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:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...hread-848.html
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.