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[trikester]

Two more photos. This is the completed trike but still without batteries.

In the front view you can see my "ZERO" decal right above the "YAMAHA". The left side view shows the guard over the front sprocket which was the last piece I fabricated to complete the trike today. Yesterday I made the rear wheel sub-fender forward mud guard by cutting and heat forming a plastic clipboard from Staples Office Store (partially shows in the photo).

The battery connectors are still clamped in place because without batteries they are free-floating and would be hanging down.

Hopefully, the next photos I post will be the trike on street or dirt, under power.

Trikester

[NedKelley]

Great project Trikester!  I have had a couple of trikes over the years, it would be awesome to have an EV 

[BSDThw]

Seeing your Trike without batteries is like itching and you can't scratch.

Ned: I really like your "Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul! 

[WindRider]

Amazing project Trikester.   Zero needs to get you some batteries!!   We need to see this thing come to life.

[trikester]

For a while I have had instructions from Zero engineering on how to wire the controller to have a reverse function available. I had decided to not do that because I wanted to get the system running without modifications possibly causing problems. However, since I now have time to kill waiting for batteries, I will go ahead and make the wiring mod. It will also require some reprogramming by Harlan to get the revers option working, so for my first tests of the running system I will leave the F / R switch in the forward position which will make it the same wiring as before modification.

As of now I'm planning to locate the F / R switch on the "tank", on the right side of the dash board (see photo), so that I won't accidentally switch with my hand still on the throttle. Not sure what would happen if I did that, but I don't wish to find out the hard way. 

During the years that the trike was gas powered I got along without revers because the trike was easy to push backwards when in neutral. Now, with the electric motor always being connected to the wheel, it will be more difficult to push back with the added friction of spinning the motor (just like the Zero motorcycles are more resistant to pushing than a gas bike in neutral.).

Trikester

[protomech]

When the bike is "off" then it should be no more resistant to pushing than a gas bike in neutral.

Edit: perhaps the better phrase is "little mroe resistant" .. see below : )

[trikester]

When the bike is "off" then it should be no more resistant to pushing than a gas bike in neutral.

It is definitely more resistant to pushing than an ICE bike in neutral. The magnetic drag on the rotor (and some general friction) does not disappear when power is off. Remember, you are geared up from wheel to motor when driven from the wheel so torque at the motor shaft is reduced and RPM increased. It takes more effort to overcome that magnetic drag and friction than a gear box in neutral.

I carry pliers to remove the quick link in the chain on my Zero bikes in case I ever have to push one any significant distance. Also, without the motor physically connected, the bikes will coast freely down even very shallow slopes.

Trikester

[trikester]

Two more photos: A close up of the forward / reverse switch installed and a rider's eye view of all of the instruments and switches.

[BSDThw]

I have this revers push button at my zero it will not do bad things when switching during you drive.

Actually it will depend how you do set up the Sevcon, you actually could use it like a Regn Brake but I will not advice to do because if you switch accidentally back your breaking will and in accelerating
(you can setup it that your throttle give the acceleration/breaking torque like the throttle at a Vectrix but you distinguish the direction with the switch and the torque is always with opening the throttle (dangerous)!

[CliC]

I just gotta say, that trike looks sweet.

[TargeT]

Amazing project Trikester.   Zero needs to get you some batteries!!   We need to see this thing come to life.

I want my batteries first... sure his project is cool, but I need to get to work!

[trikester]

Have you guys sent in the sizes for your free riding jacket and gloves? I did that yesterday.

Trikester

[TargeT]

Have you guys sent in the sizes for your free riding jacket and gloves? I did that yesterday.

Trikester

errr.... what??

[trikester]

A letter went out from Richard Walker, Zero's CEO, offering the warm weather riding jacket and gloves free to those of us who are waiting for our batteries to be replaced. It requires going to a web page and giving your sizes.

I won't show the web address because everyone qualified should have their letter from Richard first. If you fall into this group and haven't received the letter, then inquire of Zero.

I didn't know about the letter until I was communicating with Zero engineering and was told about the letter and that I should have received it already, which I hadn't. There was some kind of problem with my snail mailing address according to them.

Trikester

[TargeT]

I live in the virgin islands, there's problems with everything comming from out side to here... haha


I'll shoot an email their way, I'd love a jacket/gloves (hopefully its SUPER warm weather jacket.. it doesn't really get lower than 75* here)