we set our goal: design a bolt on EV drivetrain that replaces the existing crankcase, maintaining the gearbox and motorcycles engine characteristics.
ORDER YOUR EV KIT
We are also suppling the components we use in our R00 kit for your DIY EV projects.
Our products come with a CE certificate making it possible to get your system homologated.
* most EV kits/motors/controllers online come without a CE approval or documentation, therefore impossible to get homologated
EV SHOP
EV BMW R00 KIT SPECS
SPECS on the R00 in a nutshell:
72V Power unit, with a max peak up to motor 18kw and 72Nm with a max rpm of 7500
31,1 Kw 72V 58AH power batterypack that weighs 24kg (just 2kg more than the OG gas tank)
Max. current 350A
New Aluminium cast housing Black or Silver.
80km Urban range
Charge cycles >2000 (about 160.000km)
integrated 18A charger
paintable gastank shell
Bolt on to R type airhead gearboxes form 1969 til 1996 (R45-R100)
Fits models for flywheels with M11x1.5 bolts
We'll contact you after your order and check your information with you.
If you wish to build your own 72V battery system for the kit, you can choose the NO battery option. Unfortunately, we then can't include the homologation paperwork with the kit as the battery is part of the homologation.
Prices are excluding shipping, and shipping cost will be invoiced when kits are ready to ship. For now, choose PICK UP at check out. No worries, we will ship your kit!
There is also the option of having the kit installed by us at LM Creations for an additional €1450,- euro (cover paint and gearbox rebuild not included).
We can, of course, always make custom modifications to the bike upon request as well, for an extra cost.
For the kits we uphold a shipping time of 1-2 months as we have the engine castings powder coated to your order.
THE FULL STORY
The idea for this project came from converting classic cars like VW Beetles and Mini Coopers into electric vehicles (EVs). However, there are a few differences when it comes to converting vintage motorcycles. Unlike cars, motorcycles don't have a body that can hide the EV powertrain, so when classic motorcycles are converted, they often end up with a big square battery box where the engine used to be and a hub motor. This makes the motorcycle silent and it loses most of its iconic characteristics.
So, our goal was to design an EV drivetrain that can be easily installed on a motorcycle without compromising the original engine characteristics. We chose to start with BMW R types, which have an iconic engine design and are well-regarded by the custom motorcycle scene. However, there are also several other engines that can be used for conversions, such as those from BMW, Moto Guzzi, vintage Triumphs, Harley Davidsons, URAL, and many English brands.
In simple terms, the concept involves removing the internal combustion engine and replacing it with an electric motor. However, there is a lot of engineering involved in designing a new casting for the motor housing and battery pack that will fit the original frame. Additionally, there are necessary safety components that need to be considered and included in the design.
Riding a custom or vintage motorcycle is a thrilling experience. The engine's vibrations, the revving, the acceleration, and the attention you get as you ride around are all part of the fun. We wanted to capture that excitement in an electric motorcycle: the shifting, revving, torque, and the ability to turn heads with an amazing sound!
Imagine the sound of a supercharger combined with a jet turbine and incredible torque. That's what the experience of riding the EV R00 is like.
In addition to the awesome sound, we wanted to maintain the bike's handling. Instead of using a fixed geared E-drive, we kept the gearbox. This gives you a similar riding experience to a combustion engine motorcycle and reduces the load on the electric motor. Just like with a combustion engine, lower RPMs mean less amps are needed, and fewer batteries are required. Plus, you have the ability to play around with the torque. You can ride off in any gear, each one giving you a different torque and speed experience. And you can switch gears however you like! We even achieved power wheelies with a BMW R type, which was something we hadn't done before!
The power unit consists of a 72V motor with a peak motor power output of 18 kW and a maximum torque of 72 Nm. It has a clutch adapter and is housed in a new aluminum body that bolts to the gearbox, just like the original combustion engine. Along with the power unit, there is a controller to operate the controls and a DC converter for the 12V accessory wiring. The motor can reach speeds of up to 7500 RPM, similar to the original engine that redlines at 8000 RPM. The torque curve is different from a combustion engine, but the riding capabilities are very similar, thanks to the gearbox functioning as a mechanical driving setting.
The 72V system battery pack, with a capacity of 58 AH, is mounted on the frame, just like the original gas tank. This battery power allows for an estimated urban range of 80 km. The weight of the battery pack is about 24 kg, slightly heavier than a full R80 22L fuel tank. It has a lifespan of over 2000 charging cycles, which is equivalent to approximately 160,000 km.
Simplify using more understandable and common words.
We have integrated an 18A rated charger for charging, which is optional for both US and EU style wall outlets. This charger can charge your battery from 0-80% in approximately 2.2 hours and from 80-100% in 1 hour. The battery is still a reasonable size to carry, but unfortunately, it's too big to mount nicely on the bike. The battery cover is made of ABS and is ready to be sent to the painter. It is possible to modify the original gas tank and fit it to the battery pack, but it is recommended to line the gas tank with a non-conductive material.
To our knowledge, it is possible to bolt the system onto all R 45 R60 R65 R75 R80 R90 and R100 types (1969 till 1995), although minor modifications may be necessary, such as removing the electric mount brackets on the top tube to create space for the battery pack. The installation of the kit is relatively easy, and an installation video will be provided with the kit. We are following the EU R100 EV safety standard, which is mandatory for EV homologation.
We have not yet received kit certification, but we plan to in the future. This would allow you to modify the registration paperwork of your motorcycle and officially list it as an EV motorcycle. It is also recommended to check the gearbox for wear or rebuild it according to factory specifications.
