Cafe Racer/Tracker build in New Zealand
After years of looking at motorbikes, riding some, dreaming about owning or buiding one, I have finally settled on building a cafe racer/tracker style electric motorcycle. I've just bought a 1986 Honda CBX250 rolling frame and am currently investigating all electric components.
I've looked into Lithium Ion batteries from a company called LifeBatt but the costs are high. The batteries are roughly $2000 NZ (US$1400) each and apparently also require a battery protection module (NZ$1000). They've also quoted NZ$2000 for a compatible charger. For my total budget of $5000 this is waay to expensive, so I think I'll have to go for deep cycle lead acid batteries. I'll keep investigating Lithium Ion possibilities but at the moment Lead is winning.
I've found a good site at EVAmerica for pretty much all the components required and even though frieght will cost almost NZ$1000 after tax it's still the best option.
Any help or suggestions are welcomed.
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Re: Cafe Racer/Tracker build in New Zealand
I would go the extra mile and get the best batteries you can. I have Hawker Odyssey and they are tough high quality batteries but I wish I had spent more for Li somethings. Here is my advice regarding lead acids:
1. Remember the rated amp hour value is only a fraction of what you will actually achieve. If you drain the battery at 5 MPH you will get great range - if you crank it to 50 MPH you won't even get half the range.
2. Consider the temperature - my lead acids get about 30% less range at 55F then they do at 75F.
3. If you do go with lead, buy way more amp hours than you think you need. I never met anyone who complained their EV went too far on a charge :)
Nice frame, by the way! Should work well.
Dan
"Nowashocki" KLR 250/Perm 128/Millipak/regen/4 Odyssey PC928(27Ah-48V)50MPH/10m@25MPH avg/CycleAnalyst/onboard Soneil charger
Re: Cafe Racer/Tracker build in New Zealand
Yeah have decided that lead acid would be a bit average so have found a company in Australia called evworks that sell lithium ion cells for a pretty reasonable price.. as well as pretty much all the other components.
Re: Cafe Racer/Tracker build in New Zealand
Still getting the hang of this blog thing...