PROGRESS
Well, a few things have happened since my last post about converting the Vstrom to an electric bike, so let me refresh. The main goal is to change out the motor, fuel tank and possibly the wheels, and replace them with electric alternatives. That would be a big series of battery packs( instead of motor and tank) and maybe high powered electric wheels(not sure if this is possible). What I am reading so far, is an electric motor driving a belt, chain system using original wheels. Looking into that.
First off, the 25kmh speed limit allowed in Queensland(for an electric bike). That is a fact, but only if you are an unlicensed rider. Once you go over 25kmh, you need to have a motorbike license. Problem solved, my license is unlimited. Tick one for me 🙂
Next, is the ability to “create” an electric bike and is it legal to ride.
Well, here we ran into some legalese mumbo jumbo, but the main issue that I could glean from a number of forums, was that the bike, once converted needed to be signed off by a certified “engineer”, and apparently they charge like a scrub bull. Nothing new there.
REGRESS
Not an impossible issue, except, where are these people, few and far between it seems, and not located anywhere near me. More study required.
The next issue that popped up a few weeks later is a game changer, for the negative, and is a physical personal issue. My main mode of transport at the moment, is a Honda CBR500, it was a good deal when I bought it, cheap, nearly brand new and extremely low km, less than 1000 as a matter of fact, not even run in! The issue was that as I arrived home early one evening, I stopped on the gravel to check my mail, my left knee gave out due to extreme pain, and I dropped the bike. I stepped off in reality, but the point was, the bike was horizontal. I have recently been diagnosed with severe arthritis in both knees. So, as it turns out, after 3 attempts to lift this small bike with extreme stabbing knives in both knees, I left it there overnight. I gave it a few more tries early in the next morning, but nah 😦 That mentally put paid to any serious thoughts I had about future solo travel by motorbike, fuel or solar.
That basically put paid to any real effort to convert the Vstrom to electric mobility. Oh, I could still modify the bike but if you know me, this bike would be horizontal at some stage. The issue being, riding solo, on a heavy electric bike, how long would I have to wait until somebody comes along to help me get it upright? And I did have some isolated tracks to investigate, that I was real keen on.
I had to go back to the pub to drown my sorrows, but as it turns out , you can learn new and interesting things.
Progress
Guess what, there is a way to continue. Well, if I am game.
Check this out
By crikey mort, we may have a solution!!!
If this jack system works, which I believe it will, then suck me dry and call me dusty, I think I am back in the touring game 🙂 🙂 🙂
To be continued………
TravellingStrom 