Yes I know; You, a faithful SMN follower, also wonder what pleasure comes from electrifying a classic vehicle, completely eliminating its original essence and identity. However, today we show you a kinder side of this trend thanks to one of the collaboration projects that Jason Momoa has been carried out with Electrogenica company specialized in this type of conversions.
On this occasion the idea has transcended beyond the typical electrification that is usually carried out in cars and motorcycles of past eras. Using three Harley-Davidson frames owned by the well-known actor, these have been equipped with a hybrid propulsion systemor that combines the original mechanics of each model with a Maeving electric motor adapted to new demands.
Momoa’s hybrid Harleys in detail
Jason Momoa came up with the idea of including three of his most prized Harleys in the final season of the documentary series On The Roam. He also thought that it would be a good idea before showing them on the big screen to subject them to a hybridization process in collaboration with Electrogenic, a leading British company in propulsion systems for electric vehicles.
As they explain themselves “Jason Momoa proposed another dream to us: if we integrated an engine into the rear wheel hub of some of his beloved Harley-Davidsons from the 1920s, could it ride around the city without emissions and then fully accelerate the two cylinders outside the urban limits? Would this be physically possible? Would it improve the riding experience? Nobody knew, but this is part of the adventure with Jason.”. No sooner said than done.
The first thing was to find a hub motor that would fit inside the rear wheel of one of these Harleys. The models subjected to this transformation are a FD from 1921 and two JD from 1924 and 1927 respectivelyso it was obvious to wonder if it would be feasible for two technologies developed a hundred years apart to work together efficiently.
After different ideas on how to proceed with the project, the people at Electrogenic finally decided on propulsion equipment designed and manufactured by Maeving. On the other hand, we had to decide which batteries to mount but above all where to place them. To this question the team quickly found an answer: “use Maeving batteries and house them in saddlebags”. Although the saddlebags used for this purpose are a little deeper, they have the same dimensions as the original saddlebags that came with one of the motorcycles.
Besides “two batteries can be used, which gives the motorcycle a considerable range (more than 80 km) with electricity alone”as confirmed by its creators. Once this part of the project was elucidated, the engine was modified. The biggest handicap it had was not being designed to operate by chain, “so that the gasoline engine could continue to drive the rear wheel”they explain. But this is not all, since they took advantage of the redesign to include a rear disc brake.
Now, by means of a simple switch on the handlebar, you can ride only with the gasoline engine, exclusively with electric power or by running both at the same time. The original accelerator itself remains operational regardless of the propulsion selected at any given time. As a curiosity in Momoa’s new classic Harleys, there is the way in which the combustion engine is now started:
“Place it on the stand, raise the rear wheel in electric mode and then release the clutch, or do it on the fly. It’s extremely simple and is a huge step forward in accessibility for these magnificent classic bikes; pedal starting them can be a major obstacle for some to own them”. Of course, this modernization has a price. Specifically, 16,900 euros at the exchange rate This is what each of these kits costs.
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