As soon as they have a BLDC that produces similar torque at a low enough rpm, I agree. Until then, I'll happily embrace the brush motor. Every BLDC I've seen requires significant gear reduction to get torque figures anywhere near a comparably sized brush motor.
I've also seen Slackinator before but since changing the out-of-round front sprocket I haven't had any derailments. I believe a belt system would be superior but I understand why we have what we have. Father Patmonts decided a long time ago that's what it would be and that's what we got...
If you try to package a belt drive, you quickly find that given the ratios necessary to make this happen, the belt pitch choices become few...and you end up exceeding the min bend radius on the drive sprocket in order to get a ratio that fits. And, when it does fit, it starts hitting the ground on deep turns. A lower rpm motor helps this problem as well because the driven sprocket isn't so huge.
I'm okay with the battery life - I charge immediately following every trip so the plates stay fairly clean for about 300 cycles with the 9AH BB's - even with deep discharge conditions.
yes to all the chain alignment issues - I've ridden motorcycles all my life and understand this aspect very well, thank you. #25 chain is simply too small for this application IMO.
I ride pre-2008 ESR750EX on my 2nd motor and set of batteries about 60 miles per week in NYC. Do you have much trouble with the chain? #25 seems pretty small to me (I'm 240lbs) and on my 4th chain.
Heavyweight riders (I'm the fat guy in that video) are very hard on that stock ESR motor. If you have not already, you should change the sprocket ratio to 11/80 or 11/84, which will make the stock motor a more capable hill climber and will keep it operating at an rpm where the motor is more efficient, and makes less heat. Unfortunately, the small 11T drive sprocket will wear the chain even more. The T2 motor operates at a lower RPM intentionally, allowing you to retain larger drive sprockets.
Hills and weight eat power. There's no way around this. If you want the batteries to last longer, size them such that you consume no more than 75% of the total capacity before recharge. The battery cycle life will be dramatically increased. EB or EVP 12-12 batteries from B&B and an additional deck spacer and 3" screws is the approach I took, and I've been very pleased with the result. LiPo's are superior, if you can afford them.
Lastly...make sure your chain is in perfect alignment by putting a straight edge across the driven sprocket and checking the drive sprocket for alignment. Check the drive sprocket for concentricity (is it out of round?) Goped had a batch of sprockets that were not concentric...and those eat chains very rapidly. Whenever you change the chain, change the drive sprocket. They wear together, especially under heavyweight loads. Keep the chain lubed and clean. Get a Slackinator tensioner too!
BLDC is wonderful, but can not produce this much torque in this size package.
byronrace 1 month ago
However, the bottom line about all of this is that the wheels are simply too dang small and the motor really needs to join this century and be BLDC.
Take a look at kickbike, Toucan, BlauWerk or similar platforms and then imagine a BLDC/lithium setup with adequate brakes? Hmm...
nyc1961 2 years ago
As soon as they have a BLDC that produces similar torque at a low enough rpm, I agree. Until then, I'll happily embrace the brush motor. Every BLDC I've seen requires significant gear reduction to get torque figures anywhere near a comparably sized brush motor.
byronrace 2 years ago
I've also seen Slackinator before but since changing the out-of-round front sprocket I haven't had any derailments. I believe a belt system would be superior but I understand why we have what we have. Father Patmonts decided a long time ago that's what it would be and that's what we got...
nyc1961 2 years ago
If you try to package a belt drive, you quickly find that given the ratios necessary to make this happen, the belt pitch choices become few...and you end up exceeding the min bend radius on the drive sprocket in order to get a ratio that fits. And, when it does fit, it starts hitting the ground on deep turns. A lower rpm motor helps this problem as well because the driven sprocket isn't so huge.
byronrace 2 years ago
I'm okay with the battery life - I charge immediately following every trip so the plates stay fairly clean for about 300 cycles with the 9AH BB's - even with deep discharge conditions.
yes to all the chain alignment issues - I've ridden motorcycles all my life and understand this aspect very well, thank you. #25 chain is simply too small for this application IMO.
If you need a Go-Prammer lemme know?
nyc1961 2 years ago
I ride pre-2008 ESR750EX on my 2nd motor and set of batteries about 60 miles per week in NYC. Do you have much trouble with the chain? #25 seems pretty small to me (I'm 240lbs) and on my 4th chain.
thanks for the video
nyc1961 2 years ago
Heavyweight riders (I'm the fat guy in that video) are very hard on that stock ESR motor. If you have not already, you should change the sprocket ratio to 11/80 or 11/84, which will make the stock motor a more capable hill climber and will keep it operating at an rpm where the motor is more efficient, and makes less heat. Unfortunately, the small 11T drive sprocket will wear the chain even more. The T2 motor operates at a lower RPM intentionally, allowing you to retain larger drive sprockets.
byronrace 2 years ago
Hills and weight eat power. There's no way around this. If you want the batteries to last longer, size them such that you consume no more than 75% of the total capacity before recharge. The battery cycle life will be dramatically increased. EB or EVP 12-12 batteries from B&B and an additional deck spacer and 3" screws is the approach I took, and I've been very pleased with the result. LiPo's are superior, if you can afford them.
byronrace 2 years ago
Lastly...make sure your chain is in perfect alignment by putting a straight edge across the driven sprocket and checking the drive sprocket for alignment. Check the drive sprocket for concentricity (is it out of round?) Goped had a batch of sprockets that were not concentric...and those eat chains very rapidly. Whenever you change the chain, change the drive sprocket. They wear together, especially under heavyweight loads. Keep the chain lubed and clean. Get a Slackinator tensioner too!
byronrace 2 years ago