Finally done...
OwnerTed Dillard
Owner's Other EVs1971 Yamaha R5
1971 Yamaha R5 (v2)
1985 Suziki 125 RMe
LocationBoston, Massachusetts United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1984 Honda VF500F Interceptor
Host bike was a high-mileage (135K) rolling chassis with a seized engine. Found through Craigslist, purchased with title for $500
MotorMars ME0709 Permanent Magnet DC
DrivetrainChain with 12-tooth front and 45 tooth rear (stock) sprockets.
ControllerAlltrax AXE 7245
24-72V, 450A @ 30 sec, 200A @ 1 hr
Batteries6 Universal Batteries UB12220, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Battery mounting is designed to be modular- easily adaptable to a variety of battery configurations. The Universal UB12220 AGMs were a low-cost baseline for testing and de-bugging the bike.
System Voltage72 Volts
Charger C1B Series Charger 7208 (72V 8amp)
4 hour recharge
InstrumentationVintage Simpson 150V panel gauge (MIT Flea Market), Stock Suzuki Eliminator speedometer (EBay).
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
Acceleration0-60mph in approx 8-9 sec.
Range13 Miles (20 Kilometers)
Actual ride today, 13.2 miles averaging around 30mph! Not bad for little scooter batteries... although it was certainly more than they were comfortable handling (hot to the touch). Probably 10 miles is the safe max.
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight250 Pounds (113 Kilograms)
Really light!
TiresFront Tire size: 100/90H16
Rear Tire size: 110/90H18
Conversion TimeTime to first rolling version- 3 months. Time to second completed version- 6 months.

Total ET- 9 months.
Conversion CostHost bike: $500.00
Motor, controller, contactor (used): 530.00
Batteries: 300.00
Bike parts bought/sold: --
Supplies and tools: 200.00
Tax credit: (200.00)

Total: $1330.00
Additional FeaturesModular battery rack allowing interchangeable battery systems.
Upgrades planned include 40ah Headway battery system.

At this point, I'm going through the punchlist of details to be wrapped up and testing the systems in real-time riding.

The name comes from comments from my 16-year old son ("Electric motorcycles have no soul...") and my wife's comment on Facebook ("sometimes I think Ted is building a fembot in the basement....")

code by jerry