How to build a 72Volt electric motorcycle

Step 5: Last few things

Double check all of your connections and tighten every bolt.

I wanted my bike to look as good as it rides, so I had all of the panels painted and custom graphics made up by worldsendimages.

Using a serial cable and laptop, tweak the speed controller program for your riding preferences.

Lastly, I got the bike inspected and insured. (Be prepared for the dealership mechanics to swarm and hit you with a bunch of questions and jokes about failing the emissions test).

I know these weren't step by step building instructions, but that's because of the complexity of this project and variables in component use. My intention was to give you the motivation to build your own by seeing how I did it and make it easier by supplying the parts list and a wiring diagram.

For more photo's and a build commentary visit my website at http://ben.cbccinc.com.

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tim127 says: Aug 10, 2011. 7:41 AM

thats really cool, i wouldnt even know it was home built. how many volts is one of those battaries and how much did they cost?

charlesfries in reply to tim127May 19, 2012. 12:26 PM

12V in each of the batteries, and they cost about $175 each. He used six in series for 72V.

gggiiilllbbbeeerrrttt says: Feb 13, 2010. 1:06 AM

where do you find an old motorcyle

Karletto555 in reply to gggiiilllbbbeeerrrtttFeb 17, 2010. 7:49 AM

in a junkyard

Stryker (author) in reply to Karletto555Feb 17, 2010. 8:24 AM

ebay, craiglist, motorcycle scrap repair shops.

rainbowrider42 in reply to StrykerFeb 5, 2012. 9:44 PM

Hello Stryker. This is my second post here since I became an avid follower of all the instructable projects in this site for five years already. I admire your e-bike project. Can I request for the pdf of your instructable coz i can't download it here for no apparent reason. Maybe something wrong with my pc. My email add: laurel_mj@yahoo.com. I want to make my own e-bike based on your design. I'm from the Philippines and the cost of gas here is very high for my motorcycle. Thanks to this site, I receive an email regarding the projects of e-bikes and I really like to make my own to cut down the cost of riding my motorcycle. Thanks a lot.

garretttm in reply to rainbowrider42Mar 21, 2012. 4:59 AM

You can't download the PDF because that is a feature limited to Pro accounts. As that is how instructables makes money, i'm guessing a pro member won't download it and send it to you. If you want it, you've got to pay.

Wait a minute... is this kim dotcom?

rainbowrider42 says: Feb 5, 2012. 9:33 PM

Hi, This is my first interaction here in Instructables though i've been browsing and reading comments on every project for more that 5 years. First: I really like your project that I wanted to make my own. I really admire your E-bike finished product. Secondly, Is it ok for you if I request you to send me the instructions via e-mail coz i can't download the pdf of your instructable here? you may send it to: laurel_mj@yahoo.com. thanks a lot. If I receive your email, immediately i will start making my own e-bike based on your concept. BTW, I am from the Philippines and I love this site and all the projects here. KUDOS to everybody who shared their talents, time, efforts. I salute to the people behind this site.

earthwindwater says: Oct 23, 2011. 5:25 PM

That is a very slick conversion! Nice!

gggiiilllbbbeeerrrttt says: Feb 13, 2010. 1:17 AM

where do you find some old motorcyles?
and your motorcyle was great

eyeguy6 says: Sep 1, 2009. 8:36 AM

Great bike. What's the top speed, cruising speed and range between recharging? I'd like to build one, but need 100+ mile range.

Stryker (author) in reply to eyeguy6Sep 16, 2009. 6:17 AM

Top speed is around 70mph, cruising speed is whatever the posted speed limits of the road are. Range is the killer it's about 10 miles from a full charge. I don't think you will see 100+ mile range for quite some time.

newdadfor6 in reply to StrykerFeb 1, 2010. 4:47 AM

hey I like the bike but u wouldnt happen to have a set of plans for a SOLAR POWERED WHOOPING STICK,my ole lady's getting to bossy PS a self detonating HOOVER DELUXE might help me,nope not close enough to HALLOWEEN.nice job on the bike.

schenoweth says: Apr 8, 2008. 9:04 AM

You did a great job, what is the range? Man, that bums me out knowing a few months ago i had an old motorcyle melted down. Great work!

Stryker (author) in reply to schenowethApr 8, 2008. 11:05 AM

The range is 10-15 miles per charge depending on how your ride it. Hills, rider weight, acceleration, all factor into distance. Fortunately I only have 3 miles to get to work so it's no problem.

xACIDITYx in reply to StrykerApr 24, 2008. 5:36 AM

Is there any way to boost the range?

Stryker (author) in reply to xACIDITYxApr 24, 2008. 9:41 AM

Yes, if you changed the gearing or put in more/larger batteries you could boost the range. I have it setup for speed and a clean look so I had to sacrifice range.

nadeem014 in reply to StrykerDec 16, 2009. 5:40 AM

can i just use a low amp controller to increase the range sacrificing top speed.I am not much of speed junky and have to travel long distance.

xACIDITYx in reply to StrykerApr 24, 2008. 9:54 AM

Oh, I see.

bennelson in reply to StrykerApr 10, 2008. 2:19 PM

My electric motorcycle has almost the exact same range - top speed is slower though. My office, grocery store, post office, and library are all 2 to 3 miles away, so it works great. Stryker, check out Ecomodder.com. We would love to have you stop in and say hello! and brag about your bike a bit. There is a "fossil fuel free" section that covers EVs.

Mr. Rig It in reply to bennelsonApr 15, 2008. 9:27 PM

You go to the grocery store on your motorcycle? :-)

bennelson in reply to Mr. Rig ItApr 16, 2008. 5:56 AM

Seems like I always run out of one thing or another. A few grocery items fit fine in a backpack or saddlebags.

For anyone really interested in converting a cycle, check out http://www.21wheels.com/elninja.html
The "EL Ninja" plans are actually pretty useful and there are some other handy resources on that site as well.

ctrlaltdelete says: Apr 21, 2009. 10:42 PM

how do you put it into reverse without the gearing? just twist the handle the other way round?

vukko in reply to ctrlaltdeleteMay 20, 2009. 10:27 AM

why on earth would you want reverse? Motorcyclists push their bikes backwards ;)

Stryker (author) in reply to ctrlaltdeleteMay 14, 2009. 6:25 AM

I don't have reverse but you would have to reverse the wires to the motor with a switch of some kind. There is a throttle on some commercial bikes that does regenerative braking when you twist the throttle backwards.

dbeki says: Feb 27, 2009. 6:32 AM

hey, i don't know too much about motors but is it possible to create a hybrid electric motor and a back up gas to increase your mileage range or would you run out of space in the motorcycle?

zeeb6 in reply to dbekiMar 23, 2009. 11:56 AM

I have an electric-gas Hybrid mountain tandum bicycle belt drive 40cc gas on the rear,36volt hub motor on the frt also makes it 2WD average 25 to 30 MPH About 140 MPG ,needs no inc or reg or lic

NewMoonDragon says: Mar 18, 2009. 3:46 AM

This and other bikes i've looked at on this site are sweet. I've been lookin to do this my self but am no brain at things mechanical or electrical lol. Just thought id though this out for help to others lookin for help n hints. i found this book on amazon.com but it hasn't been released yet. "Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle (Tab Green Guru Guides) (Paperback) by Carl Vogel (Author)." One day hope to have my bike on here

ColumbusGEEK says: Jan 4, 2009. 8:16 AM

This is a rather silly question.....I know this....but can it pull wheelies?

Splortched in reply to ColumbusGEEKJan 4, 2009. 10:11 PM

A better question would be:

"Can I pull a wheelie on this bike?"

Foxtrot70 in reply to SplortchedJan 18, 2009. 9:27 AM

Hmm...Amazing what can be done with silicon these days...LOL!

peter57733 in reply to SplortchedJan 14, 2009. 7:45 PM

is it real or is it memorex?

ColumbusGEEK in reply to SplortchedJan 4, 2009. 11:14 PM

ha! Probably not since I have less skills then him. The thought of all that weight squishing my tired old bones in a wheelie disaster is distressing as well. :)

Stryker (author) in reply to ColumbusGEEKJan 4, 2009. 7:11 PM

I haven't been able to, but I'm not that good of a rider. It's pretty heavy with all of those batteries in there.

Petebob in reply to StrykerJan 30, 2009. 10:35 AM

Nice ible Just wondered if the batteries seem to affect the balance of the bike and with the weight shifted, does it brake more fiercely?

Stryker (author) in reply to PetebobFeb 2, 2009. 7:51 AM

The bike didn't run when I got it so I can't say for sure about the braking, but as far as I can tell the weight is balanced perfectly. It rides and brakes very smoothly.

Ronald100 says: Dec 10, 2008. 1:09 PM

I noticed your using direct drive from the motor, no gear box, I know it's not required but would a gear box help on mileage

Stryker (author) in reply to Ronald100Dec 11, 2008. 8:43 AM

I feel like it would, but people that seem to know more than me talk about motor efficiencies and weight of gearboxes etc making it now worth it. I am still on the fence however about putting a CVT into my next one with a belt drive.

hawkeyejr says: Jul 17, 2008. 4:50 PM

Did any one happen to think how much more efficient this "motor" cycle would be if the drive motor were installed where the engine crankshaft was and the clutch and transmission were retained. just a thought from some one who likes to take longer faster trips,and why not add(retain)the alternator,and recharge those batteries,when there's no load?

Silence in reply to hawkeyejrJul 27, 2008. 12:36 PM

Alternator would hit the performance of the bike, whole thermodynamics thing i wont start on. For a variable speed motor, you dont really need a transmission since electric motors have pretty much constant torque and can reach very high RPM. Its optional but in the end it comes down to extra weight, valuable space and batery life.