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Electric Motorcycle

This electric motorcycle is currently a work in process, however is in the homestretch. Converting a 1988 Honda XR into an electric dirt-bike, I designed and fabricated an aluminum bracket that fits to the existing motor mounts. Housing the battery, motor, and controller, this compact design allow the motorcycle to remain narrow with a lowered center of gravity.

 

E.MO1


Specs

Top Speed: 40 mph

MPC (Miles per charge): 25

Battery: 48v, 60 aH Lithium Battery Pack with 100 amp BMS

Motor: ME0909; 48v 4000W, 12.5 kw Peak

Weight: 198 lbs

About the bike

Prior and during the build process, I spent several weeks changing the motor and battery bracket. Every iteration solved a different problem, slimming the bike at times and strengthening the frame during others.

 

Research

Drooling over the idea of building an electric motorcycle since freshman year of college, I have been researching how new companies are designing their motorcycle along with how other people have built their own. Being newer field of research, it is mainly retired engineers and DIYers who have retrofitted electric motors for fill scale motorcycles. Planning to also on using this motorcycle on city streets along with camping trips, I purchased a used dual sport frame from a Boeing engineer on craigslist


Ideation

Prior and during the build process, I spent several weeks changing the motor and battery bracket. Every iteration solved a different problem, slimming the bike at times and strengthening the frame during others.


Prototyping

The quick turnaround of mock-ups made this project possible. Using Rhino and a 150 watt laser cutter, I was able to test my designs which were cut out of plywood. This material was durable, sustainable, and inexpensive allowing me rapidly see my ideas and refine the bracket. The bike seat also went through alterations, supporting a new scrambler seat along with a bracket holds a skateboard and tow rope.


More pictures of the E.MO1