Electro-saki conversion saga

Feb 8, 2008
I've started a project that I hope will have me commuting to work, when spring arrives, on an electrified motorcycle. I've owned a couple motorcycles and now ride a Triumph Bonneville 750cc. The Bonnie is a great bike, but I'd like something 'greener'.

I began by buying a Kawasaki 400 from someone here in Syracuse.
It has a disc brake up front and a moderately heavy frame which I think will accept the weight of the batteries. I've removed all of the ICE parts and gas tank hoping to sell bits and pieces. so far I've recouped 90% of my purchase cost.

I have not bought any parts of the conversion yet, just been doing lots of research here and other places on the WWW.

My plan is this, so far: MARS Electric motor (mounted under the seat - above the swingarm), a Sevcon controller, belt drive and separate LED lighting powered by something like the new DeWalt LiFePo 32v pack. I think I'll try a 48 volt system
(maybe 70 Amp hours per battery) and see how it goes. No solid thoughts yet on the BMS/charging portion or the gauges.

For now, all I have for pictures are the donor bike on the trailer &
then stripped of all Kawasaki motor and in the workshop.