ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Terrotmt1 on November 23, 2019, 11:04:49 PM

Title: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: Terrotmt1 on November 23, 2019, 11:04:49 PM

Hello all, I have a 1950 French Terrot motorcycle with a very difficult 2 stroke engine...
I live in England by the way.
I am considering a conversion to electric, 3Kw (max) and 48 volts (?) The motor will be in the place of the small single cylinder engine, driving the wheel by chain.
The bike is fully restored so I want to keep it that way so everything needs to be bolt on.
I am handy with garage/car restoration tools, welding, machining etc so feel confident to do it.

however, I would love to get a 'kit' of motor, controller etc so I know it all matches.
I don't want to install a rear hub motor if I can help it.
Any ideas for a supplier of the 'kit' of parts please?
Thanks, Graham.

Title: Re: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: NEW2elec on November 23, 2019, 11:36:01 PM

Hi Terrotmt1, welcome aboard.  We get quite a few guys doing electric conversions on here.  This forum is mostly about company made motorcycles and ownership.  These guys do all the projects:
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=30&sid=ef122a4935d94db0c4e7186574f4af6c

I will say that is a very nice restored slice of history.  So simple and clean (well bike shape not the 2 stroke :) ).  You will most likely need to remove the engine to make enough room if you don't want a hub motor.  I wish EV conversions were more kit like but as far as I know it's still mix and match.
Maybe a setup like the Sur Ron electric bike/dirt bike uses would work well for that frame.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Title: Re: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: TEV on November 24, 2019, 04:24:34 AM

Basically,  you're describing a 2010 Zero S (3.6KW battery pack @ 48V) , and a 2010 Zero S weights 320lb with an aluminum frame, do you think that your frame can handle the weight of the battery pack, electric motor,  motor controller,  dc-dc converter,  and battery charger?

Title: Re: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: Terrotmt1 on November 24, 2019, 03:20:54 PM

Thank you both for your replies.
I think the bike is strong enough, but a 3Kw motor is as much as it will need, 2Kw would do too.
The brakes are not substantial, so too much could be dangerous, but I will need good hill climbing capacity.

I say 48 volts as the battery packs seem popular. I really know little on the subject, hence being on here.
Thabnk you for the link, will have a good look.

What section is best for the project on this forum please?

Title: Re: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: Richard230 on November 24, 2019, 08:11:35 PM

This small forum specializes on ICE motorcycle conversions: http://www.elmoto.net/forum.php

Title: Re: 1950 bike conversion to 48V: how?
Post by: Terrotmt1 on November 24, 2019, 09:41:33 PM

Thank you Richard, I've just registered.