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1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion

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05 Jun 2008 10:54 - 05 Jun 2008 10:54 #218118 by sprale
1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion was created by sprale
I have a '77 KZ650 that I am going to convert to electric-drive. First, I need to loose the internal combustion drivetrain :)

The chassis seems solid and mostly complete. I need a few bits for the front end as well; handlebar clamps, brakes and the bearings for the steering neck.

Probably will use a few deep cycle auto batteries, since they will get drained regularly. Converting the fuel gauge to a volt meter to monitor remaining 'fuel' would be cool.

Not sure what will happen with this project, but I have high hopes. Maybe I will stop riding my Ninja every day...

Last edit: 05 Jun 2008 10:54 by sprale.

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05 Jun 2008 15:51 #218185 by Samwell
Replied by Samwell on topic 1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion
I've seen this done with an old BMW /5. They used golf cart motors and some car batteries. Done right it'll even recharge going down hills (just like the fancy hybrids do). Weight is your enemy here, keep everything as light as you can.

Later...Sam

--
Current Rides: 2013 BMW R1200GSW, 1972 BMW R75/5
Current Project: 1978 KZ1000A2: Supercrank'd by Falicon, APE studs and nuts, Dyna Green coils, powder coated frame and fenders, Stainless brake lines, dual front discs, pods, Kerker Exhaust, 1075cc with JE pistons

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05 Jun 2008 18:50 #218222 by tool maker
Replied by tool maker on topic 1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion
Green is the new black, Good luck to you.

Lancaster, PA

82 KZ1000 M2, stage 3 jet kit, pods, 4 into 1 Mac, Accel coils & wires.

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05 Jun 2008 20:08 #218235 by violentvintagecycles
Replied by violentvintagecycles on topic 1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion
Be careful buddy, the 650 guys in here reign supreme! :dry:
Ill bet there's 60 members in here chewing on their jaws! :P
Better save that motor and make a nice display case for it! That
might keep em happy. :)
Ive been wanting to do something like this, think the torque and
power the electrics have can rival and even surpass the gas
motor.
Keep us posted!

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05 Jun 2008 21:56 #218255 by CruisingRam
Replied by CruisingRam on topic 1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion
I am very curious to see what is used for the motor, how much it costs, same with batteries.

1975 Z1 B 900- soon to be heavily modded
Pahoa, Hawaii is my new hom
I am working hard to save up the shipping money to get my shop opened here in Hawaii
I hate electrical stuff.

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06 Jun 2008 01:15 #218289 by cherrymetal
Replied by cherrymetal on topic 1977 KZ650 electric-drive conversion
The guy I bought my frame with title from in Abergavenny, Wales UK, was doing exactly the same thing, he had a load of Z650 parts and I bought a frame with mag wheels etc, he was keeping spoked wheels with alloy rims etc, to keep the weight down, but chose the Z650 because of the double cradle constuction which of course lends itself to fitting pretty much anything in.
The same guy also had a very tasty K series BMW cafe racer/streetfighter, with a heavily modified tank (made it look less like a brick, some Ducati parts and lots of one off bits he made. His garage was to die for, everything you could ever want!
Makes me jealous, all that skill, space and toys!

_____________________________________________________
1977 Z650 (WIP - GPz750 Engine, RF400 Wheels & brakes, Bandit 600 Forks, Zephyr Swingarm)
1997 ZRX1100 - Stock - for now!(except for Hindle header with Micron carbon can)
1988 NTV600 Revere - Stock (work hack!)

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