i am looking ot build an electric motorcycle, how can i learn more on your project?

Miles, i would be happy to share any info I have what are your questions ?

hi ray i would like to know the procedure to how to convert a engine motorcycle(m/c) to a electric m/c..basically where to start from?

Well first you have to understand I am a Scrounge I use what I can find in this case I had the batteries given to me.
So that was one of the design factors that was set for me.
But for the basics:
1.How far do you need to go? I comute just 2 miles to work
2.Then how much weight “read how many batteries”
3.Then I looked for a motorcycle that had a GVW close to that” the gs 1100e is wet at 576Lbs”
4.As for the motor I like the e-tek/Lem type motor it tucks out of the way and is quit efficient
5.Then putting it all together” I personally looked at all the bike I could find and found that the motor was placed to low for my liking(being in NH the weather is very screwy, it’s snowing right now) so I used a jack shaft to relocate the motor in the old battery box.
I hope this helps

Miles: YouTube has some good basic intro videos on doing a motorcycle conversion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7wid_8k_7k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vZYJxSfEQg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrFPMLAfs3s

Some info on my website as well.

Nice work Ray, I’m trying to get an electric motorcycle group started at http://p068.ezboard.com/bevmotorcyclesociety please stop by if you get a chance…thanx…

that rocks how much did it cost.
in total
thanks .

Hey Ray,

Thanks

I have been given a 1969 Yamaha that does not run. Instead of fixing what is surely a gas guzzler, I wouod rather take off the old engine and replace it with an electric one. What are your ideas and where can I get information to ward that end?

Well on july 4th I rode it for the first time still working on the legal part 8^).
I will sent pic’s later

Ray,
Congratulations in your project, I’m also planning to build one myself, I’m wondering if there’s a site or publication which I can find update motors, batteries and controllers to start my design, I have to commute 25miles everyday pushing 270lbs.
Thank you in advance

Istvan you can get full plans here http://www.21wheels.com/elchopper.html
But I found it was much more fun to make my own.

have a ’03 ninja 250,to convert,.. powerplant a 36v cart motor and controller..could i use the vari-pitch pulley torque convertor my heavy mini-bike used it has a 3:1 ratio belt drive connected to a jack shaft with a chain sprocket,..i know it’s old school but to lower the amp load on starts it sounds like a good idea.

Rodney

I hope it is not asking too much, but I would like all the info you have on converting my motorcycle to electric. I have never done anything like this before and don’t really know where to start.

Hi Mike
A good starting place is to look at EVAlbum to see what other people have done.
You can filter by make. You’ll probably pick up the motorbikes that way.
I have spent a long time looking at that site. There’s so many ideas you can get from there.

were do i get a e-tek/motor
and a speed controller with connection and wireing plans i live in the uk i am not very well up on electrics so wireing the speed controler might be a problem any ideas thanks bob.

Hi Bob
The etek has been discontinued but they have replaced it with the etek-r. Try thundersky.com, and there is a new one called the perm 132 or something like that for just under USD 1000.

I have been planning a conversion and I was wondering why people frequently leave the old gas tank on when you could use that space for 2 more battaries and then box it it for safety?

Ray, How about some pictures of the motor mount assembly?? I’m doing a similar project and mounting the motor is my biggest concern.

Cameron; The only problem I see with gas tank batteries is that the the higher center of gravity makes it harder to handle.
Put your electronics in the tank. Lower weight is better.

Thanks, Elmer. Always lots to consider

Hey Ray,
this all sounds great, and I’d really like to do this. I did try to check out the site you listed: http://www.21wheels.com/elchopper.html
but got the message site not found.
any other ideas on where I can get that info?
I’m thinking about doing a car also, a friend has a salvage yard…

I am looking for somebody near Tallahassee, FL that can help me convert my Suzuki Intruder 800cc shaftdrive into an ebike?