32 kph), and of course a Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt.
The Sur-ron Light Bee is an off-roading, electric motorcycle that can navigate any trail with ease. Since it’s electric, the proceedings are whisper quiet, and the Gates belt makes the Light Bee smooth and quick to respond. The Light Bee comes with a 6000w peak-power motor, 47 mph (75 kph) top speed, and a maximum range of 60 miles (96 km) at 20 mph (32 kph).
LIVE WIRE
Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands around, and now they’re diversifying their portfolio. The LiveWire ONE is the company’s first electric vehicle, and it comes with a 105 hp electric motor, a range of 146 miles (235 km) on a full charge, and top speed of 115 mph (185 kph).
If you’d like to know more, check out our website at www.gatescarbondrive.com, and follow our blog to keep up with the latest news from Gates Carbon Drive. If you’d like to know more about our presence at EICMA, check out this video and feast your eyes on these pictures from our booth at the show.
