What about an electric Bucket?

[bogan]

got into some more testing with a production controller this time (400amp alltrax). Not up to bucket top speed or acceleration, but only running it at half capacity to preserve the batteries. But a top speed of 50kmhr will make it a decent commuter, accelration somwhere in the scooter vicinity I would think. With a decent battery pack I would expect to double the acceleration, and possibly hit 70kmhr as is, or more with a sprocket change. So is bucketable I reckon, just gotta save up for some better batteries.

[NSR143]

got into some more testing with a production controller this time (400amp alltrax). Not up to bucket top speed or acceleration, but only running it at half capacity to preserve the batteries. But a top speed of 50kmhr will make it a decent commuter, accelration somwhere in the scooter vicinity I would think. With a decent battery pack I would expect to double the acceleration, and possibly hit 70kmhr as is, or more with a sprocket change. So is bucketable I reckon, just gotta save up for some better batteries.

get on with it!! we are waiting...

[speedpro]

What we need is a set of rules to govern electric motorcycles used in bucket racing. We'd be the first class in NZ to even consider it. Being buckets I'd think something along the lines of a maximum of 12v at say 3A, some sort of magnet restriction or specified motors, minimum and maximum number of windings, restricted to AA batteries in F5 and possibly D cells in F4. A few beers at Taupo at Christmas should see a pretty good set of rules sorted out.

[F5 Dave]

Or a long power cord, . . . but with strict rules about passing around the outside!

[hayd3n]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPVy3z_xi6g

[bogan]

get on with it!! we are waiting...

you'll be waiting a while, that shit is expensive, esecially for a guy with almost no income!

What we need is a set of rules to govern electric motorcycles used in bucket racing. We'd be the first class in NZ to even consider it. Being buckets I'd think something along the lines of a maximum of 12v at say 3A, some sort of magnet restriction or specified motors, minimum and maximum number of windings, restricted to AA batteries in F5 and possibly D cells in F4. A few beers at Taupo at Christmas should see a pretty good set of rules sorted out.

nah better idea, just restrict the drivechain so all the hairys can actually enforce the rules 20mm toothed belt on a 400mm max diameter rear pulley should limit apply-able torque significantly!

Or a long power cord, . . . but with strict rules about passing around the outside!

but what if there's 2 electrics?

[Buckets4Me]

but what if there's 2 electrics?

double adaptor or we could splash out and get a 4 way power board 10a limit

[NSR143]

What we need is a set of rules to govern electric motorcycles used in bucket racing. We'd be the first class in NZ to even consider it. Being buckets I'd think something along the lines of a maximum of 12v at say 3A, some sort of magnet restriction or specified motors, minimum and maximum number of windings, restricted to AA batteries in F5 and possibly D cells in F4. A few beers at Taupo at Christmas should see a pretty good set of rules sorted out.

Perhaps for environmental reasons we could use only those pathetic 1.2v NiMh rechargeable batteries?

[Henk]

but what if there's 2 electrics?

We can use the standard of Macrame in the power cords at the end of the race to settle any photo finishes.

[bogan]

We can use the standard of Macrame in the power cords at the end of the race to settle any photo finishes.

At the speed they'll be going with all these new rules you could settle it with an oil painting finish

[bogan]

did some more testing and turns out it's using a couple of kW just to cruise at 50kmhr, which is shit, thinking I'll take one of the calipers off an hope that helps, you guys got any other ideas? I figure bucket guys would be the most likely to know how to get that rolling friction down to a minimum...

[jasonu]

couple I figure bucket guys would be the most likely to know how to get that rolling friction down to a minimum...

Put grease on the tires and brake disks.
Sorry for the smartarse answer, I couldn't resist. Little self control don't you know...

[koba]

did some more testing and turns out it's using a couple of kW just to cruise at 50kmhr, which is shit, thinking I'll take one of the calipers off an hope that helps, you guys got any other ideas? I figure bucket guys would be the most likely to know how to get that rolling friction down to a minimum...

Removing one disk and caliper is fairly normal on a bucket.

Best to change master cylinder to one for a single disk too as ratio gets all mucked up and you end up with BAD brakes.

As for resistance; apart from ensuring all bearings and chain and sprockets are in good shape I think you'd be better served at making the motor more powerful and/or lighter.

[F5 Dave]

Try an MB100 engine & stop pissin around

[bogan]

Removing one disk and caliper is fairly normal on a bucket.

Best to change master cylinder to one for a single disk too as ratio gets all mucked up and you end up with BAD brakes.

As for resistance; apart from ensuring all bearings and chain and sprockets are in good shape I think you'd be better served at making the motor more powerful and/or lighter.

one serious outa three answers aint bad

thanks for the tip bout the master, will try with the current one anyway, as the sponge in the brake lines may cause it to retain feel. The problem isn't power or weight, just battery capacity, so to get more range I gotta reduce the cruising current. May replace the seals in the brakes as well to see if that helps. Good thing is I get an instant readout of how much effect each change has, so I'll let you know if I find anything new that helps...