OwnerTom Piraino
LocationWest Bridgewater, Massachusetts United States map
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Vehicle1990 Suzuki Katana
sportbike to EV bobber
MotorD&D Motor Systems, Inc. ES-15 Series Wound DC
Tried advancing brushes 10 degrees, but it lost a lot of starting torque. went back to neutral timing and it's fine(no arcing). probably because batteries sag to 80-85 volts at full throttle.
Drivetrain520 x ring chain 13/56 sprockets
ControllerCurtis 1221C
mounted on a big heat sink
Batteries32 CALB/Skyenergy calb 70ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
24 cells inside frame,8 in saddle bags.
System Voltage102 Volts
Charger 8x10 amp and 1x3 amp
Chinese chargers from battery space, 1 for every 4 cells. Cells stay pretty well balanced with this setup. The chargers get hot but they're still working.
HeaterMotor DOES get hot if you beat on it.
DC/DC Converter none
20ah aux batt w/separate 3 amp charger
InstrumentationLarge screen Cycle Analyst HC/HV. Wonderful little instrument.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
Lost a little speed with the lithium conversion, but gained a little acceleration(lighter) and doubled the range
AccelerationFrom 10mph to 60mph it's about like a sportster or bonneville. Below 10mph and above 60, it's about like a 250.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
40-45 miles if you ride like an old lady(40-45mph and easy on the throttle), 35 miles if you ride it like you stole it.
Watt Hours/Mile170 Wh/Mile
160-180@40-45mph, 200-240 if you beat on it
EV Miles
Start:22,000 Miles (35,398 Kilometers)
Current:22,500 Miles (36,202 Kilometers)
Total:500 Miles (804 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight500 Pounds (227 Kilograms)
lost 90lbs going from lead to lithium, but it's still no lightweight
TiresMetzeler 110/80 zr17 front, 130/70 17 rear
Conversion Time500 hours?
Conversion Costover 6 grand
Additional FeaturesExpanded metal bodywork!
Went from lead to lithium 10/11. Lost about 5-6 mph top speed(75 to 70) with the same gearing, but gained some acceleration because it's 90 lbs lighter
5/12/12: Batteries seem to like the warm weather. 78deg F today, went 53 mi on 67(out of 70)AH @40-45 mph. 7/14:Bike is for sale, asking $2995.00.

code by jerry