THE PACK has been following Bruno Forcella’s work since 2017, ever since we published his ‘Number One’ electric custom motorcycle at our website. I had the opportunity to meet him in Antwerp two years ago, where he mentioned he was developing a new project called ‘King Current’. Today, we are excited to share Bruno’s story about this latest creation.
Bruno Forcella: “After designed and developed my initial electric motorcycle in 2014, which was unlike any other, I felt compelled to turn my vision of another custom creation into reality. My aim was to craft a unique electric custom motorcycle that retained the aesthetic of the first but boasted improved performance, enhanced rear suspension, extended range, and more self-manufactured components.
In addition to the battery box, heatsinks, dynamic belt tensioner, brake system adapters, glass fiber covers, and numerous other components, I also personally designed and constructed the entire frame.
A 100 km range suits my personal requirements perfectly, whether it’s for commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride around the nearby lake, leaving people in their cars and on the roadside amazed.
Different. Electric. Real.
When designing a motorcycle, it’s important to avoid bulky battery housing, even though this typically leads to a reduced range. Although battery technology has advanced over the past ten years, there hasn’t been a significant leap in energy density. Consequently, to overcome the limited range caused by low energy density, large battery modules need to be concealed within the bike, which adds substantial weight and design limitations. Unfortunately, this approach doesn’t suit the style of motorcycles I design and build. Let’s remain optimistic that we’ll soon witness notable advancements in energy density.”
2024 Custombike Show Bad Salzuflen Germany
“This was my initial opportunity to showcase KING CURRENT to a sizable audience and participate in a custom bike championship, competing against hundreds of custom bikes from various parts of Europe.
Regrettably, I didn’t secure a trophy in any of the 15 categories. Initially, I was pretty let down because I believed my bike stood out as one of the most unique, especially since it was the only electric model in the entire competition! I suppose my expectations were too high for an event focused on motorcycles with combustion engines, performance exhausts, roaring sounds, oil, gasoline, vibrations, and an abundance of horsepower and torque, all showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic experience, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.”
Project and Bike Name: King Current
Drivetrain
- Drivetrain: from a donor bike Zero Motorcycles FX 2016
- Braking system: from a donor bike Zero Motorcycles FX 2016 including ABS
- Motor: 3-phase highly efficient permanent magnet motor
- Max. Torque: 96 Nm
- Max. Power: 44 PS @ 3700 U/min
- Max. Capacity: 6.5 kWh
- Voltage: 102 V
- Range: 100 km
- Max. speed: 125 km/h
- Transmission: Clutchless direct beltdrive with self-designed pulleys
- Battery housing: self-made by Bruno
- Heat sink for Motor Controller: self-made by Bruno
Frame
Frame: self-designed and self-made softail style frame with a cantilever suspension. Very special are the symmetrical design of the swingarm and its S-shaped tubing components.
Accessories
- Handlebar: superbike style
- Toothed belt pulleys: self-designed
- Switches: high quality pushbuttons
- Rear suspension: progressive suspension shocks. These are placed in a unique spot between the motor and the solo seat. They are completely visible and therefore catch the spectator’s attention.
- Front suspension: conventional telescopic fork with massive triple tree clamps, large diameter bottom sliders and a hidden axle mount
- Foot controls: self-made by Bruno
- ‘Gas tank’: self-designed and self-made glass fiber reinforced plastic covers by Bruno
- Rear and front fenders: partly self-made / modified by Bruno
- Fender struts: self-made by Bruno
- Seat: solo Seat
- Seat springs: 2“ Barrel Style
- License plate holder: self-made by Bruno
- Rear light, brake light and turn signal: 3 in 1 LED
- Front turn signal lights: LED handlebar end indicators
- Headlight: HD headlight insert in aluminum housing
- Paintjob: by Fabrizio Passani
Wheels
- Wheel front: 21“x 3.5“
- Wheel rear: 18“x 5.5“
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