Kawasaki GT550 EV project

[terryd80]

Hi guys,

I'm converting an old, knackered GT550 into an EV to try and have a project to look forward to and work on with my dad (ex car mechanic). I initially thought that a motorbike with a driveshaft would be the best choice as I could basically bolt the electric motor directly to it to drive the rear wheel.

As I've looked more into it I've decided to go for a hub motor which would give me more space for batteries, but it's is a completely different rear set up! I was wondering if anyone has swapped the rear swing arm to another version (e.g. the GPZ550 swing arm) and want to know if it fit ok and what caveats I'm likely to come into?

My only thought at the moment is the physical dimensions of the swing arm attachment and the mono-shock attachment.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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Why do I do these things?

[temeluchus]

the first model of gpz550 was twin shock, if that helps. Also the US spec KZ550.

The gt550 does have a different frame by the look of it so I don't know how that bodes for dimensional differences.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[terryd80]

Hi temeluchus,

After a lot of research I have ended up going for a totally different bike rear swing arm. the Yamaha XJ1300 which is both big enough to fit in the swingarm pivot point and also fit the rear hub motor/wheel.

I haven't attempted to line them up yet as the swingarm only arrived on Tuesday but I'll try to get it connected and see what pitfalls I have from it.

Thanks for your response.
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Why do I do these things?

[A100man]

Interesting project - presumably you will have to build your own (spoked) wheel? What hub/power rating will it use?
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600