this post was submitted on 08 Nov 2023
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Motorcycles

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She's called Theseus.

This death trap is built on the frame of a junker 1985 Honda Shadow I bought for very cheap. It combines a 30AH 48 volt battery with a beefy Kelley Controls bldc controller and a 3kw motor which seems to be intended for golf carts.

On a flat, straight road this thing can achieve 50mph, limiting it solely to city use, but it climbs hills decently well and has gotten me to work and back many, many times.

The front sprocket has 16 teeth, and the rear sports a whopping 72. This is to compensate for the very high speed of the motor but frankly pathetic torque. At a lower gear ratio, this under-powered machine would not be capable of hauling its heavy 80s frame up my long and steep driveway.

It is ugly and probably quite dangerous, but I love it very much.

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is a fantastic creation ... one day I hope to convert my '80 TY175 to electric, being an old 2 stroke I'm not riding it now due to climate anxiety, but being ultra light it would theoretically make an excellent conversion.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh yeah, that form factor is completely ideal! You'd get better range and acceleration than I do in something like that, plus it would look sick. I hope you're able to make the conversion some day!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Thank you for your encouragement! Your bike reminds me that it's better to get something up and running rather than waiting for perfection!