After building 30 battery boxes, cutting the tank, and refitting a few pieces of plastic, we can now get a much better idea what’ll fit and what won’t.
In order to reach a minimum of a 72 volt system, I had to fit 22 batteries on board. Fitting 26 gets me 84 volts, 30 gets me my desired target, 96 volts. The batteries I plan to use are 100 amp hours. It’s common in many conversions to use smaller batteries, more like 60 amp hour. I’m aiming for a comfortable 60 mile range so I can run down to visit clients in the District without worrying about having the juice to get home.
My initial conclusion is that I can fit 22 batteries comfortably, 26 if I finagle a few things, 28, maybe 29 if I relocate the controller. I am going to take another shot at it later, but I am currently considering placing 22 in the main compartment, then locating the remaining eight in custom-built containers in the back, four to a side.
The next time I conduct this exercise, I’ll start by placing batteries from the bottom up instead of top down and see if I get a better result.
Once I get a better idea how I want them to go in, I’ll begin fabricating a prototype battery cage and motor mount.
Wowww… Keep your dream alive. I think you have something there. A battery operated motorbike is a great idea. I’d love to find out how things are going with the developement of your bike.
I’m an entrepreneur and devoted to being fossile fuel free.
Rick
I very recently got hold of a very cool CBR but had a small accident! I tried to slow down with the brake consistently with the front brake but the wheel basically instantly slipped out under me! I have often been on the back of a bike with somebody else a few times who has even brought the back wheel up into the air by braking very hard with the forward brake! How does he do it different? Im confused!!
Well its July now did you complete your winter project?
Hey Jim,
I’m still collecting components, specifically batteries. The supplier I ordered from was supposed to deliver them in February. By May they still hadn’t shown and the supplier went out of business. AMEX reimbursed me for the full amount, over $4k! I decided to give it a rest until the fall again. That will give me a chance to research more battery options. And in the meantime, I’ll have the opportunity to learn how to fabricate.