2007 - Volume #31, Issue #1, Page #19
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Electric-Powered Motorcycle
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"It'll do over 80 mph without the excessive vibrations you get on a Harley," says Vogel. "It has a range of about 60 miles at highway speeds. You can smoke the rear tire."
The electric motor produces more than 300 foot pounds of torque, which becomes almost 2,000 foot pounds at the rear wheel. The bike is so heavy it won't lift off the ground; it just digs in.
While it may have to stay closer to home than the classic big touring bike, in appearance it doesn't look that different. Technically, it's registered for road use as a custom Harley. Vogel says it is a combination of Harley components, including Wide Glide front end, installed on a custom frame. The gas tank houses all the electric components as well as the voltage and current gauges. The rear swing arm is custom made to allow for the transmission and motor. It weighs in at 1,200 lbs. with a very low center of gravity. It even has its own vehicle identification number.
The batteries fill in the space where an engine would normally sit. The 120-volt DC motor sits just ahead of the rear wheel. The transmission is a five-speed Baker with right side drive. Vogel slips it into reverse by switching the direction of the DC motor. Regenerative braking feeds power back to the batteries.
For longer road trips, Vogel hooks up a customized sidecar with a diesel generator.
Vogel has about $12,000 invested in parts. He estimates he could build one for sale for $15,000 to $35,000 depending on customization.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vogelbilt Corp., 204 Locust Ave., Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. 10567 (ph 914 736-6225; fax 914 992-7540; info@vogelbilt.com; www.vogelbilt.com).
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