How I built a performance electric motorcycle (and how you can, too)

[@m4r7ijn]

This is unironically the best build I have seen yet. It seems more accessible than all the other builds. It is high performance while having a good range and keeping a cool conventional look. Great work!

[@PhiTonics]

I love that you did this in your backyard, yet major manufacturers can't seem to get above 75-100 miles of range. Well done sir, this is the bike we need! 👌

[@highervoltage5430]

Admittedly mine is heavier. Batteries aren't light...

[@PhiTonics]

@@highervoltage5430 nah! What's it weigh? Couldn't be more than a standard Harley or cruiser at an average weight of 800lbs.

[@highervoltage5430]

@@PhiTonics This weighs in at 550lbs. The issue is that it is top-heavy. I gave it 11" of ground clearance which is excessive.

[@nithulnath9331]

@@highervoltage5430 That's not heavy considering the current high performance ev offerings, I guess. Energica range has a weight over 600 lb.

[@enigmaGG33]

Motor and power requirements 3:02 Battery overview 4:05 Balance and weight 8:14 Power routing, contactor and fuses 11:40 Battery management and charging 12:45 DC/Dc convertor and 12v system 15:00 Final notes on converting a motorcycle 17:00

[@andrewgreen2626]

You forgot the part where he electrocuted himself.

[@highervoltage5430]

@@andrewgreen2626 - Not the first time and won't be the last ;)

[@paradigmshift528]

@@andrewgreen2626 *gets electrocuted* 11:25

[@adambrown6532]

@@paradigmshift528 thats definitely the most replayed moment of the video

[@colinm1325]

​@@highervoltage5430 Hi Alex, l really njoy ur channel, thanks. With ur electric Sabre road bike, being able to centralise the motors mass, could you use a power divider/drop box l've heard them called? Could give it a little extra mechanical/gear noise. Maybe a redesign, or something for the next one.....😊 Just a thought, cya.

[@jonnyroy]

EXPOXED BUSS BAR!!! HUGE SHORT/FIRE RISK. Props for the superb project!

[@slartybartfarst9737]

The best realistic electric bike build. Good idea to use shaft, my 220Kg (480 lbs) Zero SFF used hard hammers the drive belt with its 14 kWh battery / 110 HP motor. My guess is your bigger motor, shaft drive and heavier battery equates to 550 lbs and as you say riding an electric gives an uparaled connection to the biking experience. I ride other gas bikes but ill take that linier glitch free. smooth, throttle response over noise anytime. Thank you for taking time to show how its done, brilliant practical build.

[@Arkoss]

It's my dream to build my own electric motorcycle. It's awesome that people like you are building these machines themselves and achieving such ridiculous numbers! I'd be glad if my future build even had a 3000 Watt motor in it. Thanks for sharing your build! Didn't know those batteries. They seem like a good option for EVs. Subscribed! Hope to see more EV related content or more insight into this beast!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

naaaaaaaaah dont fret its everyones dream here... you can start with this and save a lot of weight and bulk hassle for the motor www.ebay.com/itm/High-Power-8KW-72V-Brushless-Electric-Motorcycle-Scooter-Hub-Motor-55-74mph-NEW/124100643651?hash=item1ce4f98b43:g:e6MAAOSw5K5dFnNh you can pay me later for the great advice! i only accept paypal by the way.. ;)

[@lynskyrd]

VERY impressive. I like the fact that you took into account motorcycle balance. Also noted that you're thinking safety as well. The use of LFP type batteries makes so much sense in a motorcycle application- you nailed it. Thanks for making this video and thank you for including all the links. I got a lot of 'homework' to do but I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. Your vid I think pushed me further towards the edge. Ride safe sir.

[@1607rosie]

That is the ultimate electrical erector set. Didn't know that about the phosphate batteries good info. Nice job!

[@wangy01]

This is definitely the best tutorial on KZbin about building an electric motorcycle. Key points including the choice of battery, the mechanism of the electric motor, the weight distribution, and etc. are all very clear. I particularly like how you orally presented the math of power.

[@CuddlyJon]

This is by far the best build I have ever seen. If this was manufactured, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Fantastic engineering! Fantastic looks! Fantastic performance! Absolutely great job!

[@martinjohnson9316]

I love motorcycles but hate electrics but your crystal clear presentation and logic of design made this a pleasure to watch and learn from. Thankyou for uploading this!

[@Jerbrown]

Thanks so much for taking the time to document all this!

[@themf11so]

1.25x though xd

[@evolveelectricvehicles8551]

I have made a fast electric motorcycle inspired by this video, video on my channel #electricmotorcycle

[@jordigirvent9250]

Impresive build, Impresive how in so litle time explains so many things in a way someone like me with 0 knowledge abaud electric can understend. Sire your Moto and vidio looks to me like the work of a great Master.

[@highervoltage5430]

It feels like a hack job to me honestly. I cannot make things look good to save my life. I just make them work. THe truth is electric vehicles are pretty simple compared to their gasoline counterparts.

[@highlanderfreelancer4553]

@@highervoltage5430 how much does the bike weight ? how muck does the motor and batteries weigh?

[@highervoltage5430]

@@highlanderfreelancer4553 - The bike weighs in at ~560lbs which is about 40 lbs heavier than the bike I started with. It is definitely top-heavy, but once you get going you don't notice it. It is such a difference and peaceful experience riding an electric bike that it is hard to describe.

[@highlanderfreelancer4553]

@@highervoltage5430 Thats not bad about what a 1200 HD sportster when you get 400 pounds and under the wind can blow you all the road.

[@evolveelectricvehicles8551]

@@highervoltage5430 I have made a fast electric motorcycle inspired by this video, video on my channel #electricmotorcycle

[@davide4456]

This was by far the most comprehensive and informative video for electric motorcycle conversions I have seen. Your explanations have helped me out immensely. I will definitely be contacting you about my build.

[@TechWizardForever]

I remember when you were building this Alex, happy to run across this video a couple years later.

[@user-be4yc2vr5c]

I could tell 6 mins in this was gonna be good. Rock on with the indepth explains. Love it. Loved hearing about the batteries to. subbed

[@GeorgeG-kr8zw]

Higher Voltage, I like your honesty and accuracy to detail. All of the other motorcycle were very expensive and did not give out the performance that your bike does. Thanks, very much for your showing us the guts of the bike, and why!! *heart *heart *heart! (They don't have the red heart emote I want.)

[@liteglow2000]

Wow... Just wow.. This is the most informative video I have ever seen. So much important info in so short time, and so very well explained. I do know alot, but after seeing your video, I know alot more now :) After 10 seconds it was impossible to stop watching, and the build was incredible good work. Thanks for sharing.

[@GAJENDRA19061992]

Brother , first comment on KZbin while watching it for last 12 yrs. *Superb*

[@caseyjones1999]

This dude deserves more sub's. Nice work

[@SirBalageG]

I believe I re-watched your video at least 4 to 5 times so far, it's that good. great job!

[@jonathanacuna]

I learned so much. I want rebuild my own, so this has been super helpful to understand why you choice the parts and the others options available with their trade offs🙏🏼😄

[@valentinpastoriza2966]

I think you missed the "better known as iBcrazy" part😂😂. Excellent videos, I'm glad to meet your channel. Really enjoyed your FPV tutorials in the past and I'm now enjoying your ebike ones!!

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

You did in hell of a good job, Young Man. Well done. You know your Electrics well, I am/was a Technical Design Engineer. The Motor/Batteries off set, if minor, is a niggle that must be solved. Have you considered a Fluid transmission ? A pump off the motor via two flexible pipes to a drive at the rear wheel, shaft OR chain type ?. This would allow the motor to be situated ANYWHERE in the Bike, below OR above the batteries, depending on what was heavier for low Centre of Gravity. .

[@highervoltage5430]

There are a few issues with a hydraulic system like that: complexity, real-estate, and loss. The off-set battery isn't noticeable and I do intend to one day cover it all up with a symmetrical fairing if I ever figure out how to do fiberglass work. The only issue I currently have is that I wish I could gear it shorter for even more acceleration... because 0-100 in 5 seconds could still be faster ;)

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

@@highervoltage5430 Hydraulics ARE more complicated than a direct shaft drive, no doubt as nothing is simpler, and a fairing WILL cover a multitude of unsymmetrical sins. (Check any stripped touring Bike.) What do you mean by real estate ? An unfamiliar term to me here in the UK in relation to Bikes. As you are still looking for gearing changes, perhaps a gearbox that may also off set the drive line ? Just because an electric vehicle doesn't critically NEED a gear box, that doesn't mean it won't BENEFIT from one. Alternatively BMW have different ratios in their final drives. (I had a R45 which was different from the identical exterior R65's.) Check if others may fit in yours. A fellow here in the UK converted a car, retaining the box, and it gave him a series of performance options. Even a REVERSE. Your Bike won't be light to paddle backwards up a slope or away from a kerb. Note. My suggestions are not meant for your current Bike, but looking forward to a Mark 2. (I have been considering building myself a 2WD Electric Bike with radical new frame geometry for a while now. 50+ years of Biking experience and ownership/maintainence.) Finally, You STILL did a hell of a good job. . .

[@TShepard]

Sabres are great bikes. Great build, you gave me the confidence to start planning my own. thanks!

[@ronaldobrien211]

Well done Alex brilliant stuff mate! Its unbelievable both of us decided to build an electric drive on a Honda though mine is a classic from the late 80's. She has done around 6K clicks and handles so well.😎

[@pylypbutin5799]

Amazing project . Good to see how you enjoy your own creation. God bless.

[@davidblackburn2348]

You have done an excellent job in presenting your expertise. I hope you don't get burnt out with not so nice people. Your knowledge is obvious and the next one you build will be far better than the first one. You are on the leading edge of the future. You might consider selling a conversion kit to profit from your hard work. What is a good database for buying the motor and controllers? Thanks and job well done.

[@highervoltage5430]

I'm not sure what is a good database. EV information is so scattered which is why I made this video. I wanted a place where people could get started and know what they need to build their own (which is why there are links in the video description). Although I have no intention on making money from this work (I do it all for fun), I said the same thing about developing antennas for drones and now I run a business doing precisely that.

[@davidmuir6849]

Fanastic clip this is the future Thanks Dave from Scotland

[@johnathanh9369]

Appreciate you making this vid. Very new to EV conversion. I'm in my early stages of research and this helped a ton.

[@highervoltage5430]

PM me if you need any help. That is what I am here for.

[@p3dtesla118]

​@@highervoltage5430Can I buy this bike from you ??? Where do you live ??

[@highervoltage5430]

@@p3dtesla118 - I am not interested in selling it, but you are free to come ride it. I am in Amherst, Va. If you are in town, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to let other riders try it. I publish these videos so that people can build their own.

[@FranksWay]

I will certainly be building one in 2022...your insights are great...keep it up and thanks again for the info, i subscribed :)

[@vasaoz]

Beautiful work brother. I love it watching you explain.

[@YBL_Jae9829]

Lithium for the win when looking for range and instant power! The range you’re getting sounds wild! Thumbs up 👍🏼 on that 88 kw motor, that thing looks so beefy 🥩!!!!

[@raf3321]

Sweet build bro!

[@ramman347]

Nice job man. On the vid and build. Good explanations and no mumbling or fumbling for words.

[@LatinDanceVideos]

Super impressed with this project. I hope this catches on as there are thousands of people would buy this finished project.

[@jamesscholz8338]

Right on dude! My commuter is a side car rig that I'm dreaming of doing this to once the bike's motor gives out. 2012 KLR650

[@highervoltage5430]

Just did a KLR250. I highly recommend it!

[@cyclonemind7585]

You have a serious experience about building a strong ebike. Any plan to make a documentation? I would love to learn more from your experience.

[@marcteleki2801]

I have a m109 r Suzuki and you the first one to put a shaft drive very nice

[@bamboothanh]

wonderful work and perfect chasic base choice! thank you !, congratuation from Vietnam

[@andrewslejska4205]

Doing some research for my first ev project thanks for the walkthrough.

[@rwehuman]

they dont call you Ibcrazy for nothing. great job man.

[@bradyoungblood8577]

Good video. I am getting ready to redo / upgrade an electric motorcycle built in 2009. Your video is a lot of help.

[@arktunes6202]

Hyper 9 is quite a famous one for electric conversions.

[@joshnabours9102]

Another good reason to make sure the suspension matches the new weight is if the rear is too soft it can become squirrely and cause you to crash. This is why bikes have adjustable pre-load on their shocks in from factory.

[@anthonymitchell0528]

How would a trike package (build) work is it possible to load motor toward rear of seats

[@Todd66]

I highly doubt the Sabre 750 was less than 500lbs off the showroom floor. Bikes did not really get below the 500lb mark on 750cc’s. I doubt you added weight and if so, minimal. UJM’s are great daily bikes. My last bike I owned ( last year) was a Honda Valkyrie. 700lb bike. I bet it would make a super sweet eConversion. I have built 2 electric bicycles and I LOVED the experience A-Z, a conversion like this is a MUST DO for me. I love it! Fantastic Job!! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@nitebirdscuffle4213]

Thumbs up after 50 sec. ......Thanks for making this vid.....I've been curious about this kind of build

[@highervoltage5430]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidfloyd9962]

Dude!! You are definitely SICK. That has got to be the smoothest upgrade to a bike I have ever seen. I have a '83 and an '84 V65 and they are pretty wicked pure stock. but this totally takes the cake. Those early 80's v4s were the "Harley Killers" (FYI). That is why your frame only had a 700cc motor. The new Harley electric is $38,880 so I would think $11,400 is a steal. And -- you have the only 1985 E-Saber known to man. Very, very, very, very impressive. I presume the regenerative braking only applies to the rear. Does that have any meaningful benefit other than extending the life of your shoes?

[@DragonSol42]

Very cool build. I’m currently building a GS550 Cafe Racer. But I’m thinking an electric bike will be my next project.

[@highervoltage5430]

Go for it! Well worth the time!

[@josepht6274]

i wish i used that motor insted of the netgain warp -9 brushed. although i am extremely happy with my performance package. the controller i use is the zilla 2000 amp at 200 volt 0to 60 3.2 sec first run

[@3dconceptsofutah757]

Wow that's one beefy motor! Nice work!

[@Bigdog1787]

Bike seems cool for sure for one I'd change to the graphene battey's they hold 2x more charge than lithium so means you can reduce weight. The battery's weight can be reduced in 1/2 or just have x2 more range, and if they do catch fire you can put it out with normal fire extinguisher.

[@DJHeroMasta]

This is one bad ass dude right here! Hell yeah man! Clean build and a solid presentation! Instant sub from me.

[@serrotnaes]

Nonchalant. I just got shocked 😂 great build

[@VisualBasic6]

"Why did you choose a brushless motor ?" "It's brushless"

[@colinm1325]

Great info Alex, and thank you for sharing and the walk through, Kind regards. 👍🙂🌈🌏💞

[@awo1fman]

Awesome job, and good video! Shaft drive has a lot of advantages, but a chain drive bike would put the motor in a much more central position. Although your motor might be too long/big to make that feasible. I have a 2016 Zero SR, which I love, but your bike has more range and higher top speed. I also have a 2006 Hyosung GT650S, which is a lot of fun but is absolutely Neanderthal. The engine is strong but it's a V-twin and it's really not happy in city traffic. I was going to sell the Hyosung, but maybe I'll convert it instead. Electric drive in that chassis would be prodigious fun, especially if I could get more range than the Zero.

[@impreza99rs]

YOU are an evil genius! I love your video! YOU can put Zero out of business! I want a commuter bike with less than half the range…. Please continue building these home made electric bikes. I will buy one! Liked and subscribed.

[@Gabi-he6rw]

Awesome! What about sealing everything to avoid short circuits? I have a 1kw qs hub motor with 48v 20ah battery on a mtb hardtail and I plan to swap the frame with a full suspension, maybe a dirt bike, while also maintaining the pedals to be a legal bike. The regen brake is nice knowing that you can harvest some of that energy back :)

[@warlockboyburns]

my battery died at the top of a big hill once and the regen got me home.

[@juhopeltola3993]

Cool tech man. I been using lfp batterys in my bike and I love them. No one else gets it. I got ebike whit throtle about 1.5kw power. Its really no bicycle. I made 2 12s2p 37v 13ah batterys out of high performance 6c rated cells. So 26ah or 1kwh combinated. Performance is really good. 24mph tops, but that is whit cracy acceleration. Uphills don't matter much at all. I don't know the range becouse I never run out of juice and I can charge quikly, no point to test that. Ideal for electric vehicles :)

[@NHfreeenergy]

This is a fantastic build. Any way you could document a parts list, along with any build challenges you overcame during assembly? You should consider documenting this and selling it as an E-book. I would buy it! I need me one of these!

[@highervoltage5430]

I am bulding another one. THis time a dual sport motorcycle. I have most of the parts and I will begin building shortly. Hopefully I can shut the birds up so the sound doesn't suck.

[@graykimchi]

never knew IBcrazy made EVs two of my favorite hobbies!

[@highervoltage5430]

This is something new for me. Lots of fun building electric vehicles.

[@graykimchi]

@@highervoltage5430 I feel the same way and enjoy posting about my conversions/builds + FPV!

[@ASAPASPOSSIBLE]

THANK YOU....i've been trying to remember where i knew him from...Yeah..it's been some years since he told me how to do antennas, i almost forgot... Awesome.

[@buildingspeed8969]

Same here 2 birds with one stone ! Been following the Yaggy Antenna boy for years. Glad to see you here. Take care

[@JaredMcConnellFerzen]

Really cool Alex makes me want to make my electric vespa

[@BertVermeulen]

Fantastic work!

[@thirtythreeeyes8624]

I clicked this because the guy looked like he might b crazy. Really good info Alex!

[@Vmaxfodder]

88kw is a good start too

[@renegarcia1807]

Very good job man congrats!!

[@joshuaplank883]

Thanks for the info! Any chance you could share some resources on how you figured out how many batteries you needed? From an AHr perspective I can't figure out how much is enough.

[@musk-eteer9898]

do you still riding it and any update

[@michaelbrusenhan1996]

Bad English

[@Scottthebott]

​@@michaelbrusenhan1996 cry about it 😂😂😂

[@anthonybolte6421]

I’ve friends with him. Yes, last he told me he has put about 10k miles on it since he created it

[@florentinvonfrankenberg7102]

Inspiring!

[@PikesBikes]

Really good video. Thank you for doing it and sharing your knowledge, really enjoyed watching it.

[@SlipperyFPV]

Popped up in my recommended... I was sure I knew the face and voice but threw me as it wasn't the content or channel I was expecting... Great content and very informative as expected from you! 👌

[@montypythonish]

Your performance figure and range are similar to my Honda VFR1200x Crossrunner. Pros: my VFR costs about £25 UK to fill not $2 US, and it does about the same milage 160 - 200 on a tank. And accelerates about as hard. 60 comes up in just under 4 seconds. Cons, Petrol doesn't take 6 hours to fill. I wouldn't swap with you but if you gave it to me I'd be happy to run both and ride the best one depending on what I planed to do. Nice video

[@JayTronik1]

holy crap this is a very unique machine, also you seem to know very much about all this, I only get parts of what you say. :) But very cool video, I'd need a mastermind engineer like you in my company . great job

[@ericsweetman3746]

I love this video and I really appreciate the build list. Im looking at doing my own build and I was hoping if you had a wiring diagram. Great video.

[@highervoltage5430]

A wiring diagram... well... to be honest, it isn't really that hard. I actually scrapped the entire harness from the original bike because most of it was for the gas motor. All I have are lights, my controller, my batteries, and my motor. There really isn't much to it.

[@krisreilly8856]

You said 36 cells in series, @ 3.2V per cell. Does this mean your battery pack produces 115V with a total capacity of 120Ah? The high voltage makes sense for how you're getting the big performance numbers out of that motor, but how did you estimate your range off of that capacity? Or did you just....build it and find out?

[@Padenormous]

I'm extremely interested in doing almost exactly what you've done here. I'm going with a 12KW hub motor and hopefully the 30 of those LiFePO4/120 Ampere-hour cells in series. What did you use to reference while building the battery pack, or did you just know what to do?

[@colinm1325]

Hey Paden, how are you going with you're build?

[@colinmetzger6755]

​@@colinm1325 away with you Doppelgänger!

[@colinm1325]

@@colinmetzger6755 Good onya😁

[@SoverSky]

Good Job , I love it .Thanks for your share

[@SaintBuick]

Very informative. My only gripe is that your speaking is significantly quieter than your music and final sound effect. Evening those sound levels out will give your videos a bit more polish. Going to check out your other videos, hopefully you'll have another subscriber.

[@highervoltage5430]

Birds are chirping stupid loud this time of year. I should have shot this in my garage.

[@pasha1663]

fantastic job. thank you

[@zeroem01]

Great work and great video. You are an excellent presenter!

[@Wheelieking619]

Yo IBCrazy antenna genius, that’s right on track for my thoughts lately ,thanks!

[@Wheelieking619]

Update! It’s almost done! ✅

[@TheFlatEarthChannelcom]

600amps that’s nuts! I’m only running 260a on my setup and it’s fast.

[@tomaszw7749]

I'm runing 35A in my e bike and it is fast. I can't imagine 600A. 🤯

[@Gamen4Bros]

That's a beauty!!! but I suggest covering the batteries

[@highervoltage5430]

If I could build a fairing, I would.

[@arthuralard384]

Well explained 👏 bravo. Trying my best to understand very complicated e system. How much to build one?

[@wesslee9060]

I see jealous haters hit the down arrow. Great job🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@frazahmad5268]

Great job on this build. Great documentation.

[@kadeenE-moto]

Awesome video man, stay safe🙏🏾

[@raptortrampton9557]

Brilliant video sir

[@alanriley9754]

Well spoken easy to grasp information. Thanks.

[@TheShadowDraken]

Show vid of you riding it. I would love to see how it handles.

[@Doctorbasss]

Electric motor too produce more power as the engine speed up. Torque x speed = power for ICE as well as electric motor. the torque curve is just different. I think what you meant is not power but TORQUE increase as engine rpm build up on ICE. The best way to explain is that compare to ICE, the electric can have full torque at 0 rpm while ICE dont. Nice video and project btw!

[@newman15x]

god I love this video I was just starting to research how to build an electric bike.

[@highervoltage5430]

Feel free to EMail me with any questions you have. I am here to help.

[@luckyxero3]

Thought I recognized that voice and explanation! Funny that the drone guys are building ebikes now. :P

[@FreeRangePeople]

Really enjoyed the video. I am starting a similar build soon. Thanks for making this video. Subscribed.

[@KatariFreyk]

Excelente muchas gracias por tu explicación saludos desde Perú

[@Nova-m8d]

A 1970 Volkswagen Beetle is 57HP at a top speed of 81MPH and weighs 1,676 lbs. My point is that 50HP is probably overkill.

[@johnryanespinoza5324]

That one's MASSIVE!!! Could it be used on heavy rains?

[@montypythonish]

Good video, very informative. I'll look into your channel. I'd be up for a build.