Electric Motorcycle conversion

[frodus]

Congrats Ben... one of my favorite blogs (hack-a-day) featured your bike

Kawasaki KZ440 electric conversion - Hack a Day

[MetroMPG]

And I just came from there and saw your comment, frodus. Way to clarify!

[bennelson]

For anyone wanting more info on this project, here are several links:

YouTube Videos:
YouTube - BenjaminNelson's Channel

My personal web page on the cycle:
Ben Nelson’s
Electric Motorcycle

EV Album:
Ben Nelson's 1981 Kawasaki KZ440

Electric Geo Metro Conversion Blog:
Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread


Yes, the motorcycle can be ridden in the rain, as was demonstrated this past Sunday at the MREA Energy Fair by fellow Ecomodder, Ryland.

The cables all have boots over the ends. The motor has air vents in it, but since it is spinning the whole time, it would work like one of those spinning lettuce dryers and shoot water back out. The only electronics are under the seat and the controller is sealed in completely weatherproof epoxy.

If I lived in a rainy area, and had to park the cycle outside, I would keep a folded-up cover with me to use when parking the cycle.

[bennelson]

My motorcycle was also just featured (via link to the YouTube video) on
HardOCP.com


[H] Enthusiast --- www.hardocp.com

Between this morning and Noon, there have been over ONE-THOUSAND new views on my motorcycle video!

[SVOboy]

Engadget also picked it up, and they're sort of a big deal,

[bennelson]

I just got an e-mail from a friend saying he just saw my cycle on Engadget!

Said I am now famous in the Geek World!

Modded electric motorcycle is street-legal, costs under $2K - Engadget

[bennelson]

WOW - There have been 10,000 new views on YouTube of my electric motorcycle video!

Guess there really is something to that whole "blogosphere".

[SVOboy]

I'm sure you've gotten many more views than that on your page.

[bennelson]

My Home page counter is currently around 15,000.

I know that counter didn't always count right either!

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Yes, the motorcycle can be ridden in the rain, as was demonstrated this past Sunday at the MREA Energy Fair by fellow Ecomodder, Ryland.

And was it ever fun! I've ridden alot of motorcycles and Ben's was nice and smooth with good power, the main sound was of the chain and tires, sure it was raining when I took it for a test ride, I got soaked but it was well worth it, I really want to make one of my own now, but first I need to finish fixing my other electric car.