1985 Honda VF 700 becomes 96volt with 8 optima batteries

Submitted by myguitarface on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 11:29

Location:

Home page:

Vehicle type and Maker: Motorcycle 85-96 volts Inertia-ev Nolen Forrester

Conversion time and cost:

2 days to get it moving, weeks after spent perfecting, $4000+

Seating capacity:

Motor:

Batteries:

Yellowtop AGM

Controller:

Kelley 400A

Drivetrain:

Top speed:

70+ Change of gears will increase this up to a potential of about 90

Typical range:

25+ Never ran 100%DOD

Number of Wheels:

Curb weight:

550lbs

Miles as an EV:

Charger:

Kelley 10,12A

Heater:

Lighting:

Method for 12v system:

Watt-hours per mile:

Description:

I converted a 1985 Honda VF700F into an InertiaV96/400A
I originally installed 8 Optima Yellowtops 55Ah, but the bike was too heavy, so I took two off. Now I contemplate changing the gear ratio for higher top speed, as torque goes way down at 60mph(<8ft lbs). I rely on this bike for most of my travels, on a daily basis. I plan to get rid of the ICE in my car now and convert it too. This was my first project of this kind and I am pleased with the turn out. For anyone thinking that this kind of project is impossible, reconsider. I had virtually no skills related, other than performing moderate auto repairs.
I did not plan in advance or draw much of a working blueprint, but everything just went together smoothly. My biggest mistake was not learning the mathematical formulas needed for calculating gears in advance and not getting the motor performance charts to predetermine what I would end up with. I wasted a lot of money because of my initial laziness, after the second sprocket, I said, that's it! I'm learning the math.
My next upgrade will be LiFePo4 for traction pack.