2017 - El Moto

[Functional Artist]

Bat trees are mounted & secured

So,

...(3) of the bat trees are wired in series to provide the 36V for the propulsion system

...the other (1) bat tree is wired to power the motorcycle's 12V system (lights & signals)


I was able to use most of the ~10', of bat tree cables, I made up when this motor/controller was mounted on El Dingo last year

I even went back to the old "El Dingo" thread (several times) to double check details about cable routing & other wiring stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8VBKvGCHqo

 

[Functional Artist]

Makin' good progress

yesterdays to do list

make (1) bat tree cable

double check solenoid wiring

& then attach solenoid wires

double check bat tree cable routing

& make sure ALL connections are tight

solder & add heat shrink to the 12V wire connection on the bike

clean, polish & install the chain guard

 

[Functional Artist]

Next to do list

...tighten rear bat tree mount bolt

...notch chain guard

...install chain guard


Triple checked everything (twice)


Everything seems done

Lets give'er a try

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbuHfLuB5Qo

 

[Functional Artist]

Now, for the 12V wiring on the bike

We don't need

...the gas engine coil (supplied spark)

...the starting solenoid (engaged the engine starter)

So, I donated them to a local motorcycle repair shop


The other stuff, I'm not sure about

...so, I'll leave them alone for now (rectifier etc.)


So, the main power wire started at the positive (+) bat tree cable going to the solenoid

So, I cut the wire at the solenoid & soldered on a red 10g. wire with a fuse block running up to the 12V bat tree


I bolted the ground wire goin' to the solenoid, to the frame

...& also ran a black 10g. wire from the frame to the 12V bat tree


Turned the key on

Yup! we have

...lights (head & tail & instrument)

...turn signals

...& even the horn works

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Ride into the sunset (via video of course).

 

[Functional Artist]

Here is my first test ride

Very quiet runner, I heard mostly wind & tire noise

Rolles out good

Put ~7 miles on it during test ride

Top speed so far ~26 mph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brqfLud-Ygc

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Second easiest way to get killed on the streets: Silent motorcycle.

 

[Functional Artist]

Second easiest way to get killed on the streets: Silent motorcycle.

I was giving a description of details of the test ride.

Super loud stereo is a necessity on an electric motorcycle -check

Probably better sound quality than a regular motorcycle too

 

[Functional Artist]

Took another ride today

It was great!

It's still not registered or plated so, I took it up to a local Wal-mart & cruised around the parking lot.

Started off with 9.4 miles on the trip meter

Put 'er out in the wind & opened 'er up.

Within 20 minutes, I had put another 6 miles on her & she was still running strong

It has great acceleration but, tops out & seems like it needs another gear (I found myself wanting to shift to the next gear several times but, there is no next gear)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdwRuXyiqms

 

[Functional Artist]

I rode El Moto like nearly a half hour before the batt trees got too low & the low voltage protection kicked in.

It would of been nice to have a "low battery" warning light or something

so, I didn't have to push it like 1/4 mile back to the truck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad4XPYfwluY

 

[Functional Artist]

The bat trees must have recovered or leveled off a bit because, when I got back home, the bike would "go" again

So, I rode it into the back yard to recharge.

* Before charging the bat trees tested @ 36.4V with my mm


While charging the bat trees back up I figured that I could finish up the brake switch issue.

The bike has (2) brake light switches.

...one in the front brake lever housing (for when you apply the front brakes)

...& one on the right rear engine mount bracket that attaches to the foot pedal for the rear brakes, by a spring


The front one is fine, it's the rear one that's the issue

...first of all, it was mounted to the inside the frame

...but, that's where the motor is now & it doesn't clear/won't fit


If I just mount it outside the frame

...but, it would stick out & look kinda goofy

...& I also need to add another (totally separate) brake actuated switch
(sends a signal to the controller to cut the power to the motor when the brakes are applied)

...& on some models turns on the regen feature


So, Ima gonna make my own

...that wont stick out so far

...& will hold (2) brake switches

I'll use a piece of angle steel

...But, I'll do some body work so, it don't look like a bracket made outa angle steel

 

[Functional Artist]

Need to drill

...a couple of 5/8" holes into one side for the brake light switches

...& one 5/16" hole into the other side to bolt it on the bike


So, measure, mark, center punch, drill 1/8" pilot hole, then drill the correct size holes


Test fit on the bike

...mark what material needs removed

 

[Functional Artist]

Now for the creative part or "body work"


Removed the bulk of the unwanted material with the cut-off tool

...did some roundin' with the bench grinder

...then some smoothin' with a flap disk on the hand held grinder


Gettin' close

...but, still too much material on the front edge

 

[Functional Artist]

A little more trimming off the front & a little black paint

Yup, that should do it

kinda looks like a factory "dual" brake switch mount

Just gotta see if I can round up another switch & spring tomorrow

 

[Bbqjoe]

Pretty slick man, pretty slick.
And you own a rollback too?

You really need to put some cards in the spokes or something.

 

[Functional Artist]

Pretty slick man, pretty slick.
And you own a rollback too?

You really need to put some cards in the spokes or something.

Well, Thank you sir

Yes, I think this one turned out nice.


Yup, I gotta (part time) toy hauler

I told ya I was a tow truck driver

 

[Functional Artist]

After several test rides

I think it's time to "step it up a notch"

According to the specs this/these motors do ~72 rpm's per volt of input

So, at 12V it does 864 rpm's (12V x 72rpm's = 867 rpm's)
...24V = 1,728 rpm's


The bike is currently operating at 36V (2,592 rpm's)
...with the 10 tooth front gear
...& a 54 tooth on the rear (5.4:1) ratio
...top speed is ~26 mph

So, by moving up to 48V

...the motor should produce ~3,456 rpm's
...& draw less amps

It should be a faster bike with a lower/slower power consumption

 

[Bbqjoe]

But are ya gonna put some playing cards or something in the spokes?

 

[Functional Artist]

But are ya gonna put some playing cards or something in the spokes?

While a silent bike would be kuhl, I agree it's kinda dangerous especially now with these stupid smart phones

Been thinkin' about it

What kinda sound effects would be effective but, still kuhl?

swarmin' bee's?

back up beeper?

How about, that electric crackling sound
...you hear while welding?

 

[Functional Artist]

Still thinkin' & doin research before I move up to 48V

This speed controller is programmable

So, let's go in & see where it is set at from the factory

The manual says to remove motor cables & smaller wiring from the controller

Then, supply power & negative from battery pack


The main power switch is off but, I still wrapped each cable end with tape & also marked to ensure correct reconnection