DIY EV conversion - Honda CB350 EV

1972 Honda CB350 electric motorcycle conversion.
Theseus EV-350 (named theseus after the proverb the boat of Theseus - if an object has had all its parts changed is it the same object)
ME1507 motor 18KW continuous 14.5 kW peak 44kw.
Sevcon gen4 size6 80v 550a
Battery - custom built using Sony vtc6 cells. 66ah 72v nominal 20s21p capable of discharging 630amps continuously!
Gsxr750 K7 (2007) front end
Cognito moto gsxr conversion stem and hub

[@SirBalageG]

I’ve been binge watching conversion videos for the last couple of weeks, and after about 50 projects, yours takes the palm without any doubt, and not just by a bit, more like if your machine was 100/100, the second one would come up on the 70/100 mark and I’m not kidding. It’s insanely beautiful, I hope you’ll have hundreds of hours of memories with her Cheers

[@Elitefrr]

Dude. This is AWESOME! I've got a totally bare 1972 CB350 frame that I would love to convert to electric. Congrats, you just inspired me.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Would love to see what you can make of it! Any questions just shout!

[@Elitefrr]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds Did you create a custom front sprocket in order to properly align with the rear sprocket? Any special shimming between the motor mount and frame required? Have you noticed any frame twisting with the motor torque? I also noticed the drive chain is pretty close to the swingarm. Are there any interference issues? You mentioned using the SL350 swingarm and potentially longer shocks. Will that cause the chain to rub the swingarm? Great build! not trying to criticize or anything- just trying to think through it. Thanks! - Justin

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

@@Elitefrr no spacing needed on the sprocket or motor mounts. No frame twist. I do get slight interference on the swing arm but easily solved with a chain guide. The cl swing arm will likely be the same.

[@dr-dk4pp]

Total cost?

[@ronaldsweere9286]

I am thinking of doing this to a 71 CL 350

[@thatdustinleblanc]

Oh man, this looks GOOD. Most of the time people make electric conversions look bad, but the way you did this really keeps the bike looking 'vintage' and cafe. Great job!

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Thanks Dustin!

[@ericapelz260]

Beautiful work. If It might suggest it, consider putting the controller verticle between the battery and rear tire.

[@loupbouchard1652]

Exactly where I would put it

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately it dosen't fit unless sideways and then I have the same issue

[@jpruppert]

Wanted to say that this looks great. Bravo to you for completing this project.

[@erikroy]

The Best Electric café racer Even see, so clean, simple, elegant

[@Geoff240ti]

Just pulled my completely rebuilt cb350 out for spring, carb issues again. Would love to convert it to electric, subscribed for more content!

[@johnw65]

Thanks for the 'prod'... I've got a 'dead' '71 CL350 that's a good candidate for an electric conversion...

[@blairmcalpine6447]

Mate, that is a thing of beauty! I'm out researching for my upcoming build and you and I have very similar tastes! Definitely like the plan to lengthen the rear. And that 10a IEC plug inside the fuel cap, looks clean as! Nice job.

[@langsor]

This is in the top 2 most beautiful builds I've seen (the other one was done by a professional shop). It's an inspiration. I hope you're not tired of talking about it yet. I'm curious what you had to do for the GSXR forks conversion--was it a drop in replacement or did you have to make modifications? Thank you for this detailed video. I hope you have a lot of pride in this bike.

[@GlorifiedPizza]

A stock crash bar from an early 80s CB900 would enclose the controller quite well and offer plenty of drop protection for both sides of the bike.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Will take a look! Thanks for the tip m

[@mitchy1990s]

seriously badass build. going to do something similar in the future. and i cannot ignore that e46 M3. estoril blue models are virtually non-existent here in the US. seen only one in my life.

[@josephhayes1148]

That's awesome! I'd get some kind of crash bar for the front either welded or bolt on

[@noktrnl123]

That's beautiful. Can't wait for your next vid and see that thing move 👍

[@catalinaoutfitters]

Very cool. I actually have a vintage CB350 trike rear end and a 2007 GSXR front end with a spoked Harley hub. This looKs like a good way to go for a full EV. 😁

[@applechili2848]

Rather than changing the rear sprocket, I’ve been advised to use the opposite approach, going from 12-14 to a 19 tooth motor sprocket.

[@NvrNrml]

I'm hoping to do an electric swap on my 1987 Yamaha XT200 enduro, love the look of your CB350 and might have to take a few tips :)

[@TheTurboDad]

Oh my this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Giving me some ideas.

[@NolanGerald]

I agree! The battery pack is so elegant. Other youtube E-bike builds have these enormous protruding boxes.

[@JamesBiggar]

Nice ride, well done. The ME1507 is a good choice.

[@burntvalve2]

Beautiful work, an inspiration

[@DarriUlfsson]

A.Mazing. Well done! I want this!

[@joec1324]

I love how it looks 😳

[@chkrbrdvans]

Awesome 👏...I have been really looking into doing this to my 2003 Bullet 500

[@googlevision]

Beautiful work, I will scour NYC Salvage yards to find similar parts. I might have to purchase batteries like your specs. Great job.

[@petregeorgescu482]

Beautiful build! And I actually love the offset controller it makes it look very stout! Maybe design a rollcage for it?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Very cool idea! I'll draw up some designs at the weekend!

[@VintageSpeedwerks]

Wow, awesome battery!

[@loyee123]

Super awesome project. Those controllers seem like the business! What kind of range are you getting? Also how many cycles are you expecting to get with those cells?

[@94techInfo94]

I am your 968 subscriber from India nice video bro I like the way electrical vehicles

[@Zehourii]

Love the build. If your controller is waterproof coated with electrical silicone, id simply weld it under the bike, almost under the motor.

[@applechili2848]

Beautiful build.

[@LawrenceRhodes]

The obvious solution for the controller is below the seat. Seems to be more than enough room and solves the road rash problem.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

That was the original plan but unfortunately it won't fit. The controller tech is moving pretty fast so hopefully won't be too long before I can swap it out for something smaller

[@yachtsteve]

That was great work Thank you for the video

[@Hebdomad7]

Dear Honda. Please start taking notes.

[@kineto7]

Great bike, great project. Would love to do anything close some time in the future, I wonder what the total cost was, non the less it runs in proper used bike territory for sure. That sort of power on a bike seems amazing, nice work.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I'll be getting another video up in the next week or so on parts and cost.

[@cristidragomir9082]

Still waiting on that cost list mate 😬 cleanest ev conv build I saw so far. Can you please give some info over range/full charge? You didn't mention anything about a bms system, and I saw others putting a fuse between battery and motor, in case something goes wrong. But regardless off that, massive congrats on what you built. I'll definitely start a project like this soon.

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Amazing build!

[@satwikpaul5063]

This is like a dream come true.

[@markjanzen9235]

Hey Dan awesome work on the bike! Probably the cleanest one I've seen yet and it looks like its done proper! I'm looking at doing a similar project and have a couple questions for you. What did you end up using for a BMS? What do you use for the control side of things. Just a CAN capable microcontroller with few I/O on it? You mentioned using a smart phone for a display. Whats your plan there with regards to interfacing with it? What do you expect for range from it? keep up the good work!

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Thanks Mark, I'll get some more on the specifics up in the next few days. But quick answer.. Bms is a ant BMS used for charge only (600amp output is tough to find) the controller deals with the discharge safety. It's a sevcon gen4 size 6 controller. I'm just using the torque Pro app with a can interface currently which gives me all the info I need albeit in a horrible ui. Range I expect around 50miles but will be adding an aux pack and supercapacitors in future to deal with overvoltage issues and increasing the range to about 70 miles

[@ronaldroberts7221]

Any build log pictures on a forum somewhere? I am most interested in the battery details with pics...

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I'll do a video next time I have some time to pull the pack out

[@rosemberramirez3299]

IT LOOKS GREAT MAN!

[@JasPricester]

Slick M8!! Great Job :)

[@johngranato2673]

Top conversion!

[@logikai]

Beautiful work on this bike! But your front tire is backwards and i would paint the brackets for the covers black ...

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Front tyre is correct, just had to double check myself!

[@jm-ux5dk]

I love it the acceleration is uhhh brutal 🤣

[@kirillhantayev9627]

Beautifully done!

[@BrandonRico]

Wow NICE. Wish I knew how to do this electric stuff

[@SLEEP-236]

Nice job. On the search for an old cb now. Need a commuter and would be happy with 50mph top speed so I'm guessing a 125 donor bike would do. If anyone has experience of similar projects or would like to help out in any way please get in touch. Thanks and peace.

[@jimcatanzaro7808]

Great build

[@deenjayofficial718]

I’m thinking about installing my charger on the my motorcycle too smart idea

[@spookizuki9188]

Love the build, turned out really well! Could you make a video about how you made the ABS housing?

[@danieldecleene6350]

Whata beaut! Great work. Would love to see it roll

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Check out the latest video! Up on stands for the time being but will get some riding shots soon!

[@GaiusGarage]

Phil over at..where?? Might pick up a Sevcon myself - would love the support but didnt quite hear what you said. dont understand why controller programming has to be such a pain : / Beautiful bike! nice job!

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

VoltsportUK!

[@mannbill1]

1 word... Epic!

[@adamstorm1984]

Roughly what is the total weight? Acceleration 0-100kmh? Max speed? - Cool build.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It's 30kg lighter than oem. 0-100 in under 3 seconds. Top speed of 87mph

[@S3dINS]

Lol @ Thesus. Triggers brush followed the same rule.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Didn't know how many would spot that! Good work!

[@blazingpedals]

Doesn't matter much with a cycle, but the front tire is mounted backwards. Back is correct.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I thought the same but the avons are meant to be mounted this way for some reason. Switch direction depending on if they are mounted to the front or rear.

[@corptruenorth]

This is awesome!!!!

[@travisshrey6720]

Your battery is 420 cells at $9 a cell. That is ~$3800 (2700 pounds). Do you have a source for a great price or is that how much you spent on the materials for the pack?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I paid just over £1200 for the cells. $9 is the individual price. When buying a 500+ you can buy directly from sony/murata at about $4 a cell.

[@TheTurboDad]

How is the noise from the chain? I used chain for my EV swap (not motorcycle) but the noise was very unpleasant so I changed to a belt drive.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It's something I'm also considering. It's fairly loud but then it's not so bad when I've got a helmet on and let's people hear me coming to some degree.

[@gmzatx]

Amazing. Great job

[@LawrenceRhodes]

Your front tire is on backwards. It will skid easier with this configuration.

[@FabiFletcher]

nice job my friend!

[@mojeschranka23]

very nice! good bike choice! please make some ride-by and onboard videos, and share some experience with how the machine works, charges etc... did you weigh the bike yet? and a classical question - range, in city and outside? thanks and have a nice ride!

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

The bike sits at 150kg (originally 181kg) 87mph top speed, 55miles of range to a 4 hour charge. 0-60 in around 3.5 seconds currently. This is easily adapted with gearing and programming. Could likely get sub 3 seconds with more aggressive programming but then I sacrifice ride quality.

[@3dprintmiami]

She looks great

[@Whatspistonslap]

Beautiful bike! I have the EV Motorcycle bug, and am looking at different builds others have done! There's a couple of CB350's in my area right now! I might message you for the file! Going back and forth between a hub driven motor, and a mid drive like this! How many cells did you use? What sort of range are you getting? Looking to build a commuter bike!

[@brackcycle9056]

NIce ... If you are in the UK , Do you keep the original registration, or need it re-registered?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

You keep the original registration

[@Fiya8o3]

Just beautiful

[@matthewsterner2880]

hey dude, great video! Question for you. Looking at a 3k motor for one of my CBs. something for my wife to hit 45 on. Do the AH make that big of a difference? Im looking at a 72v 30ah battery but noticed you went 66ah

[@blaineduplantis1150]

I have a CL360 and am planing to do basically the same build. Haven't started yet as I'm doing my leg work before I get into it. What is the gear ratio? What would have been the ratio if you had used the original rear sprocket? Also I love the charger port idea. What's you incoming voltage to charge it? Charge time? I look forward to seeing it on the road.

[@anunnakielohim2727]

very nice and clean conversion! can you mount the controller on the outside front of the frame vertically?(between the front tire and frame)

[@mskateteam]

What about this: 3D Scanning the original gas tank, rebuild it with part of the battery or charger?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

The, charger, 12v system and contactor are already housed in the original tank

[@mskateteam]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds nice how did you manage that?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

@@mskateteam essentially just cut the inside out with a dremel so it's just the outer skin and the top Ridge remaining.

[@mikebarbeau8569]

What a lovely thing!

[@KingQueenGamer]

Great video mate. How much do the electric moter cost +speedcontroller + battery 👍👍

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

The battery was by far the most expensive part of the build about £2k in cells alone another £200 in nickle wires, bms ect. Motor was £600 controler £1200

[@tudorjanis]

Excellent work. What sort of range are you getting with the current set up?

[@rafaelmoreno3243]

How does it freewheel does the motor allow it to freewheel or is there some type of special sprocket? Thanks

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

No freewheel as I have brake regen.

[@energiewender143]

That pinion on the motor looks like it is just waiting to chew through your foot. Otherwise, a beautiful bike.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I'm currently fabricating a gard for this.

[@rhoshmotor1285]

Nice project.

[@tylerthornton3107]

Dan, amazing work! Are you going into business?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

No plans to. I have a full time job in a completely different field that I have no want to give up. Saying that if there is a no time pressure commission that I like the sound of I'd certainly consider it as a side project.

[@buddywhatshisname522]

Does the controller allow for regenerative breaking? Beautiful build! My first bike was a ‘71 CB750/4 and I’ve been looking for a scrapped one that I could do this with.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It does indeed!

[@leddy100]

Lovely build. Have you notified the dvla that its now electric, if so were there any problems considering that its a historic vehicle . I'm planning on converting an old 70s moped.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Thank you! I have just put up a video on exactly this!check out my other videos.

[@leddy100]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds Thanks Dan I'll check it out.

[@jonlad0]

Nice work! How did you built the case for the battery? What material did you use?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It's moulded acrylic. Just cut and moulded with a heat gun. I originally wanted to 3d print and may still in the future but the design is beyond my skill level at the moment

[@daleerickson520]

have you measured the 0-100kph time and top speed? I am curious of the real world performance. Thanx

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Around 3 seconds with a top speed of 87. I'm going to change the gearing slightly to lower to 0-100 and give me a 100mph top speed

[@Eatcrow]

Is that an old zero motor?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Kinda. It's an ME1507 motor which is what the zero motor is originally based on and used in their prototypes. I. Sure these more of a story there but can't remember the exact details.

[@JohnnytheBikeGuySLC]

I've been wanting to do my late brothers 1971 SL350 but was hung up on the mounting plate. Can I possibly get a link to the file for the plate? Thx Great vid.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I don't have it published but happy to share the file.

[@JohnnytheBikeGuySLC]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds that is great thank you in advance. Is there a way to dm you my email or something?

[@rexgeorg7324]

nice machine

[@terryd80]

You may have covered this somewhere else in the comments but what is the motorway and town ranges on this bike with your current battery setup? Also could you in theory mount the controller vertically outside of the frame behind the front wheel or is it too thick?

[@terryd80]

Love this build btw.. it's inspiring me to do the same with my Kawasaki GT550

[@JackAmnesiac]

Thinking about embarking on this project with my CB350. What are your thoughts on Paraglider motors? Maybe they wouldn't last nearly as long, but I'm seeing ones supposedly capable of 25kw for 350USD.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

You'd need to look at the tourqe specs on a motor like this, as far as I know they are designed for rotational speed but don't give much from the start

[@danieldunn4461]

This is an amazing conversion - I'm in the early stages of planning a conversion project currently. I'm assuming this is MOT exempt on the basis of age - even with the conversion modifications factored in? Would also be great to know who you found for insurance with the modifications - just a few of the challenges I've come across so far!

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It is indeed mot exempt due to the age. Adrian flux insure me currently.

[@greg23842384]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds is the insurance cost comparable to owning normal ice motorcycle or do you pay extra because of conversion?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

@@greg23842384 it's pretty much comparable. If I didn't have it on an agreed value policy it would be the same as pre conversion. Saying that if I had have used a cb250 frame and the same components making basically the same bike the insurance would have been much cheaper purely based on the frame originally being less powerful.

[@greg23842384]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds I see... thank you for the info

[@jonm7272]

I suspect it really isn't MOT exempt. To qualify as a historic vehicle it is supposed to be 'substantially unchanged from original' 😁. Gr8 build anyway!

[@evkitchen3160]

I may have a similar problem to yours. My motor is just shaking with not much spinning. My kit came from Phil's company. Do you have any tips for me?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

Your sensor position will be out

[@arthurand3430]

What's the gauge you have there ? Did you make your own BMS?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

I use an ant BMS for charge only.. The controller handles discharge. The gauge is just a temporary v meter for now.

[@ВольноеСердце]

Молодец👍лайк! Береги себя ,выкладывай видео! Подпишусь.

[@alexanderlawton8813]

How far, how fast, and how long?

[@leswyn]

How many Sony VTC6 cells did you end up using?

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

440!

[@fofopads4450]

Why not put the controller in that big empty space under the seat? Such tight fit in there and looks ugly.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It does not fit unfortunately.

[@gaim44]

Nice!

[@johnbishop1360]

What are you getting for range?

[@rasoulsadeghi8635]

How much it cost in total?

[@kaviisworld]

WHAT IS THE SPROCKET RATIO ?

[@ДмитрийХабаров-ю1ъ]

increase the size of motor sprocket - it should give you less acceleration and faster top speed. Also the front tire is wrong way.

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

The acceleration and top speed is perfect for what I want so wouldn't want to change anything here. The front tyre is correct. They are Avons which can be used front or rear and are mounted directionally depending on where they are used.

[@ДмитрийХабаров-ю1ъ]

@@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds ok, just be careful driving on water..

[@murraymadness4674]

seems to me you have too big a motor and controller given what you said. I also don't understand the big deal about keeping the frame stock, this ain't no concourse restoration, you ripped out the engine for christ sake, a little cutting and welding is nothing to package things better if you need to, yeah that controller sticking out looks stupid, otherwise nice job, although I would never tolerate the noise of a chain drive for a otherwise quiet ev.

[@0utcastAussie]

You've got that front tyre on the wrong way round !

[@VforVoltageDIYEVbuilds]

It's weirdly correct. I thought the same thing while mounting it