1967 Honda “Baby Dream” CA160 converted to electric/EV. QS hub motor, Kelly motor speed controller, LG Chem pouch cells.
For EVERY LAST DETAIL about this bike, check out my other videos in my project playlist:
Specs:
– 1.4kwh battery, 4kw motor (6kw peak), 72v system
– top speed: 55 mph (88 kph)
– range: 20 to 25 miles (32 to 40 km)
– charge time: 2.5 hours (6 amp/432 watt charger)
EV Components:
40 used LG Chem pouch cells from Batteryhookup
15ah 3.6v LG Chem pouch cells (when new)
200mm x 260mm x 8mm – or – 8” x 10.5” x 3/8” (with the plastic cases)
need to cut these 4p modules to two 2p packs:
20s2p = 72v 30ah and 90amp continuous discharge rate (3c)
but if 2/3 capacity left, then only ***20ah and 60amp discharge rate***
40 cells total, a four pack is $20, that’s $200 total
max voltage: 84v
min voltage: 50v
peak discharge current: 150amps ???
6.5kw ~= 72v x 90 amps (continuous discharge rate)
4.32kw = 72v x 60 amps (continuous discharge rate @ 2/3 capacity)
….
motor:
maximum motor current at 72v: 90 amps = 6.4kw
continuous motor current at 72v: 55 amps = 4kw
…
controller
Kelly KLS7245N
90 amp continuous and 270 amp peak (phase current, which approaches battery current as RPM approaches max speed)
…
DC-DC converter:
20w from amazon
BMS:
DALY 100amp 20s 72v
Charger:
Contactor:
Kill switch:
display: 72v charge meter from Kelly
Connectors and misc:
charger port:
battery enclosure connectors:
wire connector kit:
terminal covers:
The loss of the aesthetic element of an engine has left many E-moto builders struggling to find ways to keep their bikes visually appealing. Too often has the engine been replaced by a blocky battery enclosure the size and shape of a Gateway 2000 PC.
But that was not the case for my latest project: a 1967 Honda CA160 converted to electric. The removal of the engine actually makes it look better as it lets that beautifully sculpted frame become the focal point. The curvaceous shape of the fenders, the square front-end assembly, and the angular, sharp lines of the stamped-steel frame are now fully on display.
One night I was showing my wife a picture of a Yamaha XS650 and a red Honda CA160, and I asked her which one she liked best. She said the Honda, but only if it was black. That night I woke up in my sleep and started looking at Craigslist for no particular reason. And then I found it! A black Honda CA160. I bought it the very next day for $500.
The engine was seized. Its the typical story: the seller’s neighbor’s brother left the plugs off after it lost spark and he couldn’t fix it, and there it sat for over 10 years in the back of a barn. So with a seized engine, sculpted sheet metal, and a stamped frame good for hiding wires, this was the perfect bike for an EV conversion.
But I had another reason to convert it to electric. I wanted my wife to be able to ride a motorcycle along side me, but she doesn’t know how or want to learn how to use a manual transmission. She is also really sensitive to the smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes, and she hates loud motorcycles with a burning passion. So this electric bike is perfect for her.
Riding it just puts a smile on my face, it’s a very pleasant experience.
It’s also much faster and quicker than my 200cc bike, but without any of the drama. You just hit the throttle and you’re suddenly faster than traffic and there was no quake from the engine and roar from the exhaust. So the thrill is very different than that of a conventional bike with a gas engine.
And for that reason, the bike doesn’t appeal to everyone. Let’s just say the readers of Motorcycle Classics don’t have a lot of nice things to say about this bike. Yet the overall response has been very positive. My favorite is when someone sees it, someone who knows nothing about motorcycles, and they just look at it and see a nicely restored but otherwise normal, classic motorcycle. They don’t even realize that it doesn’t have a gasoline engine.
Song credits:
Crushin, by Audionautix
The Red Blouse, by The Matt Villinger Trio
Guitar Elation (can’t remember the name of the song)
What a Wonderful World, by yours truly on a Wurlitzer electric piano
0:00 Disassembly
4:22 Unboxing
6:18 Battery pack
8:44 Swing Arm
9:44 Paint
10:48 Assembly
14:00 Seat frame
16:21 Battery enclosure
20:40 Wiring
24:41 Riding
