Electric Motorcycle conversion

[bennelson]

The cycle is geared for a top speed of 45 MPH, the speed limit on the road right outside my house.

I can get up to 30 miles on a charge.
It uses a 48V system - 4 12V batteries in series (Optima Yellow Top 55AH batteries)

The acceleration is really good, and I can slip the back tire from a stop on a fresh charge, although it is never going to pop a wheelie.

[Christ]

Those saddle bags were sweet... I suppose they're on an easily removable frame? I couldn't really decide by the pics if they're actually a part of the luggage frame, or just sit inside it and still bolt onto the bike independently.

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by Christ

Those saddle bags were sweet... I suppose they're on an easily removable frame?

The saddle bags are built together with the bars that are around them. They are a separate item from the flat tail cargo rack, but both the saddle bags and cargo rack all bolt together to the same holes in the cycle's frame.

So, that doesn't make anything easily removable. If I did take the saddle bags off, I WOULD keep the cargo tray. It's just the right size for pizzas....

[bennelson]

I am back from a local energy fair today.

We had quite a collection of EVs there, including 3 lawn mowers!

The highlight was the SPARKSTER, an EV converted Harley Sportster, built by Mike, after being inspired from seeing my cycle a while back.



Here's Mike's Sparkster in the foreground with my EV KZ in the background.

Read more about Mike's cycle in the MOTORCYCLE FORUM.

or just take a look at a few photos:
HERE

[Christ]

Originally Posted by bennelson

The saddle bags are built together with the bars that are around them. They are a separate item from the flat tail cargo rack, but both the saddle bags and cargo rack all bolt together to the same holes in the cycle's frame.

So, that doesn't make anything easily removable. If I did take the saddle bags off, I WOULD keep the cargo tray. It's just the right size for pizzas....

Would those saddle bags be able to hold a couple more batteries for extra range?

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by Christ

Would those saddle bags be able to hold a couple more batteries for extra range?

Yeah I was going to suggest that also, but they may not be wide enough. You could probably use those 6 volt golf cart batteries.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

Yeah I was going to suggest that also, but they may not be wide enough. You could probably use those 6 volt golf cart batteries.

I was thinking a fat stack of PowerWheels batteries, then some insulation, but whatever fits, right?

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by Christ

Would those saddle bags be able to hold a couple more batteries for extra range?

Yeah, the YellowTops are not that big.

If I did switch batteries, I would move one battery of the four in the front to one of the saddle bags, and add one new battery to the other bag to balance it.

That would give me a 60V system, higher top speed (around 60 mph) and a little better range.

I don't love how the current configuration makes the two top front batteries stick out a bit. When I only had three batteries in front, they really fit the frame nice.

Also, if I did add any more batteries, I would need to buy a new controller and charger. Both of those items are 48V. I could probably get away with just adding another 12v charger, but a brand new controller just to get 12 more volts is a bit pricey.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Yeah, the YellowTops are not that big.

If I did switch batteries, I would move one battery of the four in the front to one of the saddle bags, and add one new battery to the other bag to balance it.

That would give me a 60V system, higher top speed (around 60 mph) and a little better range.

I don't love how the current configuration makes the two top front batteries stick out a bit. When I only had three batteries in front, they really fit the frame nice.

Also, if I did add any more batteries, I would need to buy a new controller and charger. Both of those items are 48V. I could probably get away with just adding another 12v charger, but a brand new controller just to get 12 more volts is a bit pricey.

Isn't there like an EV swap meet or something near you? I mean, over the winter or something, since the bike will probably be decommissioned anyway, why not pull the controller off and see if you can trade it for a higher capacity unit, or trade and some cash, barter, etc..

I mean, if you're interested in going bigger. Alternatively, those saddle bags make nice dry storage, and they're probably a bit high to start throwing batteries into, which will offset the balance of the bike and it's Center of Gravity.

[bennelson]