Electric Cafe Racer - Vintage Motorcycle Build

[@Knapweed]

Duplex cradle frame, drum brakes, rear-set footrests... This bike is a pure nostalgia fest. Kudos for an exceptional build.

[@henrybobchatham]

Sleeping with the motorcycle in the same bedroom. That's THE real motorcycle boy. Respect from France.

[@Valk021]

I want this. "Cooling fins" on the battery case would look pretty rad on it

[@DeanMakes]

This is seriously awesome! I've often thought about doing this to a Honda CB250 and your video may just be the push I need, thank you.

[@CitizenSmith50]

I have a 1976 Honda 125cc CT that I have stripped all the garbage off, and turned it into a rat-bike cafe-racer, and had been contemplating what would be involved in swapping it out into an electric version. I guess I'll just have to leave it as gasoline powered after seeing the range of that one; I wouldn't make it to the nearest town and back ! Cheers from rural Australia!

[@radwanderer6165]

Just great! Building a small and silent beautiful motorcycle...in the bedroom ^^

[@djSpinege]

best part is no gas smell in the House. unless it's taco night

[@Adam-s_YouTube_Account]

Thank you for removing the motor from the box like an absolute animal 🤣 excellent build tho!! Very informative!

[@rconr007]

Fantastic!!! Now let's work on more range. But this looks amazing. I have no clue why there are 2 thumbs down on this video. Unless you are willing to do something, which you have done. I don't see why there should be adding thumbs down. In any case keep up the good work.

[@fivemeomedia]

There’s 41ah 72v batteries that are about the same size you can double your range without any extra work

[@slowestjabroni]

@@fivemeomedia Insane

[@thedualwheeljourney2468]

That thing looks wicked!

[@djquestionthis]

Fantastic job, your hard work payed off, that bike is bad ass!!!!

[@JamesBiggar]

Nice ride, good job!

[@jainsudhanshu]

Man I have seen your videos and it has always been my dream to build an electric bike but I just don't have funds to do it. Love to see your videos from India

[@Tickle..Tipson]

Love it! I’m currently trying to get my hands on a ‘77 Yamaha cafe bike to do this too

[@chippsloop1482]

You've inspired me to convert my zzr 250

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Awesome! Best of luck on the conversion

[@descartes451]

Nicely done!

[@paulawestcott7228]

😄👍What a beauty of vintage e moto build. You have inspired me to electrify my Yamaha DT . I can start by selling the motor and pipe, it's an FMF .

[@rkkuhlmann]

Great work dude! 25 miles is impressive.

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you. Yeah, the range surprised me the first time I tested it

[@dogcrapper]

so cool fella good onya

[@alejandroortiz6050]

Hello, great work!!! I´m a Mexican engineering student and I would like to do a similar project and use the motorcycle to go to my university. Your work and you are great, congratulations and greetings from Mexico.

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Hi Alejandro, Thank you and good luck on your build. If you want to see more of my process or ask me any questions as you build yours, connect with me on Instagram @ _ willowbrook _

[@3dconceptsofutah757]

Nice build video!

[@andrefecteau]

yeah, mad skills and great design work...

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you!

[@dred4817]

One of the best cafe racer ebike

[@Benji...]

Wow this build is so rad, great work bro

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you!

[@schinslam2358]

Short but very informative video. Impressive work!

[@zerodschannel]

What a cool project! Nice :-)

[@woodbark1008]

Wow! Very nice job ! I have a 1981 Kawasaki 440 with a cooked engine -> I was planning to do a Cafe Racer convert with a Honda engine but your electric conversion is a much better idea. I am subscribing - may need your advice later on !

[@pasapucha]

Well Done !

[@taygunozcan3466]

Dude it is a great work. I would like to see the longer version of this kind of videos which you explain how you do it. Anyway, the e-bike is awsome :D

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you! I'll work on some more explanatory videos. Maybe a How-to video on mounting and controlling the motor.

[@snipstuff]

@@willowbrookcustoms this is a great idea for a vid, ill be waiting!! great build man

[@kulastripstv6826]

Awesome built keep it up

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you!

[@camlau585]

Vert nice work.

[@MANCLOCK365]

AWESOME! LOVE IT!

[@FarmerFpv]

Super dope dude!

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you!

[@nattanapatkk1957]

Nice bike!!

[@MysteriousTony]

Awesome, now make one that I can pay for!

[@josegarza6872]

Beautiful magnific 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@gerardogama120769]

That looks sikk!!!🤙👍

[@BeeUndercover]

Wow! How cool is that! Looks fabulous :)

[@Street_Ripper23]

3:48 I’m following your foot steps. I’m building a e bike with a kunray 2000 watt motor with a 48v controller any battery recommendations? Edit: kudos on the amazing build too

[@kevobalchan5457]

Very Comfortable Cruiser

[@flintlights]

I love it. It looks amazing!

[@Monsieur.Nobody.]

Freaking awesome build! That would be my next project soon... any suggestions?

[@charlie996]

Beautiful work brother! I hope you advocate bike safety with a helmet in the future.

[@thejoyofboxing8805]

So inspiring

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you!

[@jorgemujica176]

Awesome build, inspiring video !!! Around 2:40 you show a 3d model of the bike, you used a 3d scanner right? which model? Thanks !!!

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I used SandyPro which is an iPhone app that uses the front facing camera on the new iPhones.

[@fiveola]

Great Job! I'm about to dive into building my 1st e-motorbike and this is inspirational. I've done gas powered motorcycle builds but this is new territory for me. I have a question: Did you register this bike with the DMV and if so, was the process difficult? Keep up the great work!

[@Anino_Makata]

A clean and impressive build here, my dude! And I found the bit of you disassembling and reassembling the bike in your bedroom amusing. Might I ask though, how have the 3D components been holding up? I imagine the cowl wouldn't be that much of a point of concern assuming you don't do anything crazy with the front, but I've been wondering about that battery case.

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Battery case has been holding up well. Knowing which filaments to print with and when to use 100% infill for the prints can create some really strong durable parts.

[@cjoconnor91]

Very cool build! Just out of curiosity, if you only paid 300 for the frame, how much was the whole build?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

This whole build came in just under $2000, with hundreds of hours of labor of course.

[@LEXICON-DEVIL]

@@willowbrookcustoms kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3Ok62uaNeZhsU Bro combine your design with this design and sell it to me. 😁😁😁. That seat is what I've always wanted on a bike.

[@bomajakaersonda1551]

awsome, is it ok in ur bedroom?

[@adolfomendez5439]

Nice I like it .

[@ryanchouchtari2022]

Awesome job! looking to build one as well! what motor did you use for this project

[@willowbrookcustoms]

This is a QS Motor. They are easy to buy on AliExpress.

[@leesandrocarrera8418]

Hi there, I would love to make my own build with the gear you used. Could you pls reply with a list of items, links and +/- the cost of your build. Thank you kindly

[@nitropsycho]

Awesome work! It would be great to see a parts list. Also which 3d printer and software do you use?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Ultimaker 2+ with Cura Software

[@ianbradley2262]

Can someone tell me how fast these can actually go without the governor

[@willowbrookcustoms]

This bike will do about 40mph. The limiting factor in this build is the amp draw limit of the battery management system. Drawing too much amperage at once can damage the cells, so the BMS limits amp draw. With a more expensive battery, this thing could probably be around 60mph... but that is pretty scary fast on a small 60 year old bike.

[@amitd1325]

best ev build 👌👌👌. cn u plz tell me spec of motor , controller and battery. and from where to buy this quality motor?

[@bodhi5470]

QS motor 3kW from Alibaba

[@FrenchingAround]

very cool

[@Beastiie7]

COOL! Top speed?

[@JJ_ExMachina]

That motor mated to the bikes transmission (I know not as "simple" as it sounds), would be a great project.

[@flexo3333]

not simple and only disadvantages... not a great project.

[@JJ_ExMachina]

@@flexo3333 ... Disadvantages? What is your reference of comparison? What do you consider a disadvantage? Curious to know your train of thought on a project like that.

[@JJ_ExMachina]

@@flexo3333... My points of reference utilize bikes like the Kawasaki Endeavor, Horwin CR6, Tacita’s T-Cruise. All electronic bikes with a manual transmissions. All sporting a smaller sized (comparatively) electric motor mated to a manual gearbox. This allows greater range of usability, without the need for a huge electric motor... By taking advantage of the tq multiplication the different gears allow for, while still returning a decent top end. Making the bike engaging while, still being efficient enough for longer trips.

[@flexo3333]

@@JJ_ExMachina The broad efficiency band of electric motors makes it useless. Hence nobody does it. Weight, transmission loss... Maybe it's needed if the motor is inappropriate. You're gonna end up with better results adjusting voltage and adding field weakening to achieve the desired torque/power...

[@JJ_ExMachina]

@@flexo3333 ... Not sure where you are getting your information from? However there are multiple companies that are in the process of either developing or bringing bikes with electric motors mated to manual gearboxes. Kawasaki is one such company doing this very thing. It's has nothing to do with using "inappropriate" motors. It's about reducing the inrush current and reducing the loads on the batteries and motors. This reduces heat in both systems. Heat kills electrical systems and reduces their overall efficiency. You can't duplicate these results running the motor in a "direct drive" setup, no matter how much electrical "trickery" you bake into the system. Heat is heat and high loads cause tons of heat to be generated in the motor and batteries. It's about optimizing the load the system is put under during acceleration events. The main overall benefit, is cost. Without having to run reduced voltages and or running a weaker field, to achieve the desired torque/power levels. SO far less complicated control systems, which in turn reduces the overall cost of development of the bikes. You can optimize everything on the bike, weight, heat, cost to performance, etc... Instead of spending $20k - $30k for a good electric bike, you can have the same level of performance for $10k - $20k. This isn't my opinion, this is what Kawasaki, and other companies that are bringing, electric bikes to market are saying. But hey we will see right? When these bikes come to market, we (the average "Joe") will get to try them out for ourselves.

[@albertoleninminoj.1926]

Nice! Good design I like it a lot, I want to build My own motorcicle, could I know the technical specifications?

[@tjkilshot]

Nice man! I'm doing a similar project to the 1979 Suzuki ds. How did you mount your controller?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

3D printed brackets

[@jakeguaitarilla3527]

Do you need to register the bike or have a license plate, since it only goes 30mph? Thinking of buying a conversion kit for mine, want to double check for any “ extra steps “ before purchasing the kit😅

[@willowbrookcustoms]

No, I haven't had any problem with police. I am pretty low key with my bikes and stay off major roads.

[@tadejtrbanc5246]

Hi, im wondering if you bought motor, controller and those other things (1:43) in a kit or did you bought all the components individually?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I bought them all together as a kit from QSmotors on AliExpress

[@seanjohnson8910]

Appx how long does it take for a full battery charge? Awesome build, very inspiring, there's no way I'll purchase a prefab now

[@tjkilshot]

Hey man, doing the Suzuki ds project. To get 50 mph, what rear sprocket would you recommend if the motor is a 12 tooth

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Smaller sprocket for high speed, bigger sprocket for acceleration. Somewhere in the middle is a good balance. Most importantly, make sure you get a battery with a high Amp output limit. If your battery's BMS is limiting itself to a low amperage, it will cutout before you reach 50mph.

[@tjkilshot]

@@willowbrookcustoms got the 3000w motor with 72v controller and a 21aph battery. This motor kit came with a pretty big sprocket, 52 tooth, but I wasn't sure if the 48 tooth would be better

[@jtcustomknives]

I have a CB550 I have been working on a cafe racer build. But now with gas at the price it is I’m considering electric. Where did you get your electric motor?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

AliExpress

[@austinvilan3969]

Great build, planning on converting my Puch into electric, mind sharing the kit you used and where u got it? would really appreciate it!! thanks in advance !

[@willowbrookcustoms]

It is a QS motor purchased from AliExpress. They have come out with a few improved kits since I completed this build.

[@thedon2703]

Build a 100v pack for this beast.

[@avgmaker]

What kind of battery? And where'd you get it from?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I bought mine secondhand, but it is a 72v ebike battery similar to this amzn.to/3y3aep5

[@vijaykorvekar1009]

How much distance will the battery give on top speed

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Flat out, I would probably get 10-15 miles is my guess. It would be a very fast, uncomfortable 10 miles.

[@vijaykorvekar1009]

@@willowbrookcustoms what is tha battery voltage and capacity

[@willowbrookcustoms]

@@vijaykorvekar1009 72v and something like 21ah

[@AntonioGonzalez-iu4mh]

Puedes decirme como la hiciste

[@DuanDao]

I love this. Do you have a parts list and the donor bike you used?

[@xfmk9296]

fucking tight dude

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you

[@mikeyrova92]

why did you choose mid drive instead of hub drive? i will also make an electric cafe racer and im deciding upon hub or mid drive

[@jacksonburwo7692]

First of all, congratulations. You shed light on the cg project in my head, dear brother. There are some things I want to ask. This engine offers you how many kilometers per hour. On the other hand, how many degrees of hill climbing performance it has. I would be very happy if you answer. Good Jooobbb... :)

[@willowbrookcustoms]

The motor will get me up to 80-100kph Just make sure you get a battery that can supply enough amps. Best of luck on the build!

[@jakeguaitarilla3527]

How fast is it in mph?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

It will do about 30mph. Currently the limiting factor is the amp output of the batteries.

[@pupsmotorworks5228]

Very cool, well done, video and build. But, the sound.... of silence....... .

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you

[@veek8460]

Saweet bike bro. Any range tests on it?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I rode it from Lakewood CA to Seal Beach CA and back. that is my extent of range testing. 20+ miles

[@teguhprakoso4355]

what is the name of the full set of equipment for electric motorized vehicles, please don't include the purchase link in the video description????? 🙏🙏🙂

[@tahahabibi9996]

please tell the motor power and the sourcing of all parts

[@dadsfriendlyrobotcompany]

How's the power of the 3kW mid drive motor? I am converting a '72 Honda SL125 and the original motor made 8.8kW and was wondering if going down in power would affect the drivability

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I am really happy with the power. The bike will pop wheelies if I can find enough grip.

[@heymanyouwell]

did you start it? I have a '72 Honda CB175.. barn find. In cosmetic restorative shape. Engine is excellent... may sell it and go this route.

[@dadsfriendlyrobotcompany]

@@heymanyouwell sadly, I am moving, so I will have to sell the frame. I may pick the project back up again in 5 or 10 years

[@libraryofsavvy.5510]

Awesome build! May I ask what your background is in?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Thank you! I studied architecture for six years. My dad was an autobody repair man. I think those two together, design and fabrication influence my work.

[@HowlingWolfLeather]

I’ve been trying to research and plan a similar build, but it’s almost impossible to understand for a newbie! I don’t know where to start! I know I want a UK learner legal bike, so it needs to be maximum of 11kw continuous and 80mph. I thought that would be a great help in planning and finding the motor, etc. But nope, I can’t find anything. Plus the more I talk to people and get advice the more confusing things become!

[@sulemax9907]

Goodwork. May i ask? That fuel tank, yes "fuel" tank, is that just an accessory or something?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Just because it looks good

[@douglasbonney7836]

Did you register it a new bike or what

[@willowbrookcustoms]

No registration currently. Just cruising it around side streets and parking garages.

[@abidahmad8912]

Top speed?

[@jjjulius8082]

hey, maybe you have a link to the parts you used? I saw a kit on aliexpress but I was wondering which one you used.

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Yeah, the motor was ordered from AliExpress. It is a QSmotors 138

[@jjjulius8082]

@@willowbrookcustoms cool thanks soon there will be another old electronic bike on the road

[@joec1324]

Where did you buy the motor kit cuz I can’t find anything 😅

[@yingliu598]

你的这个电机是哪里买的啊？居然直接可以拧到车架上太完美了。我也想买一个这样的电机。我现在组装电动车的时候就卡在这了我的电机不知道怎么固定到车架上去。我不会焊接。

[@kaviisworld]

WHAT IS THE SPROCKET RATIO ?

[@robieosborne7369]

Where did you buy that motor and battery?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

QSmotors through AliExpress

[@GIBZ_KUSTOMZ]

What motor any controller did you use cheers james

[@willowbrookcustoms]

QS138 3000W Mid-drive BLDC motor. This motor pairs with a programmable Votol EM-150s controller

[@GIBZ_KUSTOMZ]

@@willowbrookcustoms thanks what range and speed did you get pal I’m wanting to build a electric Honda cub

[@willowbrookcustoms]

@@GIBZ_KUSTOMZ Speed about 40mph. Range is all about what battery capacity you buy (measured in amp hours AH). If you are interested in converting a Cub you should check out the company Shanghai Customs, they do a pretty sweet Honda Cub kit

[@GIBZ_KUSTOMZ]

@@willowbrookcustoms I did check them out but they closed down no longer selling kits.

[@qwantumijo]

Nice build. Please tell me number of tooth of your motor and wheel sprockets. Motor sprocket should have 14 as standart from qs?

[@AllenSparks]

How many teeth does your new rear sproket use? I have an old yamaha 2stroke street bike that i have in the corner of the garage for just this conversion but I am unsure what rear to get cut. Thanks.

[@gbrldz0]

What size are the tires?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

90/90-18 tires

[@drewedwards8566]

Nice, what's the top speed on it?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

I haven't tested yet. Will be sure to post a video once I get around a radar. I expect it to be somewhere between 45mph and 60mph

[@mainesmith2183]

How much is top speed

[@willowbrookcustoms]

40+ mph

[@mainesmith2183]

@@willowbrookcustoms nice nice.im.thinking of buying this motor do you think it will.be good for go kart ?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

@@mainesmith2183 Yeah, the QS138 is great in gokarts.

[@kazoolordhd6591]

What charger did you use

[@cuylerwilkinson4414]

what is the top speed in mph?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

45mph

[@cuylerwilkinson4414]

@@willowbrookcustoms Thanks for your fastreply! I can say your installation is sweet and straightforward, the way it should be. I've built custom choppers since the '70s and I have a ke100 left over from my kids heyday years ago so this will be my next project!

[@diegomontano1881]

hi, im looking for a 72v 40ah lifepo4 battery, do you know where can i get one for a good price?

[@lawrencejohnson6823]

If you find out...let me know too

[@rockfordian23]

Do you have a link for the motor and controller?

[@stitchysquare7106]

Can you do a give away of those?

[@Super90.]

What motor kit is that? Thinking of converting one of my 90s. Do you recommend it?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

Yeah, I really like this motor. It is a QS138

[@Super90.]

@@willowbrookcustoms Sweet. Where did you get the battery?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

@@Super90. I purchased it from a hobbyist on Craigslist

[@Super90.]

@@willowbrookcustoms what’s the battery?

[@willowbrookcustoms]

@@Super90. It is a 72v 21ah LiPo battery