In my mind the ideal (street) transmission for an electric motorcycle is a
small version of a Harley style stand alone belt driven transmission. It would
use a belt drive from the electric motor to the transmission and enable
either a chain or belt final drive. It would need only two speeds if the
torque
of the electric motor is substantial enough. The first speed would serve for
acceleration and speeds below 45MPH and the second gear would serve sustained
high speed cruising at highway speeds 45 to 75. It would accept a number of
shift mechanisms including manual linkage, pneumatic (air shifter), electric.
In general it would be a manual shift, but those opposed, could rig up some
sort of electric auto mode based on road speed or motor rpms.
However, the Harley styled transmissions that I have found available on the
web are 4 to 6 speeds (overkill for an EV) and are high priced (>$1,000) due
to the current demand for custom motorcycles and features (that I don't need)
such as chrome polished covers etc.
I think Darin uses one for drag racing that might meet my needs, but I do
not know how streetable it is or how much one costs?
Mike Bachand
DEVC/EAA
1994 Kawasaki Ninja EV
_http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/type/MTCY_
(http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/type/MTCY)
_http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/xcgal/index.php?cat=10009_
(http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/xcgal/index.php?cat=10009)
