[rickc]

Wow, just read your whole thread here about your project.
You have outstanding fabrication skillz! my hat goes off to you.

I am just starting a conversion very similar in scope: dirt bike conversion (just picked up a 2004 Honda CRF230F with blown engine), using a higher voltage treadmill motor.

I have this spare treadmill motor that i have wanted to do this kind of thing with for a very long time.

I am concerned though about your motor choices & expectations...

I am a treadmill service tech by day - i have been working on treadmills for well over 10 years. Looking at that motor you bought, i can't help but wonder if you are going to be under-powered yet again..

I like the idea of using a treadmill motor along with a 96 volt pack - the lower amperage and higher voltage mean a more low cost controller could be used - but trying to find a charger for a 96 volt battery pack is proving difficult!

The motor I have and plan to use is rated 2.4 hp, 4000 rpm at 90 volts, 19 amps. Realistically about 1700 watts max. This motor is about 4.5" dia and 9" long - bigger than your latest choice i think. I am concerned this is not powerful enough still!


I have another motor that is 3.5 hp but at a very high 130 volts....

The motor you have chosen is one that i see in a lot of very entry level (cheap) treadmills, and often find blown/burnt controllers and motors in these treadmills - their ratings are usually exaggerated.

I don't want to bring you down, but just point out that you might need a bigger motor - the small ones might achieve the speed and torque you want for a little while, but may end up running too hot to have any durability.

My thinking is it's better to get a bit more motor than you really need, a controller that won't be maxing out, and things should stay nice and cool that way...

one more question; most of the motorcycle conversions I've seen are direct drive with one chain or belt and a bigger rear sprocket/pulley - are you not able to do this on your project? I would think it would result in less/load on the motor. I'm also a big fan of keeping things as simple as possible...

Please let me know your thoughts on motor power and single chain/large sprocket....

Edit: looking again at your motor pic - it says 2.65 hp right? These treadmill manufacturers really piss me off, it just isn't right what they do...
that 2.65 hp rating is "peak duty" not continuous duty. Peak duty is a number the marketing department pulls out of their a$$!.

My fingers are crossed for you, but be prepared to upgrade your motor...
If you wish, i could quote you a wholesale price on a bigger treadmill motor....