Choosing a bike

There were many factors to consider when choosing the motorcycle to convert. The major factors were:

• Cost
• Aerodynamics (better airflow=more efficient)
• Weight (less energy to accelerate)
• Appearance
• Ease of conversion

After taking these factor into consideration the ideal bike to convert was the Suzuki Across. They are classed as sports-touring. The Across is fully faired so the aerodynamics are pretty good (at worst they are better than a cruiser), also the conversion can be hidden underneath the fairings with the main thing to distinguish it as different would be the absence of the tailpipe.

The bike is relatively light weighing in at 160kg dry according to spec sheet. The Bike is big enough that i would be comfortable riding it (I'm 6" tall). They are getting old now so they are cheap to buy and get parts for.

The other big advantage to the Suzuki Across is where the petrol tank is on a normal bike the Across has a boot big enough to fit a large helmet, and the petrol tank is under the set. This is perfect for the electric motorcycle because the unused petrol tank can be removed without affecting the look of the bike.