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Summary of Contents for EMB Lectra VR24 1998
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Vehicle Information VIN Number Model Dealer Information Dealer Purchase Date Owner Information Name Addres City, St., Zip Phone No. Note The terms motorcycle and motorbike are used interchangeably in this manual.
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1998 Lectra™ Owner’s Manual 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.
Riding Safely 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. •...
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Riding Safely 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.
Riding Safely Safe Riding Rules Always make a pre-ride inspection before you ride your Lectra. You may prevent an accident or equipment damage. 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.
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Riding Safely Don’t let other motorists surprise you. Use extra caution at intersections, parking lot entrances and exits, driveways, and near parked vehicles. Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footpegs while riding. Protective Apparel 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.
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 Overview The following illustrations show the location of the Lectra’s controls and instruments. Hand Controls and Instruments Left-Hand Controls Front Brake & Throttle Instrument Cluster Ignition Switch Reserve Button...
Overview 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 Neutral Indicator Turn Signal Indicator High Beam Indicator Temperature Indicator Reserve Energy Switch...
Overview Left-hand Controls The left-hand control assembly contains switches for high-beam, turn signals, horn, and power. Headlight Switch Turn Signal Switch Horn Button Power Button Right-hand Controls The right hand control assembly contains a twist-grip throttle and the front brake lever.
Overview 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...
Overview 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”...
Overview 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. Depth Discharge 100% Number of Charge/Discharge Cycles Description of VR24™...
Overview 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.
Always use replacement tires of the correct size. See your Lectra dealer for tire replace- ment choices. Optional Accessories An optional 1300 watt charger for your Lectra motorbike may be purchased from your EMB dealer. Please check with your dealer for availability.
Lights and horn - check that the headlight, tail light, stoplight, turn signals, indicators, and horn function properly. Side stand cut-off system - check for proper operation. Correct any problems before you ride. Contact your EMB dealer for assistance if you cannot correct the problem yourself.
Operation Starting Follow this procedure to start your electric motorbike: Be sure the charging cord is unplugged from the wall outlet and stored securely. Make sure the kickstand is in the full upright position. Start the motorbike by inserting the key into the ignition switch and turning to the ON position.
Operation Riding For normal street riding, the Lectra will provide approximately 30 mph using the throttle alone. Pressing the Power button increases top speed up to 40-45 mph. The increased speed is only available while the Power button is being pushed. WARNING Do not bypass the Power button Each time the motorbike comes to a complete stop, the green neutral light on the dash...
Operation WARNING The Lectra’s top speed and acceleration are significantly reduced when the SOC is less than 20%. Emergency Reserve Mode Riding Riding is reserve mode is not recommended and may shorten the life of your batteries. When you must use the reserve mode, follow these recommendations: For emergency use only.
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Operation Normal Braking For normal braking, gradually apply both front and rear brakes. For maximum braking, apply both the front and rear brakes firmly. Regen Braking For gradual braking and for maximum range, use regen braking. Regen braking is activated by partially depressing the rear brake pedal. Further pressing on the rear brake peddle engages the rear drum brake for additional braking power.
Operation Regen braking is fully available at speeds over 5 mph. The amount of regen braking decreases gradually from 5 to 2 mph. No regen braking occurs at speeds under 2 mph. Regen braking may be less effective with fully charged batteries. WARNING Excessive use of regen braking when the batteries are fully charged may damage the batteries.
Anti-theft Guidelines Never leave the ignition key in the switch. Purchase a lock for your motorbike and use it. Consult your EMB dealer. Park your motorbike in a locked garage whenever possible. Use an alarm system if your motorbike is so equipped.
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Operation Check the chain regularly to make sure it is clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted. 10. Temperature affects your range. Parking the electric motorbike indoors in cold climates can help keep the batteries warmer, which can increase your range. The available range will decrease at battery temperatures under 70°...
Maintenance Maintenance When service is required, remember that your authorized EMB Lectra dealer knows your motorbike best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it. Maintenance Schedule The following items require some mechanical knowledge. Some items may require additional technical information and special tools.
Turn off the ignition and support your Lectra on a firm, level surface before per- forming any maintenance. Use new, genuine EMB parts or their equivalent for maintenance and repair. Parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the safety of your motorcy-...
Maintenance Electrical Charger Operation Your Lectra is equipped with a fully automatic battery charging system. The charger is located under the Lectra’s seat and can be viewed by looking forward under the seat from the right-rear side of the motorbike. Charger Indicators : Power...
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Maintenance Follow these guidelines to charge your Lectra’s batteries. • To begin charging, plug the charger into a 90-264 VAC, 47-63 HZ wall outlet. • At the beginning of the charge cycle, the Power and Fast Charge indicators will light and the Taper indicator may light.
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Maintenance Equalizing Batteries Consult your dealer for battery equalization procedures. Checking and Replacing Fuses • Lectra fuses are located under the dash panel and may be accessed by removing the dash. • Remove the dash panel using a 1/8 inch allen wrench •...
Maintenance Wheels and Tires Checking the Tires Regularly check your Lectra’s tires for wear. • The tires have treadware indicators built into the tread. • Never ride on excessively worn tires. • Always use replacement tires of the correct size. See your Lectra dealer for tire replace- ment choices.
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Maintenance Raise the Lectra until the front wheel has 1 to 2 inches of clearance. Place blocks under the frame for support, then lower the frame onto the blocks. WARNING Do not work on the Lectra if it is only supported by a jack. Remove the cotter pin securing the front axle nut, then remove the nut from the axle.
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Maintenance Front Wheel Installation • Reverse the removal procedure to install the front wheel. • Note that the thick axle spacer mounts on the left side of the wheel and the thin spacer mounts on the right. • Torque the axle nut to 30 ft/lbs. •...
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Maintenance Removing the Rear Wheel Place a 2” x 4” piece of wood between the jack and the Lectra swingarm. 2” x 4” Board Jack Raise the Lectra until the rear wheel has 1 to 2 inches of clearance. Place blocks under the frame for support, then lower the frame onto the blocks.
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Maintenance WARNING Do not work on the Lectra if it is only supported by a jack. Disconnect the brake radius arm from the rear brake housing. Brake Radius Arm Remove the cotter pin securing the rear axle nut, then remove the nut from the axle.
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Maintenance Pull the axle away from the wheel. Washer, Axle Nut, and Rear Brake Drum and Cotter Pin Sprocket Assembly Axle Spacer Roll the wheel froward and remove the drive chain from the rear sprocket. Roll the wheel out from the rear of the motorbike. Rear Wheel Installation •...
Check the front brake pads by viewing them from the front of the wheel. Wear indicators, which are small notches cut into the pads should be visible. If the indicators are gone, have your brake pads replaced. See your EMB Lectra dealer for service.
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Maintenance Master Cylinder Fluid Level As the brake pads wear, the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops accordingly. There are no adjustments required, but occasionally you may have to add fluid to the master cylinder.The front brake fluid level is visible in the site gauge located on the front of the master cylinder. Make sure the motorcycle is in an upright position Check that the brake fluid level is above the lower level mark in the site gauge.
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Maintenance Adding fluid to the master cylinder: Make sure the top of the master cylinder is level. Remove the two (2) Phillips head screws from the top of the master cylinder. Carefully remove the top and set aside where the inside of the cover will not become contaminated.
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Maintenance Rear Drum Brake Adjustment When you notice a lack of rear brake stopping action, adjust the rear brake using the cable adjuster provided on the swingarm. Brake Adjustment Tighter Looser Brake Cable Adjuster Brake Arm...
Maintenance Drive Chain The service life of the drive chain is dependent upon proper lubrication and adjustment. Poor maintenance can cause premature wear or damage to the drive chain and sprockets. The drive chain should be checked and lubricated as part of the Pre-ride Inspection. Under severe usage, or when the motorbike is ridden in unusually dusty areas, more frequent maintenance will be necessary.
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Maintenance Chain Adjustment Loosen the rear axle nut. Loosen the lock bolts for the eccentric chain adjusters located on both sides of the swingarm. Adjust the chain by using a 1/4 inch drive socket wrench to turn the eccentric cams in a counter-clockwise direction.
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Install a new cotter pin on the rear axle nut. Tighten the eccentric cam lock bolts located on the swingarm. Recheck the drive chain slack. Chain Lubrication The EMB electric motorbike uses a standard motorcycle drive chain. Chain lubricants are available at most motorcycle shops.
Maintenance Side Stand Check operation of the side stand for proper function. Check the spring for damage or loss of tension and the side stand assembly for freedom of movement. Spring Side Stand...
Maintenance Check the side stand ignition cut-off system: • Sit astride the motorbike. • With the side stand in the down position, attempt to start and ride the motorbike. If it starts, stop immediately. • The motorbike should not start. •...
Maintenance Cleaning Clean your motorbike regularly to protect the surface finishes and to inspect for damage or wear. Use a commercially available car-washing detergent or dish washing detergent to clean the motorbike. After cleaning, rinse the motorbike thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Strong detergent residue may cause corrosion of alloy parts.
Maintenance Storage Extended storage, generally for more than 4 weeks, requires certain steps to maintain the health of the battery pack and to protect the motorbike’s tires and finish. Storing the Motorbike Make sure the batteries are fully charged. Wash and dry the motorbike. Wax all painted surfaces. Coat chrome and unpainted steel surfaces with rust-inhibiting oil.
Specifications Specifications Chassis Wheelbase 52 inches Rake/Trail 31.5°/5 inches Seat Height 26 inches Ground clearance 5 inches Dry weight 340 lbs (154 kg) Maximum weight 550 lbs (250 kg) Motor Type variable reluctance, 2-phase brushless Voltage 24 volts DC Cooling air cooled Peak power 8 hp...
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Specifications Maximum output 440 watts standard, 1300 watts optional Charging cycle two-stage, optimized for VLRA batteries Indicators 4 LEDs Temperature compensation -4 mv per degree centigrade Ambient temperature rating -20° to +40° centigrade Cooling convection and forced air Fuse protection external fuse on output, internal fuse on input Suspension and Tires Front Suspension...
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Specifications Transmission Single reduction ratio 5-to-1 Type gear set, integral to motor Oil type and amount synthetic, 50 ml Final drive 4-to-1 (may vary) Type chain Batteries Number Battery voltage, each Pack voltage, total Maximum storage capacity 3.1 kWH Type deep-cycle valve-regulated sealed (no-spill) Lights Headlight (high/low)
Service Manual A service manual for your EMB electric motorbike is available from your local EMB dealer. This manual is written for both the professional service technician and the owner mechanic. Special tools and training may be necessary for some procedures.
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Do you have a question about the Lectra VR24 1998 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers