Videos: More on the DIY Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada 
on 07.18.08
A few months ago we wrote about Ben Nelson's DIY electric motorcycle. It's really a cool bike, especially if you consider that it gets equivalent of 321 miles per gallon and only cost about $2k total. Ben has made two videos about it, the first one (above) talks about how he turned the old Kawasaki into an electric motorcycle and what his experience has been. The second video (below) is kind of a candid camera moment and shows Ben's neighbor's reaction to seeing the electric motorcycle for the first time. Keep up the good work, Ben, and same to all the other ingenious DIYers out there. Via DIY Electric Motorcycle Kicks Butt, Gets 300 eMPG
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Great job Ben! AWesome bike
This is what it takes. Smart people figuring stuff out themselves. Can't wait for government or big business to save our assets.
When my 91 750 Nighthawk finally gives up the ghost, I will start messing around with a conversion project.
Imagine the possibilities with better batteries and lighter construction and more efficient lighting, etc.
Happy Friday!!
vsk
I'll buy it!
He made a 40 mph bike with a range of around 15 miles, all for less than $2000.
I purchased a 35 mph Electric bicycle with a range of about 12 miles for under $800.oo two years ago. This same bike was offered for about $400.oo this summer.
Electric bikes and scooters are now available, and a good way of getting around.
great idea. great thought. however...there are a few issues he needs to address:
1) he'll save a lot of "footprint" by continuing to not wear proper safety gear (full face helmet, armored jacket, etc.). you can save a lot of footprint when you're dead.
2) silence. motorcyclists already face a significantly higher risk of injury/death since most motorists do not take proper caution with being aware of person on motorcycles, scooters, and other two-wheel transportation. motorcycles (and some scooters) do have the advantage providing a different tonal range than other motorists that make them easier to identify. by removing that sound, it exacerbates the safety issue.
...and neither of these points should negate the engineering feet Ben has offered. just something he should consider.
Why is it that some guy with a lot of free time, and a passion for electric bikes or cars can make something like this himself, while a large multinational company can't???
"Why is it that some guy with a lot of free time, and a passion for electric bikes or cars can make something like this himself, while a large multinational company can't???"
In part because they have to warranty the product, meet government standards, and pay an employee's hourly salary (and associated costs) and then sell the product for a profit.
Your $2k bike now costs ???
how much would an employer value this guys time at? minimum wage? higher?
This is a great thing -- if you hate motorcycles.
Personally, I don't ride motorcycles to save gas. I could care less about "fuel efficiency".
And 0-45 in "only" 5 seconds? Pretty lame.
Ben... if you're out there... I hear you're using the crystalyte electric motor kit on your projects. I hear that system rocks. I know Dave... quality control and efficiency are two of his strong points. Great luck and success to you!