This topic came up on the DIY list that I sometimes read. Since my comments
are mostly electric motorcycle related I thought that readers here might enjoy
it. Although most of the folks here are a bit more experienced, it should
give some insight into the strange and wonderful mind of Mike B.
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First a bit about me:
35 years of motorcycling experience including motocross racing, large 750cc
plus performance street bikes, and off road enduro riding. Electrical
Engineering background combined with 4 years active participation in my local
EV
club the DEVC (Denver Electric Vehicle Council) the Colorado chapter of the
EAA.
Add to that a history as a motor head for cars, trucks, bicycles, and of
course motorcycles.
Now a bit about the motorcycle project:
I did not directly use the El Ninja manual because I did not start from
scratch. I simply bought the motorcycle project after it had passed through
the
hands of several previous owners. I did however serve as a reviewer of the
early drafts of the El Ninja manual and you will see my name in the credits.
For
those people that may not have an extensive background in EVs, a motorcycle
conversion is a relatively simple, cheap entry point, and they are easy to
work on. The chassis for my machine can be traced back to a trashed theft
recovery where the bike had been stripped and was acquired from the local auto
recycler (see Klode's online website for similar opportunities in cars or
cycles
available each week). For those that lack the knowledge or even part of the
skill areas required, John Bidwell's book is a great resource to fill in the
gaps in your knowledge and keep your project moving forward. For those
conspiracy thinkers out there I do not have any financial interest in helping
John
sell his manuals. John has simply been kind enough to answer my questions and
has freely shared his knowledge. You'll find this trait fairly common among
the EV community.
Pictures and technical details on the Kawasaki can be found on the following
sites. If you are interested in a motorcycle project I recommend joining
your local EV club (the DEVC costs $15/yr) and you should consider joining a
free online community such as _http://www.electricmotorcycles.net_
(http://www.electricmotorcycles.net)
See my bike and tech specs here....
_http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/xcgal/index.php?cat=10009_
(http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/xcgal/index.php?cat=10009)
and here....
_http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/748_ (http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/748)
hint: for other cycle projects search the evalbum by type = motorcycles
Now a look toward the future:
One last parting bit of advice. Building your own project from scratch may
not be for everyone that reads this list. For those that want to buy an off the
shelf solution there are several good electric cycles on the market. I rode
some very capable ~45MPH models in California a few months back. If you are
interested in a highway speed capable motorcycle in scooter trim take a look
at the Vectrix. They should be delivering models to the US now.
I should add that my son a College student now rides an electric bicycle
daily. If I have done nothing more than infect a couple of young impressionable
minds with the idea that there are real solutions to our global energy related
problems and that there are alternatives to SUVs for transportation then I
am truly blessed.
I have a new EV from scratch project in the planning stages a powerful,
light weight motocross style "enduro" with an on road leaning (lights and
titled). This one is targeted toward my daughter.
Then there are the 4wd off road hoped up golf cart, electric mower and
composite trailer projects to work on. What about a 2003 Toyota Rav4 with an AC
motor......aaaaah electric dreams.
As to the yellow Ninja it will get advanced batteries to reduce weight and
improve range sometime in the next 3 years as costs come down. I will strive
to preserve its very torquey performance oriented characteristics to keep
those SUV drivers wondering as I stomp them at stop lights, rapidly, silently
leaving them in my dust. Until then it will continue demonstrate that electric
vehicles can be built, licensed, insured and driven daily on the roads today!
All for now. Keep those cards and letters coming.
Mike Bachand
Denver Electric Vehicle Council (DEVC) - Colorado Chapter of the EAA
1994 Kawasaki Ninja EV
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