September 4, 2023
Top 5 classic motorcycles converted from fuel to electric in the world
In the era when lithium battery two wheeler is prevalent, classic fuel-powered motorcycles have gradually been replaced by electric motorcycles. In the field of electric two-wheelers, we can often see many experienced users and designers trying to convert from fuel to electric on some classic fuel motorcycles. This article will introduce you to the impressive top 5 motorcycles converted from fuel to electric in the world.
Table of Contents
Top 5 classic motorcycles converted from fuel to electric in the world
Honda CA160
| Original model information | |
|---|---|
| Model name | Honda CA160 |
| Release date | 1967 |
| Engine | 161cc Parallel Twin 4-stroke single OHV engine with Keihin motorcycleburetor |
| Top speed | 68mph（109km/h） |
Modification expert Danny Mantilla modified a 1967 Honda CA160 Dream from fuel to electricity. The modified electric motorcycle not only retains the beauty of the original motorcycle, but also looks more powerful.
In terms of power, Danny pieced together a 72v electric power system using a 4kW in-wheel motor from QS Motors and a controller from Kelly Controls. The battery packs are made from upcycled LG Chem pouch cells. In order to prevent the battery from being exposed and ruining the aesthetics of the motorcycle, Danny specially made a teardrop-shaped casing for this part, which is perfectly integrated with the motorcycle.
Danny also installed a DC-DC converter into the fuel tank area, and then installed an analog charging meter, power switch and indicator light on the top of the tank. Danny originally wanted to turn the old fuel filler cap into a charging port, but since the original motorcycle’s fuel filler cap was too narrow, he hid the charging port on the back of the battery box.
In addition to these detailed modifications, Danny also restored the motorcycle’s headlights and changed them to LED lamps without changing the original shape. In addition, Danny also equipped the motorcycle with a retro single seat cushion and luggage rack.
As for performance, speed and mileage don’t seem to be the primary considerations for this motorcycle. The top speed of the new motorcycle is about 55mph (about 88.1km/h). Slightly lower than the CA160’s original top speed of 68mph (approximately 109km/h). Since the capacity of the upgraded recycled battery is only about 66% of the original capacity, the actual cruising range can only reach about 20 miles (about 32.2km).
As for the cost of modification, the purchase of the old motorcycle cost US$500, other modification items of motorcycle parts cost a total of US$3,586, and the total cost of modifying the entire motorcycle was US$4,086.
BMW R80
| Original model information | |
|---|---|
| Model name | BMW R80 |
| Release date | 1984 |
| Weight | 210 kg / 462 lbs |
| Engine | Air&Oil-cooled 4-stroke |
| Fuel capacity | 22L / 5,8 US gal |
| Top speed | 178 km/h (110 mph) |
LM Creations, a product designer studio from the Netherlands, motorcycleried out a cross-category modification of the BMW R80 from fuel to electricity. Regarding the integrated motor system, the designer designed a universal integrated motor system for the R series. Through 3D scanning, a new engine case was reverse designed and cast, and the electric motor and control system were installed inside the case, so the powertrain can be connected to the original motorcycle’s transmission system with only screws.
The core of this power system is an 11kW electric motor with 72V voltage. According to LM Creations, the speed of this motor is limited to 7500rpm, which is very close to the 8000rpm redline speed of the original boxer engine. Although the torque of the electric motor and gasoline engine are completely different, the riding experience is very similar, and the original motorcycle’s gearbox can also be used seamlessly.
The newly added 4.3kW battery pack is installed in the position of the crude oil tank, providing a maximum cruising range of 80km. The battery weighs approximately 24kg, which is heavier than the original 22-liter fuel tank. The charger provides two options: 1.8kW and 3.3kW. Fast charging can charge to 80% in about an hour, while the 1.8kW charger takes about twice as long to charge.
In addition, the two cylinder heads on the left and right of the original engine have been retained. Although they have no practical use, this can be regarded as retaining BMW’s exclusive characteristics.
In addition, the designer has also certified these modular kits to EU safety standards and may be sold later, priced at 9,450 euros.
Fuell Flow
| Original model information | |
|---|---|
| Model name | Buell 1125 CR |
| Weight | 170kg / 375lb |
| Engine | Twin-cylinder four-stroke, water-cooled, 1126cc |
| Fuel capacity | 20.1L |
Fuell is an electric vehicle company founded in 2023, mainly producing custom electric motorcycle and bicycle. Fuell Flow, a high-speed electric motorcycle from the American electric motorcycle brand Fuell, has attracted widespread attention in the industry. Looking closely at its appearance, the outline of the entire motorcycle is very similar to the Buell 1125 CR. In fact, it is resurrected from the old fuel motorcycle brand Buell.
Fuell Flow is equipped with a unique in-wheel motor with a maximum power of 35kW, acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers in 3.5 seconds, a maximum commuting distance of 240 kilometers, and a top speed of 140km/h. Because of the use of a large number of lightweight materials, Fuell Flow greatly reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, making the vehicle less than 400 pounds (180 kilograms).
Fuell Flow is equipped with a 10kWh battery, with a maximum cruising range of up to 240km. A large-capacity 10kWh motorcycle battery pack is integrated into the chassis. It has an onboard 750W charger and provides 3.3kW and 6.6kW optional fast charging, which can be charged instantly in 1.25 hours.
The price of the new motorcycle is US$11,995. And after it is launched, it may compete head-on with the Zero S, which sells for US$12,955.
Motocompo XL
| Original model information | |
|---|---|
| Model name | Honda Motocompo |
| Release date | 1981 |
| Weight | 45kg |
| Engine | 0.059L two-stroke air-cooled engine |
| Fuel capacity | 2.2L |
| Top speed | 40 km/h |
The Honda Motocompo was born in 1981. It is a lightweight and foldable motorcycle launched by Honda. Although the motorcycle has a compact size and a foldable body, it has not been widely recognized due to its too advanced design concept. As a result, it was forced to discontinue production after only 3 years of production.
Later, with the change of public aesthetics, it suddenly became popular again, so that Honda had the idea of re-producing the motorcycle in an electric form in 2001 and 2011, but because the electrification wave has not yet arrived, the premature pursuit of electrification of fuel motorcycles has been resisted by everyone, so Honda had to temporarily stop this idea.
Recently, an electric concept motorcycle designed by 3D artist Allan Williams has become popular in the motorcycle industry. With its extension of classic motorcycle elements and avant-garde design concepts, many users on the internet have high expectations for the mass production of the motorcycle. It is the Motocompo XL designed based on Honda’s classic model Motocompo.
It is reported that Motocompo XL continues the color and style of the classic model and achieves the perfect integration of contemporary trend design and retro, but it canceled the foldable feature of Motocompo. The overall look is relatively square, and the body part looks like a camera.
The full-size Honda Motocompo XL has canceled the earlier Motocompo’s upright handlebar design and replaced it with the original cylindrical handlebar embedded in the front of the motorcycle. There seems to be an electronic display screen on the front of the motorcycle in front of the handle. Against the background of the white and yellow paint, the whole motorcycle feels retro and radical.
The battery is placed in a square motorcycleriage hidden under the seat, and the specific specifications are not yet known. But what is currently foreseeable is that if this design can be realized, it will definitely bring knights a driving experience that is different from the traditional ones.
Metorbike
| Original model information | |
|---|---|
| Model name | Puch X40 |
| Release date | Late 1970’s |
| Top speed | 35 km/h |
A designer from Germany modified a retro electric motorcycle called Metorbike based on the Puch X40 from 1979. At present, production has been carried out, with a limited edition of 50 units, priced at 7,749 euros.
The modified Metorbike has basically completely subverted the appearance of the Puch X40, and there is almost no trace of the prototype. The concept of the retro coffee cart redesigns the entire frame, combining the classic retro design with the style of modern technology. The cushion leather and stitched patterns are all handcrafted.
In terms of power performance, Metorbike is equipped with a maximum power 7kW motor and a maximum design speed of 50km/h. The battery is configured in the position of a traditional fuel tank and is a removable 1.6 kWh lithium battery that can provide a maximum cruising range of 60km. It is reported that the battery is recycled from used Volkswagen batteries. It takes 3-4 hours to charge once.
In terms of configuration, Metorbike is equipped with a set of refurbished Aprilia RS 125 forks mounted on the front end via a set of custom yokes. Custom YSS shock absorbers support the rear, and Aprilia disc brakes are mounted up front. Also equipped with a touchable circular instrument panel embedded in the top yoke.
In addition, Metorbike is also equipped with a sound system that can simulate the mechanical motor sound of a fuel motorcycle. Ordinary Metorbike only has a single voiceover, and the remaining 6 different sounds require additional purchase.
Hailey
Hi, I am Hailey, Since I graduated with my master's degree in physics, l have dedicated myself to lithium battery industry and worked with lithium battery engineers to complete various lithium battery design and manufacturing projects. Based on the electronic knowledge as a lithium battery engineer for more than 4 years, I am now mainly responsible for writing content about lithium battery and I would like to share my views with you.
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