Parker Hannifin’s GVM electric motor to power superbike

Following a successful first outing for its Parker GVM powered machines in last year’s event, Victory Racing will once again be competing in this attention grabbing race at the iconic TT event more synonymous with conventional petrol engine bikes. This year it is hoped that the optimised electric motor will help the team, which has again secured rider William Dunlop, surpass the 111.6 mph average lap speed and 159 mph Sulby speed trap achievements recorded around the 37.73 mile public road circuit at the 2015 TT Zero.

The GVM electric motor to be used on the 2016 bike develops in the region of 175 BHP and is capable of supporting acceleration from standing to 100 mph in six seconds and a top speed of approximately 170 mph. The technical partnership between Parker and Victory motorcycles has resulted in an electric motor that boasts world-class specific power (power to weight ratio) and peak efficiencies of 97 percent, in an overall magnetic design that measures just 7.5 inches in diameter by five inches long.

Commenting on the collaboration with Victory Motorcycles and participation in 2016 events like the Isle of Man TT and the legendary Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Kevin Holloway, Strategic Account Manager of Vehicle Electrification, Parker Hannifin said: “Motorsport provides the perfect arena for the development and proving of leading edge technologies, like the GVM family of rugged, high power density, highly efficient electric motors” He continued: “With the lessons learned from the data at the track, Parker is able to improve our products for our hybrid and EV customers which have already logged millions of miles on the road using GVM motors.”

Parker’s presence on the grid at the upcoming TT Races is boosted by two other machines.  One was developed by engineers at the Motorsport Engineering programme at Brunel University London.  Every year since 2010, Brunel University has raced at the Isle of Man TT Zero, but 2016 is the first time they will introduce their upgraded motorbike with a brushless GVM motor.  The other machine was developed at the Power Electronics Machines and Control Research Group (PEMC) together with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham.