Harley Sparkster (EV Motorcycle)

[bennelson]

(Mr. Speed tries out Mike's Bike.)

A while back, I gave some advice to Mike, on how to rig up his electric motorcycle project.

He decided to build an electric motorcycle after seeing what I had done.


(The Sparkster, (foreground) and the inspiration for it, my EV KZ440. (background))

Today, I was rounding up EVs to show off at a local energy fair, and E-Bike Mike showed up with his converted Harley Sportster, the "Sparkster".

The cycle is running at 60V with an Alltrax AXE controller (72V max), and off-board charging. Mike has a motorcycle buddy who is good with the welder and paint sprayer, so the finish on the bike it top notch!

The chain noise is a little louder than on my cycle, but the chain is about twice as big as well!
I had never ridden a hard-tail before (ouch!), but other than that, it rides really well, with a real low center of gravity and good acceleration.




(Mike, far right, green cap, shows off his cycle.)

See all the photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4203459...7622565028224/


PS - I also just realized why the cycle is a hard-tail. Look where the motor is mounted. It's directly under the seat. As the real swing arm would move, it would change the chain length. One way to solve the problem is to hard-mount the rear wheel. By having the motor right under the seat, it frees up space for more batteries in the original engine area of the cycle. This means more batteries and a lower center of gravity.

[elhigh]

He needs a springer seat.

[Christ]

And some Ape Hangers.

BTW - nice shot on that pic with both bikes... It kinda tells the story in itself.

It actually appears that Sparkster is the newly-grown, arrogant son, and the Kawi is the Father (inspiration) watching from a distance, ready to jump in when necessary. Very nice imagery there, Ben.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

If it had rear suspension, the electric motor would have been much harder to install, I think. What sort of range does it get?

Nice job Mike!

[Daox]

Oooh, he cleaned it up since Hybridfest. Nice paint.

[bennelson]

I think Mike said he would get about 20 miles or so out of it.

It's 60 volt, but the batteries are a little smaller than the ones on my cycle. I think he got them used, too.

I did 33 miles on my cycle once, running around the neighborhood, just seeing how far a charge would take me.

[bennelson]

The cycle is FOR SALE if anyone is interested!
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ter-12176.html