I currently own a Suzuki VX 800 and have debated on converting it to electric. Although, I am not sure it can be done because it is a shaft driven motorcycle. Does anyone know if it can be done or would it be easier to get a used chain drive motorcycle?
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Hmm, I haven't looked at the innards of a shaft drive motorcycle.. but I think what would be important is the geometry of where everything is placed. Plus the geometry of the swingarm. I think a sprocket could be stuck on the end of a shaft or other ways to mate the shaft of the motor to the drive shaft. But, for example, I'd think as the swingarm bounces up and down the shaft will of course move so how is it arranged that the moving shaft can mate with a motor without having the motor also move around?
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
It can, and has been done. Check here: http://www.evalbum.com/type/MTCY
If the Suzuki works ok, than I suggest not converting it, and instead finding a bike that has serious engine/transmission problems. For a shaft drive, I'd suggest experimenting with planetary gear systems for the proper reduction. Usually, directly mating the motor shaft to the drive shaft does not offer enough reduction.
[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/587-my-kz750-electric-motorcycle-project]KZ750 Motorcycle Conversion[/url]
[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/588-fixing-my-chinese-scooter]900 watt scooter[/url]
Pic from http://www.electri
A CVT in combination with a shaft drive would be nice, particularly if it was capable of automatically adjusting itself to throttle input, choosing the most efficient rpm for the motor at a given speed/throttle input combination.
That would give low maintenance, low noise, fast acceleration, high top speed and economical cruising.
Maybe the CVT could even be the perfect interface to connect the motor to the drive shaft.
Mr. Mik
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There is always a way if there is no other way!
A CVT could be a very good option. There's not really a drop-in CVT that I know of that will work. These are designed for engines, so it would take some experimenting to get one to work ok. Your best bet is to contact this guy, as he did a lot of testing:
http://www.evalbum.com/716
[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/587-my-kz750-electric-motorcycle-project]KZ750 Motorcycle Conversion[/url]
[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/588-fixing-my-chinese-scooter]900 watt scooter[/url]
Pic from http://www.electri
I also have a shaft drive bike that will b the second project conversion.
I found a great picture-essay in PDF format on "endless sphere" website (another site for EV enthusiasts)
Look for Electric Motorcycle Conversion Photos and Videos; "My Daily Commute" by 'Fingers'
He had a Yamaha and added an intermediate shaft (jack-shaft) to connect the motor to the shaft. Very well done, tho not real fast from his specs.
good luck