2013 MotoCzysz E1pc: official photos and details

The wraps officially came off the 2013 MotoCzysz E1pc at the Isle of Man yesterday. Gone are much of the traits that made the bike unique — the whacky wings and weird forks — replaced with conventional running gear and more batter capacity.

"Once again, I am truly in awe," says American rider Mark Miller. "For the past four years the MotoCzysz crew has consistently raised the bar, and this year is no exception. I can’t wait to climb on and tackle the mountain course! It’s going to be a bit different without Michael Czysz here but from the looks of things the Team have sorted the bikes and its now my turn to go to work."

"2013 is as much about bike handling as it is about energy onboard," explains the bike's designer, Michael Czysz. "Adding range is simple, you add more batteries; but to achieve that without adding weight was an engineering feat."

"The 2013 E1pc handling rivals any bike on the mountain, allowing Michael and Mark to easily carve the twisty mountain course faster than ever," continues Czysz. This year's bike weighs the same as last year's, but packs 20% more energy in its battery packs.

That extra capacity appears to be held under the seat, which now features a large box right where the fuel tank on a MotoGP bike goes. Like fuel, batteries are heavy, so centralizing their mass is key to good handling.

Gone are MotoCzysz's signature wing-section forks, which built in lateral flex. On Twitter, the company states that flex is now handled by the triple clamps. An area of the bike we haven't yet seen much of, but plan to learn more about.

TT veteran Michael Rutter and fellow rider Mark Miller are going to have their work cut out for them this year. MotoCzysz's chief rival is the Mugen Shinden Ni, piloted by John McGuinness. That bike is supported by the Honda factory itself and allegedly cost $4.5 million.