OwnerMalcolm Berry
LocationNewcastle upon Tyne, England United Kingdom map
Email email image
Vehicle2000 Cagiva Planet 125cc
Open frame leaves plenty of options for battery/motor configuration.
MotorBriggs and Stratton Etek Permanent Magnet DC
Rated to 48V. A small blower fan connected to the brush cover provides forced air cooling and should let me run up to 72V.
DrivetrainDirect chain drive: 11t front sprocket, 60t rear sprocket, giving ratio of around 5.5 to 1.
ControllerAlltrax AXE 7245
Current limit set at 200 Amps while I get used to the bike and do some fine-tuning.
Batteries5 Hawker SBS30. 27Ah, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Pure lead batteries. Chosen for form factor and reputation for long life and deep cycling ability. Lithium iron phosphate looks like the way to go when prices fall.
System Voltage60 Volts
Charger CTEK3600, made in Sweden
3A individual smart chargers for each battery under the seat. Just plug in and forget. Looking for a bigger charger
for fast charging at home.
DC/DC Converter
None at the moment. Just a 12V tap. Works fine since batteries are charged separately.
InstrumentationDrain Brain, high amp version with speedometer.
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
AccelerationGood. Able to stay in front of most city traffic. Should be even better when I increase the current limit.
Range12 Miles (19 Kilometers)
I stop when I can't maintain 30mph. Should increase to around 15 miles with another battery.
Watt Hours/Mile75 Wh/Mile
Real-world city riding, with brief bursts up to 50 mph.
EV Miles
Current:50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight300 Pounds (136 Kilograms)
About the same as the original ICE bike.
Tires17 inch. 150/60 rear, 120/70 front.
Conversion TimeAround a year.
Conversion CostAbout half the price of a new ICE version of this motorcycle.
Additional FeaturesHollowed out tank is hinged at back to provide useful storage space.
Many thanks to the good people at the old V is for Voltage forum and the new Endless Sphere forum for all their help and inspiration, and to all the other contributors here!

code by jerry