BMW CE-04 In-Depth Observations - Mike Mas

[Low On Cash]

Hey Guys - Each new bike I own, I usually compile notes to share with other riders and so the reason of this article. In this In-Depth review I’ll cover some tips for extra range, the CE 04’s modes and we’ll talk about why all the You-tube experts were 100% wrong regarding regen adding tons of range and how BMW Motorrad got CE 04’s “Eco Mode” 100% wrong.

I’ll also talk about the importance of coasting. Unlike the Evolution, the “Sail” feature was left out of the CE 04. I’ll also discuss the CE 04’s lithium battery and how you can retain its health and longevity by taking precaution in summer and winter. Finally, I share a test I performed on Brass Town Bald Mountain, where I used full regen coming down Bald mountain to see just how effective regen is in adding range.

Since the article layout and graphics were complex. I created the story in Quarkexpress and posted it on my un-sponcered ad-free site at the link below:

BMW CE-04 Observations Link:

http://www.rotory.com/bike/bmw04/

 

[rongrimes]

Very nice write-up.

 

[Tux]

Fantastic write up.

Just at the end of my first winter with the CE 04 here it has been interesting to see the range drop when the batteries gets cold ( the garage is at 15c, but when riding in the mornings it has been -5c) only left it outside for one night so hopefully that didn't damage the battery too much.

Will absolutely take your advice to charge in the cool night air in the hot summer to come.

It is a shame that the battery wasn't integrated into the liquid cooling system with the motor/inverter. It would have given the bike the ability to send excess heat from the motor/inverter to the battery in cold weather and the reverse it in hot weather, reverse the flow and the battery would get first dibs to coolant from the radiator.
Disagree with the regeneration, i feel as a rider i can choose to freewheel, but riding in traffic I would rather regen than friction break when I have to unexpectedly slowdown, but yes you are completely correct its ability to regain watts is hugely over stated in the media.

Thanks once again for the great insights.

 

[SeaE04]

Great article with a few new insights overall. That said, disagree with "don't venture more than 25 miles from home", "few riders will charge [away from home]" and "[don't charge away from home]". This machine is absolutely not worth the money if you're riding in 20 mile circles around and only charging at your home. On the contrary, the charging network in the US is dense enough in most places now that the CE 04 is an absolute blast to ride on longer tours, including the mountain passes you yourself mention. Hopping charger to charger and floating through new places far and away on this electric wraith is some of the (as Triangletom says) most fun on 2 wheels you can have.

 

[Fullum]

Great article thank you so much, it's great to understand more about how to take care of the battery while still having fun to ride the CE04 everyday.

 

[Low On Cash]

Thanks for all the replies guys and the kind words - I'm really enjoying the BMW much more than I did my Zero.

Regarding the comments on cold or hot weather, there's going to be times you'll need to ride the bike in less than desirable temperatures, with that said, the battery can take a fair amount of misuse, It's only a factor if your planning on keeping the bike, since you'll want to retain as much capacity and range as possible.

Regarding my comments of 25-30 miles from home, sorry I should have been more clear, I was talking about rural areas where I live such as riding to Suches Ga where there are no charging stations on the back roads miles from major towns. Certainly you can take the CE 04 across the country even in rural areas like our own user Tom does, but it takes careful planning. Everyone should look at his great travel threads with his CE 04. However even with careful planning he had some difficulties finding "workable" charging stations.

Myself, while I love riding the bike around our many lakes, going out for breakfast, dinner, etc. for me the low range from home syndrome is real. I'm just not one for sitting for an hour especially in summer. Fortunately, since I ride most on rural roads, free-coast as much as I can combines with the extra mileage from the windshield I've increased my distance from home to 35-40 miles. Anyhow the CE 04's range matches her seat, because I can't sit for any more than for 70-80 miles at time LOL.

On the plus side - Once solid state batteries become available boosting EV's range to 600+ miles, it should allow bikes like the Zero, Livewire, BMW, Fuell, etc. to to reach 200 plus miles, then we'll be able to tour with our ICE buddies.

Ride Safe - Mike

 

[ghostrider4]

So what is the level of regeneration in Eco mode vs Rain mode and how hard is it get and keep the throttle in the sweet spot for Coasting? Also, is it easier to get/keep the throttle in Coast mode when using Rain mode vs other modes? Interesting article, thanks for posting.

 

[Low On Cash]

So what is the level of regeneration in Eco mode vs Rain mode and how hard is it get and keep the throttle in the sweet spot for Coasting? Also, is it easier to get/keep the throttle in Coast mode when using Rain mode vs other modes? Interesting article, thanks for posting.

I play with most all modes - I like Eco for just cruising because has a soft and predictable throttle response. I'm also glad BMW got the regen backwards on Eco, so it has max regen which I like, so I barely use my service brake. When I get in traffic, hills our mountains, I like more throttle response and use Road or Dynamic. I'm really liking this bike, wish they had an add on battery like Zero to get the range to a 100 miles.

At least BMW got the seat right for the range, 2 hours and your done!

Mike