As far as claiming to building the “first custom electric American chopper”, it is not the first. Others have built bikes and choppers. For example, the Electra Cruiser both prototype 1 and prototype 2 have been on the road since 2001. Maybe the cruiser does not have a radical raked out front end but that is where the difference stops. Otherwise the Cruiser is an all American bike using Harley style components.
While looking at the numbers and the specifications the numbers just do not add up. They claim the bike is only 350 pounds. If you look at the weight for the 8” Advanced DC series wound motor they claim to use it weighs a minimum of 107 pounds. Next looking at the batteries, they are using 6 AGM DieHard 12 volt batteries. These weigh about 50 pounds each (6 x 50 = 300 pounds). Looking at just the motor and batteries alone the weight is over 407 pounds. Add on top of that the tires, frame, drive system, motor controller, wiring, brakes and the charger this bikes number just do not add up.
I find the claims of 60-mile range and a 100 mph top speed hard to believe with standard lead AGM batteries. The cruiser for example has achieved a 60-mile range but under ideal conditions, using double the stored battery energy. My estimates are that the Smart Chopper has about 5400 watt-hrs of stored energy where as the cruiser has 13800 watt-hrs. So essentially can look these numbers as the size of the fuel tank ( just as an example: 5.4 gallons compared to 13.8 gallons).
So what do you think? OCC are you up for a fun challenge? Do you think your bike has what it takes?
Carl,
ReplyDeleteI can attest to the performance of the Electra Cruiser - I was there when it ran through part of Arizona during the "COOLFUEL Roadtrip" run. It had outstnding endurance as the main vehicle throughout the trip and was always a reliable fill-in when any other vehicle was done for the day.
Your challenge sounds like a lot of fun - can I join in your challenge with my next generation "Voltbuggy"?
Mario
Mario,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. Love to have you and the "Voltbuggy" join! The Cruiser is still going with out a flaw. Needs new batteries, they did give me a good 6 years of service.
We have an exciting new design for 2011. This bike will blow you away! Send me your updated info. Can't wait to see the next generation "Voltbuggy"!
Carl Vogel
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