Just bit the bullet!

rearengine · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 06:14 PM

I just orderd a kit from Five Flags Motor bikes, Pensecola FL.. 600 watt motor, 36 volt, 12 amp batterys, 50 amp controller.. It's a 20" hub motor, Freewheel, Thumb throttle .. going on my Rans V2.. I would like you guys to tell me what you think about it. The price I think is pretty good @ $400 bucks shipped.. It doesen't have a lot of bells & whistles on it, witch I like.. Let me know what I've got my self in to .. Bill

toytime · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:05 PM

I just paid $120 for two 12/14 amp bats. so I'd say you got a good deal.
36 volts is by far much better than 24 and I'd bet you could go with an extra battery if you wanted.
I'd say you did well.
Jeez, you garage looks tidy-er than my house!

mekano · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:11 PM

Lol, I first thought it was from inside his house!

deacon · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:27 PM

Give the man points for the kit and cleanliness.....

cvpsmith · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 06:54 PM

That kit does sound like a good deal. Very nice bike, too! I'd love to see a picture of it when you're done...

rearengine · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 11:49 PM

Got'er done!! Will it's no bullet, but fast enough for an old man.. 20" wheel tops out about 18 mph. Climes hills realy good, that's what I was looking for.. I've only rode it 20 miles so far, I like to pedal along with it. Every thing seems to be working as it should, I modified the rear rack that came with it , so I could mount the batterys down low instead of over the back wheel.. The kit is a W/E ,36v,12ah, 50 amp controller, 600 watt motor.. So far so good !! Bill

deacon · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 10:03 AM

Please keep us posted on your impressions of the motor. I am thinking about that size if I buy another motor.

commander · #8 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 10:30 AM

that bike looks Soooooooooooooo comfortable , I could take a nap in it while cruising on a sunny day . haha

if only e-power bikes had the range of a gas engine I would have gotten one along time ago

deacon · #9 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 10:53 AM

Range is definitely it's biggest drawback for sure. Most of us are willing to sacrifice speed for the convenience but it's the range that is scary. Now if they were to build e cars with interchangeable batteries. If they had stations along the way to switch them out, We could adapt our motors to those kinds of batteries and just ride it for say twenty miles. We could also carry a spare for another twenty miles, then if you needed to go farther just switch out the battery pack at a changing station. Like filling up a bike at the service station.

One day it will happen.

rearengine · #10 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks
Ya it is comfort for sure.. I can't take a reguler bike anymore, This bike hase been the best thing, since sliced bread for me.. I've got a 20" wheel on the rear now,with a Big Apple tire on it, 40lb psi, THe bike sets really low to the ground, and handling is great..I'll take another pic of it with the two 20's on it, after I get the rear fender on it.

Deacon! have you tried a recument ? It's a nice low step over..

I really can't say how far it will go on one charge yet , 8 miles is as far as I have gone round trip to back home, with some pedaling, and no sine of the battery weakening.. All the other trips have been shorter.. It has lot's of torque in that 20" wheel.
It's a 600w motor, what ever that does for it .. I don't know much about electrics.. I'll talk gas all day long with ya though!! I know carrying an extra Qt of gas would be a lot lighter than a extra SLA battery.... Bill