Please Don't Shoot Me! My Electric VF500 Conversion Project

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by bugeyebug, Apr 9, 2012.

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  1. bugeyebug

    bugeyebug New Member

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    Hi All-
    New member to the forums. I've owned two first-gen Honda VF500 Interceptors in the past and totally loved riding them (I purchased one new in 1985, the other used in the mid-nineties). Unfortunately, I sold the last one fifteen years ago due to kids and other life commitments that severely limited my riding. Now that the kids are out of the house and life is semi-settled down, I'm getting back into two-wheeled motorsports.... which brings me to the latest project to reside in my garage.

    A couple weeks ago I picked up a low mileage, non-running 1985 VF500 Interceptor. I'm a full-time mechanical engineer and a part-time author of automotive books. My latest publication is on converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric power. I've built other electric vehicles (EVs) before, but never a motorcycle. The combination of my new-found passion for two-wheeled riding and my love of EVs seemed like a perfect match. Ergo, I've started the conversion process a couple of weeks ago.

    For those of you not offended by my gutting of the bike and the removal of the original ICE equipment, I've started a blog documenting the build. I'll be posting 2-3x per week as I go through the process of putting together a modest commuter bike. The blog can be found here: Electric Motorcycle Conversion

    Cheers!
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2012
    bugeyebug, Apr 9, 2012


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  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    sweet! Most non-running 500s become first bike money pits for broke college students. This will be the best 500 build this year.

    I've seen this done to a 500 twice. Will be interesting to see your take on it.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Apr 9, 2012


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  3. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    What? No pictures?!?
    :worthless:
     
    TOE CUTTER, Apr 9, 2012


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  4. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Looking forward to see the project.........:vtr2:
    :welcome: the the madness......:tongue:
     
    Scubalong, Apr 9, 2012


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  5. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    sorry bugeyebug. most of our members don't believe in anything they can't see. (Don't even get them started on Santa) And getting them to click an external link without promising boobs at the other end, well...
     
    reg71, Apr 9, 2012


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  6. Rollin_Again

    Rollin_Again Member

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    What is the best oil to use in an electric motorcycle? :potstir:

    Rollin
     
    Rollin_Again, Apr 9, 2012


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  7. rainman6

    rainman6 New Member

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    I'm interested in this one. Saw an electric GPZ500 and it was very impressive. Good luck!
     
    rainman6, Apr 9, 2012


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  8. bugeyebug

    bugeyebug New Member

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    Sorry, but I can't help with the electric motor oil question :) but I can post a couple of pictures for those of you too lazy to click the blog link (but I encourage you to click anyway, as there's a lot more pictures and info there).
    Condition when I bought it two weeks ago: VF500 01.jpg
    Current condition as of this weekend: VF500 02.jpg
     
    bugeyebug, Apr 9, 2012


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