Electric Motorcycle conversion

[Daox]

Very nice.

[AndrewJ]

Congratulations Ben!

[mattW]

What Ah batteries are you using? I'm in the middle of planning a 48V conversion and I'm trying to balance the weight/range/space issues. What do you think the top speed for a 48V bike would be?

[bennelson]

The batteries I am using are Optima Yellow Tops. They are 12 volt, and come in a couple sizes, I am using three of the 55 AH version.

My controller is a 24-48 volt Alltrax, so I could use one more battery if I could figure out how to get it in there.

I figure my cycle would go 45 mph on a 48 volt system. Keep in mind gearing and weight are factors.

Lots of guys have been doing 72V crotch rockets. Sport bikes have light frames and are pretty good about mounting batteries.

If you haven't already, get a copy of "Secrets of EL Ninja". It is a pretty good resource. Lots of information together under one cover.

Also check out the EV Album:
http://www.evalbum.com/type/MTCY for electric motorcycles. It lists the specs for each bike. Find a couple that have a 48V system and look to see what the speed listed is.

[MetroMPG]

Are you still thinking about taking up Daox on his offer to reshape/weld the frame to fit the extra Optima?

[bennelson]

Yeah, I guess so, it isn't really at the top of my priority list right now.

The cycle would have better range and speed with the extra battery.

The downside is that I would need to buy a new 48V charger, or at least 4 12V ones.

If I did up the 4th battery, I think I would want to do up some real battery holding brackets as well.

I am planning on taking the cycle to next weeks Milwaukee Hybrid Group meeting. The ring-leader of that said there was a good chance there might be a news TV camera crew there too.

[bennelson]

Here is a slideshow of photos of my cycle conversion.

[bennelson]

Finally found a place to put the Ecomodder window cling...





It's either that, or build a plexiglass windshield.
I didn't have any plexiglass handy.

[bennelson]

I just loaded up the motorcycle into the back of the S10 pickup.
It perfectly fits the 6 foot bed.

I am taking it to the Milwaukee Hybrid Group meeting Saturday morning. (I am working all tomorrow, then taking off to Chicago for the evening, so I needed to load up the cycle now)

I went for a spin around the block to make sure everything would stay where it is and check my handling and acceleration, etc.

Then back end of the truck is heavier. I can feel it pull a little bit on corners. Looks good otherwise.

I will report back after the meeting. There is supposed to be a TV crew there, so I should be able to hog some air-time.

[MetroMPG]

Make sure you stick that awesome helmet visor in the camera.

Hope the weather cooperates!