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Mike applied for four patents in 1974. Three were for motorcycle seat designs and the fourth was a mechanical patent describing a new development in motorcycle swing arm design where the electric motor is actually part of the unsuspended vehicle weight. The new design represented a number of advantages in the development of an electric powered vehicle. This patent was granted with a gold seal copy issued by the United States Patent Office in 1976. All three seat design patents were granted, two in 1975 and the third in 1976 with U.S. Patent Office gold seal copies. Corbin was putting together his building blocks and barriers to entry, knowing the commitment was long term.
The record-setting victory at Bonneville in 1973 brought a great deal of attention to Mike's work on electric vehicles, and now to the registrable street electric motorcycle.
Mike ordered a special drawing board for his office. It was five feet tall and ten feet wide, allowing him to draw the entire X1 electric motorcycle in a life-size 1:1 scale. Mike personally drew up the vehicle before he presented to the company's fabricators the X1 challenge.
THE CORBIN GENTRY ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE:
(as described in the original specifications tear-sheet released in 1974)
The Corbin electric powered motorcycle was initially designed by Mike Corbin in 1973. It was, at that time, one of the first total electric design concepts for a full size motorcycle. Two prototypes were completed in early 1974 and tested. One was placed on a dynometer and wired to an automatic cycling monitor. Number 1 bike was timed in this manner for a grueling life test for thousands of miles. It was from this testing that final components were selected..
 Corbin Electric Number 2 was registered and put into street use for application and reliability studies. Results of this test were extremely favorable. It was found that the motorcycle was extremely easy t ride, service and required very little maintenance; and was definitely superior to mini-versions of two wheeled electric vehicles..
The Corbin Electric is offered in two different control variations; one or two forward speeds. The two speed model starts on 12 volts for a smooth controlled acceleration. Further, by sitting at normal height, visibility in travel is excellent. The large motorcycle wheels roll easier and produce less friction and handle the normal road surface defects safely. Wheelbase and frame geometry are properly balanced for effortless handling..
Results of this preliminary program brought Corbin-Gentry engineering and management to the current model which is marketed world-wide. A basic philosophy in Corbin Electric production is quality. Each motorcycle incorporates high quality parts, is wired and built by hand and each stage of production is test inspected. This particular attention to hand-crafted precision and detail is part of the Corbin-Gentry style and your assurance of the finest electric vehicle available..
Will It Work For You? The Corbin Electric is an extremely efficient method of travel; 28-30 mph with a one charge range of 30-40 miles. When you are not riding, just simply plug the bike into an ordinary 110-volt outlet. It is extremely reliable, noiseless, produces no smog and travels at a full cost of six cents ($.06) per 30 miles..
The motor is fully guaranteed at over 400 service centers in the United States and many foreign countries. The battery average life is 6000 miles and replacements are readily available from the factory or any authorized dealer..
 The Corbin Electric functions best in short range travel situations. In such commuter type patterns, electrics work far batter than other types of vehicles. Fuel is becoming in short supply, air pollution-increasing daily, traffic congestion clogs our cities. Electric vehicles make four times more efficient use of energy wherever electricity is produced from petroleum and a continuing supply of such power for electrics seems assured when other power sources such as solar, wind and hydro are considered. We are convinced there is a place in every community for the Corbin Electric motorcycle. It is interesting to note, while using the Corbin Electric to commute, run errands or leisure riding, you have then traveled without upsetting the balance of nature..
Available as follows: Environmental Green or International Orange. Single Speed - $1,395.00 and Two Speed - $1,495.00 Plus Freight and Dealer Preparation..
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CORBIN GENTRY 1974 PRESS RELEASE:
(taken from the orginal document in its entirety)
DURING THE MORNING OF JULY 13, 1974, PROF. CHARLES E. MACARTHER, RIDING A CORBIN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE (XLP-1), ASCENDED MT. WASHINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE VIA THE AUTO ROAD, A DISTANCE OF EIGHT MILES WITH A MAXIMUM GRADE OF 18% AND AVERAGE GRADE OF 12%. A TOTAL CLIMB OF 4688 FEET. THIS WAS THE WORLD'S FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASCENT.
THIS ASTOUNDING ACCOMPLISHMENT OF MACARTHURS AND HIS ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE, HAS EVOLVED INTO AN ANNUAL RALLY NAMED "THE MT. WASHINGTON ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE REGATTA."
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