Introduction: Add Sound Effects to Your Electric Motorcycle

By 300MPG.org
About: Ordinary guy with no special skills, just trying to change the world one backyard invention at a time. See more at: http://300mpg.org/ On Twitter - @300MPGBen and at Ecoprojecteer.net

Add any sound you want to your electric motorcycle with some portable speakers and an MP3 player!

Step 1: Download MP3s

Download some fun sound effects from the internet, use a sound effects CD, or go out and record your own.

Just get some sound into your computer and then into your MP3 player.

Suggested sounds would be those of a motorcycle, but why not a Jetsons car sound, The Electric Slide, or the Back to the Future theme song?

Step 2: Dig Up Some Speakers

Get some speakers to play your sounds through.

I am using self-powered, battery operated speakers of the kind that were used with portable CD players.

They have a small amp built-in, and run off four AA-size batteries.

Step 3: Install the Speakers

Mount the speakers somewhere on the cycle.

Hidden is best for the gag of an electric cycle making gasoline cycle sounds.

Under the seat or inside the hollowed-out gas tank can both work well.

Attach the speakers with zip-ties, screws, glue, or whatever works for you. I like zip-ties, because they hold tight, but are cheap and can be easily removed.

Remount the gas tank or side panels to cover the speakers when you are done.

Make sure the wire between the two speakers reaches.

If the speakers have a power button, make sure it is still accessable after mounting, or modify the power switch to relocate on the handlebars or another convenient location.

Step 4: Mount the MP3 Player

Mount the MP3 player on the handlebars or other convenient location.

Use hook and loop fastener, double-sided tape, bongo-ties, or something similar. That way, you can remove the MP3 player for security.

Alternatively, it could be mounted inside the gas tank or another secure location, if you have a wire remote for it.

I used fancy rubber bands to pin down this iPod.

Plug in the cable from the speakers to the headphone jack, making sure there is enough slack to be able to steer the motorcycle properly without pulling the cord loose.

Step 5: Hit the Road!

Go for a ride and watch all the looks you get when you change your cycle sound from a Harley, to a 50cc scooter, to your favorite movie sound track!

Go to Ecomodder.com and brag to all your friends about your pimped out eco-ride!







PS: What make a quiet cycle make noise? Why do digital cameras still go "click"?

Cycles are harder to see, so making some sound makes sense in a parking lot with poor visibility, or while backing up.

It's also great to have as a come-back to the smart-@$$es who say loud pipes save lives.

Lastly, it's just plain fun! Instantly have your cycle sound like anything you want! Or if you don't want to, just turn it off.

You can't do that with a gas hog.