EV RiderMotor, Controller, etc.Slowly coming along.
OwnerAdam DelVecchio
LocationCorpus Christi, Texas United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1974 Kawasaki Z1 Custom chopper
custom rigid chopper conversion w/springer front end. Now EV conversion.
Motor AC15 3-Phase AC
7500 rpm AC motor as combo with controller
Drivetrainchain, 6:1
ControllerCurtis 1238-6501
550 amp AC controller
Batteries24 Thunder Sky 40Ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium-Polymer
System Voltage87 Volts
Charger Thunder Sky
TSL72-15
HeaterSouth Texas heat.
DC/DC ConverterAstrodyne SD200D-12
72-144 Volt version
InstrumentationCurtis Spyglass meter/battery indicator that came with motor contoroller pkg.

No odometer.
Top Speed90 MPH (144 KPH)
Achieves highway speeds as targeted. The minimal suspension front and zero in rear make 70mph the max any sane person riding this bike would do.
AccelerationQUICK! Haven't tested on track, but feels as strong as the old 900cc ICE, even quicker in the initial take off from a stop. Torquey pull from any speed up to 60+ with no gear changing!
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
20-40. Depends how you ride.
EV Miles
Current: Miles (0 Kilometers)
 
    As of 9/28/2010
Seating Capacity1
Curb Weight0
Need to get it weighed. Probably less than with ICE. Under 400 lbs for sure.
TiresSkinny
Conversion TimeDidn't keep track of hours. ...Good thing!
Took about 8 months, including research.
Conversion CostAbout $6000, not including $1800 I spent for the ICE chopper a few years back. I felt like I already got my money out of the inexpensive ICE bike, before starting conversion, by enjoying it like that for a while first.
I included battery cost above, but it really shouldn't count because we don't add all that we spend on gas to the amt. we've spent for ICE vehicles.
Sold the old carbs for $250! Engine for $200. Exhaust $50. A few more things to sell.
Additional FeaturesCharger is small enough to take with me.
Poor suspension or lack thereof helps keep my top speed slow most of the time, which will extend the range... Turning a negative into a positive. I still have to whack the throttle frequently when I have straight road ahead (often in South TX).
Bike has been street legal for a while now.

For video of first day time ride, Summer '09, giving a hint of acceleration with about 3/4 throttle, see youtube video link above.

Thanks to Suncoast EV Assoc. (Florida, before moving to TX) members, www.elmoto.net. and books for expertise.

I knew next to nothing about electricity at the start of this project. ...Goes to show anyone can do it.

I learned a lot! The future IS Electric!

Will add updated pics soon.

code by jerry