EMB Lectra VR24 1998 User manual

Vehicle Information
Dealer Information
Owner Information
Note The terms motorcycle and motorbike are used interchangeably in this manual.
VIN Number
Model
Dealer
Purchase Date
Name
Addres
City, St., Zip
Phone No.

1998 Lectra™ Owner’s Manual
1
1998 Lectra™ Owner’s Manual
Thank you for buying the EMB Lectra™, the world’s most advanced electric motorbike and the
first production electric vehicle to use variable reluctance technology. This manual is designed
to help acquaint the new owner with this very unique machine, and to provide basic service
information when it is required.
Electric Motorbike (EMB) Incorporated
6780 Depot Street
Sebastopol, California 95472
707-82E-BIKE (823-2453)
[e-mail]
www.motorbike.org
Copyright © 1997. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Contents
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Contents
Riding Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Warning Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safe Riding Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hand Controls and Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Left-side Controls and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Right-Side Controls and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Instruments and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Left-hand Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Right-hand Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Battery Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Energy Storage using Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Description of VR24™ Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Contents
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Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Daily Inspection Before Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Emergency Reserve Mode Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Anti-theft Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Maximizing Your Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Maintenance Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Front and Rear Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drive Chain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Side Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Lifting the Motorbike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Contents
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Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Warranty and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Service Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Riding Safely
5
Riding Safely
Warning Labels
The following warnings and labels can be found on your Lectra’s swingarm:
Note See the VIN label on the motorbike for information on maximum load, tires, and
wheels.
WARNINGS
Vehicle Operation
• Always wear a helmet.
• On road use only.
• Not intended for freeway use.
• Failure to follow all operating instructions may result in an accident.
• Potential exists for electrical shock.
• Potential exists for explosive gas mixture.
• Batteries contain lead and caustic acid.
• Keep batteries fully charged and follow all battery use recommendations.
• READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY

Riding Safely
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WARNINGS
Accessories and Loading
• The safety, stability and handling of this motorbike may be adversely affected by the addi-
tion of accessories or cargo.
• This product is designed for one rider only.
• Read and understand the warnings contained in the owner’s manual and installation
instructions before installing any accessory.
• The weight of accessories, cargo and rider must be added together to determine if the
maximum weight capacity has been exceeded.
• Fitting of large fork-mounted or large handlebar-mounted fairing is not recommended.
Tire Information Front Rear
Tire Size 100/90-12 120/80-12
Cold Tire Pressures 25 psi
172 kPa
1.72 kg/cm2
25 psi
172 kPa
1.72 kg/cm2
Maximum Weight
Capacity 90 kg (200 lbs)

Riding Safely
7
Safe Riding Rules
1. Always make a pre-ride inspection before you ride your Lectra. You may prevent an
accident or equipment damage.
2. Many accidents involve inexperienced riders. Most states require a special motorcycle
riding test or license. Make sure you are qualified before you ride. NEVER lend your
motorbike to an inexperienced rider.
3. Many automobile/motorbike accidents happen because the automobile driver does not
“see” or hear you. Make yourself conspicuous to help avoid an accident that wasn’t your
fault:
• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Don’t ride in another motorist’s blind spot.
4. Obey all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Excessive speed is a factor in many accidents. Obey the speed limits, and NEVER
travel faster than conditions warrant.
• Signal before you make a turn or lane change. Your size and maneuverability can sur-
prise other motorists.
• Use the horn appropriately to warn inattentive automobile drivers, pedestrians, or
other potential hazards.

Riding Safely
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5. Don’t let other motorists surprise you. Use extra caution at intersections, parking lot
entrances and exits, driveways, and near parked vehicles.
6. Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footpegs while riding.
Protective Apparel
1. Most motorbike accident fatalities are due to head injuries: ALWAYS wear a helmet. You
should also wear a face shield or goggles as well as boots, gloves, and protective clothing.
2. Do not wear loose clothing which could catch on the control levers, footpegs, drive chain,
wheels, or other moving parts.
Modifications
Modifications to your Lectra are not recommended.
WARNING
Modification of the motorbike or removal of original equipment may render the
vehicle unsafe or illegal. Obey all federal, state, and local equipment regula-
tions.

Registration
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Learn to Ride Safely
If you are not an experienced rider, or have been away from motorbikes for a few years, we
recommend you take a motorcycle riding class. Motorcycle riding classes are available
nationwide from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, 1-800-669-7994.
Registration
Your electric motorbike meets all applicable state and federal requirements for registering as a
street-legal motorcycle. Your dealer can help you understand local registration requirements.
Insurance
Your dealer has a list of local insurance agents providing coverage for your electric motorbike.
You may also contact EMB for assistance in obtaining insurance coverage.

Overview
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Overview
The following illustrations show the location of the Lectra’s controls and instruments.
Hand Controls and Instruments
Front Brake &
Throttle
Instrument Cluster
Left-Hand
Controls
Ignition Switch Reserve Button

Overview
11
Left-side Controls and Features
Front Disc Brake Drive Chain
Eccentric Cam Adjuster for Drive Chain
Side-Stand

Overview
12
Right-Side Controls and Features
Receptacle for Charger Cord
Eccentric Cam Adjuster for Drive Chain Rear Brake Pedal

Overview
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Instruments and Indicators
The Lectra dash panel contains the Speedometer/Odometer, State-of-Charger (SOC) meter, the
ignition switch, the reserve power switch, and the high-beam, turn, neutral, and temperature
indicators.
Speedometer
Odometer
State of Charge Meter
Ignition Switch
Reserve Energy Switch
Turn Signal Indicator
High Beam Indicator
Temperature Indicator
Neutral Indicator

Overview
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Left-hand Controls
The left-hand control assembly contains switches for high-beam, turn signals, horn, and power.
Right-hand Controls
The right hand control assembly contains a twist-grip throttle and the front brake lever.
Horn Button
Turn Signal Switch
Headlight Switch
Power Button

Overview
15
Battery Charging System
Two advanced charging systems are available for your Lectra. A 440 watt charger is standard
and a 1300 watt charger is optional. Both chargers are compact, efficient units designed for
fully automatic operation using standard residential power outlets anywhere in the world.
Recharge Time from 20% State of Charge to 95% State of Charge:
440 Watt Charger 4.25 hours
1300 Watt Charger (optional) 1.5 hours
SOC Meter
The SOC meter uses one red indicator and five green indicators to show the amount of energy
storage remaining in the Lectra’s battery pack. Located on the instrument panel just above the
ignition switch, the meter includes a light sensor to adjust the indicator brightness levels for
daytime and night-time riding. The green indicators are all lit at full charge, and then gradually
extinguish as the SOC drops. The red indicator only lights when the SOC falls below 20%.
Red Indicator
When Lit
Green Indicators - 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Light Sensor
Less than 20%
Ignition Switch
(Reserve)

Overview
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Energy Storage using Batteries
The batteries in your electric motorbike are some of the finest lead-acid batteries available
today. Unlike the starter batteries found in most motor vehicles, these are deep-cycle batteries
specially designed for repeated deep discharges. Also unlike starter batteries, these batteries
will perform better after a short “break-in” period of 10 to 50 charging cycles. With proper care
these batteries are capable of maintaining their performance for more than 300 charging cycles.
Battery
Capacity
Number of Charge/Discharge Cycles
100%
80%
100 200 300

Overview
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The depth of discharge will also affect battery life and performance. Generally, the deeper you
discharge the batteries the fewer charge cycles they provide. The difference is very dramatic, as
you can see in the chart below.
Description of VR24™ Drive System
The VR24™ drive system uses variable reluctance (VR) technology to create an advanced,
compact, highly efficient, and brushless electric motor. The custom, integrated controller
provides both motor control and anti-lock regenitive braking. Regenitive, electronic braking
extends vehicle range and preserves brake life by using the vehicle’s forward momentum to
create electricity and provide some recharging during braking. The anti-lock feature prevents
the regen braking from locking the rear wheel. Both front and rear wheels can be locked using
100%
0%
Depth
of
Discharge
220 400 600 800
50%
Number of Charge/Discharge Cycles

Overview
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the standard braking system. When you push the rear-brake pedal, the first portion of travel
actuates regen braking. As you push the rear brake pedal further, the amount of regen braking
increases. Near the end of pedal travel, pushing the rear brake pedal still further will operate the
rear drum brake.
WARNING
The rear drum brake does not include anti-locking and can lock the rear wheel if
used with excessive force.
Loading
Follow these guidelines when loading or adding accessories to your Lectra motorbike:
• Check the warning lable on your Lectra’s swingarm for tire size and cold tire pressures.
• The combined weight of the rider, cargo, and additional accessories should not exceed 200
lbs (90 kg), the maximum weight capacity.
• Keep cargo and accessory weight low and close to the center of the motorbike. As weight
is located farther from the motorbike’s center of gravity, handling is proportionally more
affected.
• Maintain proper tire pressures, see your Lectra’s warning lable for tire pressures.
• All cargo and accessories must be securely fastened to the motorbike for stable handling.