Topic: CB550 Electric Conversion

[WJL75]

Just thought I would put this out there and see if anyone has any thoughts on the issue.  I am thining of making my CB550 an all electric bike.  I can basically strip out the engine, headers, muffler, and put in a 72v electric motor and hopefully pack 6 batteries in the frame, and let it rip.  Kits are available, but I'd probably piece it together little by little.

These two links got me really thinking about it.  The first is what I consider the cheep option (under $2000).  It can travel about 30 miles on a charge, and goes about 40 mph.

The second I think could be done for around $3500...it is really nice looking, and was all fiberglassed by hand.  It can go 70 mph and about 40 miles between charges.

http://ecomodder.com/blog/diy-electric-motorcycle-kicks-butt-blows-up/

http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/tom-micelis-ion-an-eye-catching-electric-motorcycle-indeed-w-v/

I would keep mine looking more like a classic 550 cafe racer, but think the idea of getting the cost equivalency of 300+ mpg is really something to think about.

[Laminar]

I would keep mine looking more like a classic 550 cafe racer, but think the idea of getting the cost equivalency of 300+ mpg is really something to think about.

Keep in mind how long it will take you to "break even" on the project. $2000 will get you enough gas to put about 30,000 miles on the bike ($2.65/gallon, 40mpg), and with the gas engine you can put more than 40 miles at a time on the bike.

The limited range and speed would be huge deal breakers for me considering the type of riding I like to do, as would the extended "refill" time.

But I realize that my situation isn't universal and this could work for some people. If I just wanted something for my 12 miles of daily commuting this could work well. But not at that price point.

[Alan F.]

A lighter bike with a full fairing might be a better choice for an electric conversion.

[WJL75]

I only commute about 15 miles RT, so it would be right in my range.  I am trying to find a donor rolling chassis for it, as my 550 is running well.  
Most of the work could be completed this Winter and hope to have it ready by Spring.  It's not about the savings for me as much as the "look what I built" feeling I'd get when done.  Mostly I just want a Winter project.

[Alan F.]

Maybe something like this?

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/1504726742.html
or
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/1504695273.html  no title...

Pretty much any bike will do as long as the frame, suspension and brakes are serviceable, what do you think the batteries, motor and controller will weigh?
Maybe a big bike will be a good starting point, you can always whittle down the weight later if needed.
-A

[WJL75]

Thanks Alan, that must have been a new posting, or I missed it yesterday.  I sent the first one a message.  Hopefully it will not cost an arm and a leg.  I need it to be titled, or it is a real PITA to get one. 

[Alan F.]

I need it to be titled, or it is a real PITA to get one. 

Same here in MA.

[mlinder]

You'd have to ride 30,000 miles on your electric bike to make back your money on the cheap option.

[detdrbuzzard]

after you get the electric bike running andriding it to and from work one day you are going to ride the 550 to work so you can go riding after work. then the electric bike will sit because the 550 is more useful. i go through the same thing with my 450 nighthawk it's nice to ride to work or play on but to be comfortable or go more then 100 miles i need to go home and at least get one of the 750's. at 50mph and under you can't beat the 450 but because of the larger tank the 750 or either wing has the 450 beat

[gerhed]

I only commute about 15 miles RT, so it would be right in my range.  I am trying to find a donor rolling chassis for it, as my 550 is running well.  
Most of the work could be completed this Winter and hope to have it ready by Spring.  It's not about the savings for me as much as the "look what I built" feeling I'd get when done.  Mostly I just want a Winter project.

I converted a Honda XL600 to electric a few years ago.
Used an Advancd D.C, traction motor and a speed controller made by
Curtis--I pieced it together--cost a few bucks since I had nothing to go on.
Made it into a three wheeler inorder to use my tilting technology.
--I use marine deep cycle batteries--4 of 'em
--Very enjoyable project to work on.
--took it to Earth Day on the Mall in D.C. a couple times
--great way to meet young women--'cause they are all Green

[MötleyRöx]

Maybe you could use some of that bracketry for the listing front fairing?   

Gerhead... I see watch mechanisms inside your head instead of the usual gooey mess.   

[WJL75]

Gehead, nice bike you have there.  What speeds and range are capable of with the four batteries?  I am going to try and get six to get the 72 volts which should give me extra range and something near highway speeds.  The quick route to work is a 50 mph highway for about 3 miles.  The rest is surface streets. 

Riding after work is not big deal, as I live so close, a bike swap is only a few miles away.

[Laminar]

I trust you've seen these conversions before?

[WJL75]

Yep, saw those.  It was one of the first sights I stumbled across in doing my research.

[Laminar]

You'd have to ride 30,000 miles on your electric bike to make back your money on the cheap option.

Great minds think alike?

[gerhed]

Gehead, nice bike you have there.  What speeds and range are capable of with the four batteries?  I am going to try and get six to get the 72 volts which should give me extra range and something near highway speeds.  The quick route to work is a 50 mph highway for about 3 miles.  The rest is surface streets. 

Riding after work is not big deal, as I live so close, a bike swap is only a few miles away.

I can get 45 to 50 mph---8-10 mile range.
I would try for 72 volts--96 would be better.
These batteries get heavy, though--unless you can get
hold of some new technology.

[ColinMc]

http://www.maxdon.com/gpr.html

http://electricmotorsport.com/

http://thunderstruck-ev.com/


Some of those might be double linked from other people...but those are the resources I had bookmarked when I was considering converting my Derbi GPR50R to electric...but for a MUCh lower cost I made it into an 80cc monster instead lol.

[Don R]

How about 2- 1,000EU honda generators in the saddlebags for a hybrid? they link together with a honda supplied kit.