Honda PC800 Motorcycle EV Conversion

[Nigel2112]

The Corolla is the perfect car to convert. Light, simple, efficient.
I've been checking some pricing for doing the same and it's scaring me though.

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by Nigel2112

The Corolla is the perfect car to convert. Light, simple, efficient.
I've been checking some pricing for doing the same and it's scaring me though.

What is scaring you?

[Nigel2112]

Well, the numbers! I'm just starting out so I don't really know what I'm doing yet.
The EV scene in GA is not too hot it would seem, so all my research is online.
For starters, the batteries are about $120 EACH and I'll need about 30. Yikes.
Any and all advice would be welcome!

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by Nigel2112

Well, the numbers! I'm just starting out so I don't really know what I'm doing yet.
The EV scene in GA is not too hot it would seem, so all my research is online.
For starters, the batteries are about $120 EACH and I'll need about 30. Yikes.
Any and all advice would be welcome!

What do you have in mind for 30 batteries?

[Nigel2112]

I was looking at Thundersky 3.2v 60Ah batteries.
How many would I be needing?

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by Nigel2112

I was looking at Thundersky 3.2v 60Ah batteries.
How many would I be needing?

Whoa, lithium- too rich for my blood! I don't know much about it because I'll never be able to afford it. How many you need depends only on the size of your wallet; although, you don't want awesome batteries and a sissy controller or motor.....

[Nigel2112]

Trouble is, I really don't know what I want!
I need to do a lot more reading before I bother anyone in the forums again!
Soon as I have a clue what it is a actually want I'll get back here.

Basically I'm hoping to convert a Honda PC800. My minimum range requirements are to take in certain locations the metro Atlanta area, within reason. I don't want a 25 mile city-bike! Perhaps I need to scale my expectations down? I'm not sure.
The other idea was to start with the bike and then go to the generator trailer idea - which I absolutely love.

Thanks for the help so far though!!

[Clev]

Originally Posted by Nigel2112

Basically I'm hoping to convert a Honda PC800. My minimum range requirements are to take in certain locations the metro Atlanta area, within reason. I don't want a 25 mile city-bike! Perhaps I need to scale my expectations down? I'm not sure.
The other idea was to start with the bike and then go to the generator trailer idea - which I absolutely love.

I LOVED my PC800, and think it would make a great conversion.

What's your budget? You'll have a lighter, faster bike with longer range if you use Lithium, but you'll spend more on the batteries, charger and BMS.

Here's my basic thought for how I would do a PC800 if I had the means:

1. Connect the motor direct-drive to the driveshaft; toss the transmission.

2. Remove the fuel tank and use that space as a glove compartment, or install the charger in that space and use the filler door to lock your charger cable in while charging. (You'll have to notch the door.)

3. It's generally accepted on the EV list that 500 pounds of lead is equivalent to a gallon of gas. Therefore, if you want 35 or 40 miles on a charge, you're looking at about 500 pounds of lead. Lithium will get you further with less weight.

4. Some other places you can put stuff: DC/DC and contactors behind the instrument panel or where the coolant filler is now, hollow out your exhaust shrouds and use them to store your charger cords, keep the motor low in the chassis and fill the space above with batteries.

Oh yeah, and make sure you start a build log so I can live vicariously!

[Nigel2112]

Clev: Hey fellow PC fan! Thanks for the ideas. Once I get started you'd better believe I'll be logging every detail!

It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that I can't find a single PC800 conversion anywhere. By all accounts the bike should be a perfect fit for the job but it's quite rare.
As you well know it's actually a very basic motorcycle under all that ABS, no crazy single-side swingarm or linked brakes like on the 'Wing and ST.

The initial goals are: 70 mph, 70 mile range and $7k budget. These may change but for now that's how it looks.

[Nigel2112]

I've never owned a PC but my brother-law-has one and I've ridden it.
I did ride in London on a VT500 - basically the same motor; gobs of torquey loveliness and 60mpg.

Once the conversion is done I want to turn my attention to the generator trailer concept. What's the point of a tourer with a 70 mile range?! The PC with its ICE goes less than 200 miles, right? How cool would it be to have a series hybrid bike that can go 400 miles or more without needing to refill?
Imagine tootling around town -gas free- all week and then hooking up the trailer, the wife and some luggage and heading to the mountains on Friday. Getting back on Sunday evening without needing to fill up once.

That's my dream.