DIY Electric Car Forums > EV Conversions and Builds > Electric Bikes

ngrimm · #1 03-27-2008, 08:42 PM

Just wondering if those of you who have converted a m/c or have researched it quite a bit could suggest some to consider or avoid. I know everyone has their own taste but I am looking for ideas for either street or dual sport 10 or more years old due to the cost. My main concern is a frame style that allows four or more decent sized lead acid batteries and a 6" x 10" or larger motor without chopping the bottom off the frame. I think a shaft drive is out since gearing is fixed. It would be for cruising around town so a Gold Wing is too big. Am I asking for too much? Norm

sharp21 · #2 03-29-2008, 05:08 AM

Well I havent built one yet, but from the research I have done I would say that twin downtubes up front is important, for mounting the batteries.
I think any of the older streetbikes will work fine. Ive got a soft spot for the gixxer 750 so thats what I am looking for.
Any of the older standards should have plenty of room. CB750, Eddie Lawson Z1000

I think the trick is to go to your local wreckers & find a decent roller cheap.
S.

ngrimm · #3 04-02-2008, 07:22 PM

I have a good lead on a 90 Ninja ZX10 (1000 cc) that is a rolling chassis with a title. The top end of the engine is gone as well as most of the plastics. In the Evalbum it appears there are more Ninjas than about any other type converted. I imagine it is because lots of battery room and the fairing covers them and also has a chain drive. I think the original engines/trans weigh around 250 lbs. Not sure if that would be enough lead to give decent performance or range.

mattW · #4 04-03-2008, 12:46 AM

The reason there are so many ninjas is because there is a book called secrets of the el ninja that goes through how to convert a ninja to an EV. What Ah batteries are you planning on using? Make sure you use a high voltage (72V+) if you want decent performance. It will cost more but you will get good acceleration and top speed. Your donor sounds really nice, there would be a ton of room on a 1000cc bike for batteries. Just make up mock-ups of the batteries you want in cardboard to make sure they will fit. Remember the centre of gravity can be made quite low on the bike and if you aren't going to carry a passenger I would say that you can get away with going over the weight of the original drive-train.

ngrimm · #5 04-04-2008, 06:59 PM

Here is a pic of the Ninja roller I am supposed to pick up tomorrow. I sold my Holset turbo to get this but I think it will be worth it. It comes with the front forks, wheel, and tank though they are not shown. Can't wait to get started on the conversion. Norm

sharp21 · #6 04-05-2008, 04:36 AM

Thats great! Cant wait to see the progress
S.

Phyber Optik · #7 07-21-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngrimm

Here is a pic of the Ninja roller I am supposed to pick up tomorrow. I sold my Holset turbo to get this but I think it will be worth it. It comes with the front forks, wheel, and tank though they are not shown. Can't wait to get started on the conversion. Norm

That 1000cc will give some nice room for batts I'd think.

However, please keep in mind that your Ninja - as with many sport bikes - incorporates the engine as a stressed member of the frame to some degree or another.

Without the stressed member, this could place the frame under significant stresses.

In addition, when you add batteries, typically the curb weight will be higher than the original ICE.

Just something to keep an eye on at least - especially the welds around the steering head. A cracked weld there could be deadly.

Perhaps you could incorporate into your battery boxes a meaty brace between the original engine mounting points from the foot peg area to the upper frame.

Good luck on your project.