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Messages - jack63

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1
Home Brew / Re: where do I start? Donor bike?
« on: January 26, 2011, 03:53:56 AM »
Thanks for all the input. It's great hearing the opposing views.

If I dropped the expressway requirement and stuck to back roads my commute would be about 20 miles (32 km), stop and go, max. speed about 45 mph (72 km/h). Roughly 40 minutes drive time. That's one way. I can recharge at work.

Could I do this with 6 12v lead acid batteries? (The max number of lead acid batteries I've seen on conversions is 6 12v.)

2
Home Brew / Re: where do I start? Donor bike?
« on: January 24, 2011, 08:54:48 AM »
Jason - thanks for your input.

I started a little spreadsheet with components and costs - I'm beginning to get a little sticker shock. Maybe I should go back and look at buying new.

I just checked the Zero website. The S is listed for $10,000 USD. Top speed 67 mph (105 km/h), range Up to 50 miles (80 km). evalbum.com has a couple of Kawasakis with top speeds at about what I'm looking and similar range for around $4,000 including the donor bikes.

The $14,000 you mentioned must be one hell of a bike!

Will continue my homework. Thanks again.

Jack

3
Home Brew / Re: where do I start? Donor bike?
« on: January 22, 2011, 10:27:37 AM »
Well I just visited evalbum.com - awesome conversion projects from Porches to mountain bikes. I think I can answer my first question - $1000 is about 1/2 what I need especially if I spend $500 on a donor bike. I also think I need to drop the highway speed requirement. I might get a max speed of 65 mph but not sustained.

Not giving up just re-evaluating budget and learning more...

Cheers!

4
Home Brew / where do I start? Donor bike?
« on: January 21, 2011, 09:16:24 AM »
Hi. I'm new to this forum and new to this whole e-bike world. I've been thinking about doing a conversion for a while. Have poked around here and elsewhere on the web. The more I see and learn the more I want to do it. For now I'm just looking for some help with how to get started. I've ridden in past (many moons ago). Had a KZ400 and used it to commute to college and loved it. Now I commute to my job. What I'd like is bike with a range of 40 miles to be safe (My commute is 25 miles and I can recharge at work.) I would like to take expressways if needed so a top speed of 65-70 for 30 minutes would be ideal.

Two questions:
1- Is this doable for roughly $1000 if I were to spend $400-500 on a donor bike? I am dreaming? I know some motors go for over a grand by themselves.
2- Do I start with a donor bike to see what kind of space I have to work with or do I start with components? Any suggestions on donor bikes? I like the classic look - Rebel, Vulcan etc.

Thanks for your help.
Jack

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