VoltZilla The Electric motorcycle "forkencycle" home built

[WpA09]

lol at your dad at the end!

[kaysandesses]

Great project and very well done!

[mynamesmitchel]

how is it with the clutch? because a electric motor has no minimum speed so you wouldn't really even need it would you? does it preform well compared to the original as far as acceleration?

Cool project.

[rwg42985]

@mynamesmitchel Well... Sadly the clutch was busted... And I do wish I could use it as I could run the motor up to speed then drop the clutch... It would be fun! Acceleration is good, but with bettery battery's and such it would be better! Thanks, ~Russ

[tasquill]

@loveshy007: What a negative, pessimistic f'er you are. I'm pretty sure from his mechanical knowledge and hands on skills that he is fully aware of what he was doing! Besides how many kids or other cars for that matter did you see?

So do us all a favor and slash your wrists.................Wanker!

[rwg42985]

@tasquill agreed, thanks! ~Russ

[loveshy007]

@tasquill Uhm, I don't see any Lead-Acid batteries connected via pipes to the OUTSIDE of my car. ha ha ha (My battery is under the hood, behind a firewall, THANK YOU VERY MUCH) I was just concerned seeing the guy ride this DEVICE on the wrong side of the road. If he was wearing a full HAZMAT suit, maybe I would not have commented this strong... But THAT is not even a full helmet, so he would probably lose FACE in a crash. PEACE

[loveshy007]

You are not just stupid, you are dangerous to yourself and others !! Let me point out that the batteries you are using are filled with ACID... Sulfuric ACID. When I see you drive down the road with your ACID BOMB, I just want to slice my wrists. Couldn't you have at least used an OPTIMA DRY CELL ?? Lithium ION batteries are even safer. Don't you ever think about what would happen to you after an ACID BATH ??... Or some kid in the road ? DUDE, you were on WRONG SIDE WITH ACID BOMB. Shame on YOU.

[kaysandesses]

@loveshy007 Hey stupid-ass: the vast, vast majority of motor vehicles one sees on the roadway has one of your ACID bombs too. I'm sure if you wanted to send this guy four OPTIMA DRY CELL batteries, which incidentally are about $125 a pop, I'm sure he would be grateful.

[parkhurstw]

hay- i am actually planning on doing about the same thing you did with your bike, i have worked on cars my entire life (rebuilt a big block 350 when i was 9) and am going to collage for civil engineering, but i was given a Kawasaki kz400 frame, and am planing on using a ctv connected to the forklift motor i am buying for $50, which should do a lil better then your transmission you have there if i am right, do you have any advice for me, my e-mail is gro2000wes@yahoo.com

[uraldneprvw]

Superb! What distance can you cover on a charge? Do you still have the alternator to charge the 12v bike battery?Very well done!

[derman077]

Great build. Awesome performance. I drive around on a Souped up power wheels from time to time , lol

I noticed your drive belt is a bit close for comfort to your pants and knee. Have you fashioned a guard for that ?

[VA3JGM]

excellent idea...how bout a sidecar to accommodate the batteries! Can't imagine the weight & centre of gravity being the same ..although it looks like you're cruising along ok!

[valveman12]

Now to add some regenerative braking.

[moss1transcendant]

hi, brilliant fun that. just be careful as the rear batterys are behind your calves. thats rathter dangerous if you instinctly kp your foot down when you feel you need to keep balance. perhaps you can raise them by 8" to help clear your legs . although when i saw the layout i immediately thought it was really nicely weighted/ balanced.

good luck with ongoing mods and projects, seems you are in touch with wiring and making use with used things. super fun.

[monkeyjulu]

useing the electric motor t power the transmission is such a smart move so u still have the gearing systeme omg why havn't i see that yet

[derman077]

@monkeyjulu it works on cars too

[renewer]

So you've coupled an electric motor to a motorcycle transmission?!! That's incredible!

I was just recently wondering if that was possible. I'd like to build something like your VoltZilla. Any advice??

Thanks a lot for posting this by the way.

[RafaeINadal]

a lot of work to be 30 $ ahead but nice effort

[12radim12]

Very good work!!!

[dougb61]

This is awesome, I want one!

[badnewswade]

Beautiful machine! How fast does it go and what's the range, and have you got it street legal yet? I wanna see more of this!

[hipofalcon]

Most excellent. I liked your dad at the end of the vid - reminds me of a character called Bill, in the "Red Green" series called "adventures with Bill" - great bit of comic relief - well done! Ken.

[mdivinc]

I can see that you will have tremendous range with the batteries you are now useing,but you can get a 36 or 48 vdc lipo@ 40 amp/hr that will fit in the space of one 12volt lead acid battery. Just to slim down the profile. The controlls you installed can run a mid-size car. Great job! Better to be over powered than under powered. Have you tested the max speed yet? Again, nice project!

[peterweetbeter]

Replace the "motor-compartment"

altogether by batteries and use In-Wheel motors. You even don't need a clutch.

[TannerLamm]

You should look for a side car for your batteries. Awesome video!!

[rhblakeman]

Wouldnt it be cool to get a trike like a Harley 3 wheeler they used to use for cops and mount a bunch of batteries in the box over the rear wheels and even have room for cargo above the batteries and probably a bunch of room above the motor for maybe a 24V alternator? I LOVE the reverse, nice touch. I have an 89 Ford Festiva I've thought about putting electric in but at 40 mpg on a new engine, gas is a lot more convenient

[treefarmer134]

COOL VIDEO!

I may convert my Willys Jeep over. Can't wait to ride.

[jtkelly06]

song starting at 6:45ish?

[TheArchieBell]

Magical! Pure Magic! Thanks for the inspiration you give me.

I,m doing a Fourwheel Conversion using Fork Lift gubbins for Drive motor etcetera. to highlight a Save Cancer Services Campaign in North WEST Ireland--(Ireland =Real Green??), the feasability of which has just magnified greatly seeing your video. Many thanks for a real dream machine! Fair play to you. Fantastic Post!!

[theoneagain]

long live electric power for humanity

THATS COOL

[badnewswade]

Beautiful machine. You know what it needs? Moar batteries :-p

Seriously though, what's it's range? I have a purpose built electric scooter, and it's range is a shitty 14 or 15 miles. :-( Hoping this can be improved...

[bibbastard]

How long did it take to make a conversion from a gas powered motorcycle to a electric? and did find blue prints on how to make that electric motor cycle?

[Madcitycycler600]

Can you tell me more about the transmission?

[Madcitycycler600]

Awesome dude!

[cyberbulldog13]

how are you planning on recharging it? home a/c charger or incorporating an alternator?

[cheapracer]

Thanks for the answer man! Hey i like your slow speed riding ability but i don't like how low your front battery's are - worried your going to hook on something during cornering from lack of clearance.

[johnboi465]

exellent bike! what range do you get out of it?

[DevilmanTNT]

Man, that is impressive, i like that you left the gearbox, i bet you get good speed while keeping the motor at low rpm's that way, using less power. Have you tried taking it on a highway yet?

[KenMacMillan]

personally I think I would've ditched the tranny. Still cool as hell though!

[huntersky123]

ever try reving it up to like 1000rpm and dropping the clutch? that would take off!

[luke9701]

too right

[CivicChuk]

Sweet bike! How does the charge hold? How do the savings on gas compare to the savings on power? How's acceleration? Keep us updated, as this is downright amazing!

[lilbrudder32]

Electricity is cheap. For instance, if I were to convert my pickup to electric, I would spend $0.08/mi (including eventual battery replacement cost) compared to $0.20 for fuel alone (not counting engine maintenance, not counting for the projection of $7/gal by end of summer) Check out other electric projects. People have been doing this for decades.

[ruralblight]

If this doesn't stick it to the Man, I'm confused.

[illebizzle]

how does your motor peform with the transmission ? can u use al gears, with significant change in comparison with a electric motor without transmission ?

[DubbedOver]

So this guy can get all this "garbage" from all over, build a bike with a very small amount of money. How could it possibly cost so much more to have a big name company build an affordable one. I just don't get it.

[elstonieo]

good to see m8 found your video from treehuger . com

[rwg42985]

Haha I'll get you some pics! On my cardomain in a week or so, thanks for checking It out!

[cheapracer]

Dude, rockin job! I have a serious question, whats it like to ride with the gearbox? Do you find the gears useable and similar to normal function or can you just leave it in the 1 gear with its torque? With hindsight, if you had the choice would you stick with the gearbox or get rid of the weight instead? Thanks in advance...

[rwg42985]

hey man , sorry i took so long to reply. i lost my internet for a little wile. if i had a higher rpm motor, the gear box would more help full. but the gear box is really fun to use. you get the luxury of electric but the fun of switching gears... and i don't even use the clutch! i love it! it is heavy but it makes the bike so much fun to drive...

[cheapracer]

Hey whats the top speed by the way?

[rwg42985]

40mph

[DdgeShelby]

ok, I know I wasn't the only cat to notice the convertable El Camino.. ;)

how did yo reattach the top?

I'd love to do that for fun.. :)

[Odziz]

$30 dollars ahead and a fully working electric motorcycle that's better than FREE!

[carpespasm]

You might want to be careful using reverse. I would imagine there might be some problems over time using the transmission turning the opposite direction it was designed to spin. With low speed I don't think it would be too bad though. Awesome bike!

[evmotorcycle]

Excellent! :)

[emilyrose32]

So I have to say Yo, I told everyone long ago that you were a genius. Glad you are holding up to that standard. I love you and the amazing work you've done, but I have to say my favorite part of the video was dad...being good ol' dad :) Haha. Love ya! -Your proud sister...far, far away in the tropics...7 more weeks!

[hobbes32]

Wow! Can't beat the price.

How is your Commutacar going? Anymore videos?

[Kaced24]

wOw, how bout a solar panel to recharge the batteries... ;)

[Jwellmeier05]

Sweet its alive! no name for it?!

[rwg42985]

come on john!!! Read the info on the vid... LOL  volt zilla. is its name!!! Haha later come over and ride it!!!

[MarxNutz]

May I ask how much did you pay for the forklift? And how much weight did you scrap out? I ask because I know where there is a forklift with THREE 36 volt motors on it, two of them 275 amp and one 400 amp that I want to get, but I won't do it unless I know I'll come out at least even after scrapping out the body. BTW I love what you did with it! Good work!

[rwg42985]

well hello, the fork truck was free, they ware going to leave it in a empty warehouse, it was a Raymond model 20 reach truck, a stand up fork truck, after i striped it clean from all non steel things, it was 3440LB i got $0.04 a LB, i'll let u do the math, the i got $80 for the battery. and i have right at 40LB of copper still t scrap out, i used drive motor from the fork truck because it was more efficient than the pump motors, it is rated at 2.3 HP at 3000rpm 24vdc the fuse is 350A, Good luck!

[chevyracing004]

Look! Its not a bird or a plane, its Officer Russ on his electric motorcycle!!

I see faster speeds in the near future...

[rwg42985]

Hahaha thats funny . LOL. faster speeds are in the near future!!! With 1.21 gigawatts I can travail in time... LOL as soon as the gears arive at mi house ... Speeds in the 60's are achievable !!! Lata.