Frank's 1976 Suzuki GT550

Owner	Frank John
Owner's Other EVs	1974 Harley Davidson Aermacchi 1994 Toyota Pickup
Location	Brooklin, Maine United States ^map
Vehicle	1976 Suzuki GT550 I broke a con rod on this normally bullet-proof bike and decided to convert it.
Motor	D&D Motor Systems, Inc. ES-10E-33 Separately Excited DC 6.7" Sepex Motor
Drivetrain	D&D Sepex Motor with Sevcon controller. 14 X 65 teeth sprockets
Controller	Sevcon Powerpak For 72 VDC nominal. 12KW output The controller is set up for 130A max regen which is like a medium application of brakes. I used a PB-6 potbox; just opening the throttle a bit (to activate the microswitch) allows regen-free coasting.
Batteries	24 Thunder Sky LFP-100AHA with yttrium, 3.30 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate 24 100 AH cells in series...
System Voltage	72 Volts
Charger	Russco Lithium This charger can work with a BMS.
DC/DC Converter	Sevcon 300 watt
Instrumentation	Stock speedo, Cycle Analyst
Top Speed	65 MPH (104 KPH) Function of power, gearing, aerodynamics and field current.
Acceleration	Not bad - similar to stock motorcycle up to 60 mph.
Range	45 Miles (72 Kilometers) Range obviously depends how fast you go. I estimate 45 miles at 45 mph to 70% DOD, riding for "fun." At 30 mph this thing could go 70 miles at 70% DOD. Improved aerodynamics would make a measurable difference. It's basically a box going through the air now.
Watt Hours/Mile	125 Wh/Mile Function of speed.
Seating Capacity	1 adult
Curb Weight	400 Pounds (181 Kilograms) Slightly heavier than stock. Weight is aft a bit far but the bike handles well.
Tires	stock size
Conversion Cost	~$5K w/o charger
I still have bodywork to do on this bike. I'm pursuing an aerodynamically efficient fairing of some sort plus something to help close up the back of the bike. It takes 5-6 KW at 45-50 MPH; reducing this by 30% would have a large impact on range at speed.

code by jerry