Converting VX to lithium still a good idea?

That's an excellent question. They are without doubt great to own and ride.

I bought mine new as a gamble for $5000 when the importer was selling them on ebay, instead of the $15000 they were originally. Vectrix had closed the doors, but I loved the technology and I took the gamble.

I waited 2 years before doing the Li conversion which improved my range from 30-40km to 120-140km, making it a really useful machine in all circumstances, but knowing that I could once again buy parts because Vectrix was back. Of course, now I'm annoyed that I waited 2 years because it transformed the bike....and as a bonus saved about 50kg.

Would I have spent that money now knowing that Vectrix has closed the doors? I'm not sure. The reality is that if something significant happened to make it stop, I don't know anyone who could fix it or get the parts. Now it owes me over $7000 and that's STILL less than I lost on my last motor bike, so I can't complain, and all I've spent on it apart from the Li conversion is one rear tyre in 3 years.

If you think you can get it running and keep it running, they're worth the time, effort and expense. I still love riding it, and I still haven't seen anything I'd rather own.

I do like the bike, my real desire is a Brammo or Mission but not ready to drop that kind of cash.
You have some impressive range now, which cells/AH did you use? If I could get that range I would be pleased.
I bought the bikes at a very good price, and the batteries to convert 1 would be under 1100. This plus an added interface for the BMS boards wouldn't be too painful.

The work was done by this gentleman. You'll have to ask him. It all goes over my head.

http://visforvoltage.org/user/lithiumvectrix

All I know is he installed some batteries which were 60Ah and that The Laird modified the charger software to make it work with the new batteries. For me, all I know is that it's lighter and goes a lot further, but I still just plug it in to charge it like before.

If you think you can get it running and keep it running, they're worth the time, effort and expense.

This is the main point. No doubt, the conversion is really worth. 40Ah (32Ah with safe limits) are good for 85 km at 80 Km/h.
However converting to lithium will turn your motorcycle into a prototype:Therefore you'll need to carefully understand how the new battery system will work (there are hardware and firware issues to consider).You can convert one VX for your personal usage, and use the spare NIMH cells to recover the rest of the vx-1, and sell them. They may last another 10.000 km / 2 years, with a range of 35-45 km.

If I could get 85km that would be great.

In fact, 85 km of smooth driving uses 32Ah. If you risk using all 40Ah, you can travel over 100 km...

As long as your BMS can disconnect the power to the charger if any one cell voltage goes too high, then yes it would be worth it

especially if you are able to get cells that cheap

if you PM me your email address, I can send you some firmware versions that work better with a lithium conversion

btw - if you are planning on using the original fuel guage, measure the continuous discharge of the BMS you are planning to use

if it is too much the fuel guage will lose accuracy over time (I highly recommend installing a cycle analyst to act as your fuel guage)

regards,
Matt

I converted my '07 Vectrix to Li-ion in 2011 using antiscab's conversion kit and 50AH cells along with TheLaird's firmware - it doubled my capacity (from 3 kWh to 6 kWh) and cut the weight of the bike by about 5 lbs. I've been riding it ever since with no regrets. (See the VisForVoltage post - "50AH Li-ion conversion successful").

However - I decided to buy a 2012 Zero (9kWh!), so my Vectrix is for sale.

I haven't had any serious offers on my Vectrix and I refuse to just give it away - so I just keep riding it :-)

Good luck with the conversion - keep us posted!

Good luck!

Hi Elevatorguy,
There are a couple of Vectrix Li-Ion conversions you should look at.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=17071&p=815325&hilit=vectrix+oatnet#p815325
http://www.evalbum.com/4802