Hyena's e-bike builds (now with HD video)

[Rix]

Jay, I am sorry and I feel for you man, so here is what needs to happen. Shift gears on your builds, instead of high speed bike that if a crash was to happen, you would get seriously fuqd up, start focusing on a slower say 45KPH top speed builds that can climb hills like a goat. Yah, a slow speed crash can also cause injuries, but from a risk managment standpoint, a slow speed crash is much less likely to happen. But first of all, get yourself taken care of. For guys like you, quiting ebikes is not an option.

 

[Emoto]

In my experience of sport injuries [ nearly had my foot amputated in a mx accident once ] to start with, its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.... Keep the chin up for now...
For sure youll be riding. and rule number one dont tell the doc's

 

[Architectonic]

At the least I think my days of high speed, balls out riding are over. Needless to say it has me feeling pretty emo right now.

 

[Mammalian04]

Tough news about the road ahead Jay.

The silver lining is getting back in front of the docs because of the accident. It might have been much later before the underlying issues were discovered.

If Rix's suggestion is still too risky, another area of focus could be clean and custom rides (low and slow fo' show).

 

[Grinhill]

Wow. I hate it when you post stuff like that Jay.

I know you'll make the best of whatever gets thrown your way, as you've shown us already, and we'll be here to help in whatever way we can.

 

[litespeed]

That sux! Keep a stiff upper lip and all that jaz, your headed for greatness still this just makes it more challenging.

Who wants to take the easy road anyway?

Tom

 

[Hyena]

Thanks guys,
I was a bit emo last night about everything but after seeing the doctor again this morning bone cancer is looking pretty unlikely so that's a big relief. Hopefully after seeing some more specialists and they throw everything modern medicine has to offer at me I'll be able to get on with things and still be able to do a fair bit of riding. Albeit probably a little more sensibly...

Jay, my thoughts are with you and your family. Perhaps we can catch up when im in Sydney.

Sure Rod, sounds good. Just give me a bit of notice and maybe we can go for a short ride around some of my local trails. You can take the raptor, I'll take the 2kw big hit, that should keep me out of trouble!

Shift gears on your builds, instead of high speed bike that if a crash was to happen, you would get seriously fuqd up, start focusing on a slower say 45KPH top speed builds that can climb hills like a goat.

I dont normally zoom around at warp speed but I love the mid range acceleration that comes with a bike geared for a top speed of around 80. I havent had a chance to get the raptor on the trails yet but I reckon with the current set up and 12kw peak power it'd be a real animal even down low. What I've got to watch is that it doesnt flip on me again over the rough stuff under power. Like in your last vid Rix where you were belting over that terrain at speed and the front wheel kept coming up, the raptor would be quickly wanting to go vertical over that stuff in the current form so I think limiting it to 5kw with a booster mode is probably the way to go. Or maybe I should really work on that gyro idea that cuts the throttle once the front end gets too far of the ground.

The silver lining is getting back in front of the docs because of the accident. It might have been much later before the underlying issues were discovered.

True, if I hadn't had this minor fall and highlighted the issue I may have been out riding like a maniac in 2 weeks, have a big bust up and end up a paraplegic. So yeah, there's a silver lining!

I know you'll make the best of whatever gets thrown your way, as you've shown us already, and we'll be here to help in whatever way we can

Thanks mate. I guess it just means you'll have an additional company on the track next year in the 2 seater category instead of the 1500 at the hunter EV festival

 

[Architectonic]

True, if I hadn't had this minor fall and highlighted the issue I may have been out riding like a maniac in 2 weeks, have a big bust up and end up a paraplegic. So yeah, there's a silver lining!

Given your current record, be careful what you wish for!

Also, I hear estrogen is good at reversing bone density loss.

Seriously though, I hope the doctors can sort something out for you.

 

[remf]

From what I can tell you're tough as guts and this is just a mere molehill. Go easy for a while though, your body will thank you.

 

[Cowardlyduck]

That sux Jay. Here's to a quick recovery and getting back in the saddle in one form or another.

You never know, you could get a recumbent trike...and join the cool kids. 8)

Cheers

 

[Rix]

[quote



Rix wrote:
Shift gears on your builds, instead of high speed bike that if a crash was to happen, you would get seriously fuqd up, start focusing on a slower say 45KPH top speed builds that can climb hills like a goat.

Image

I dont normally zoom around at warp speed but I love the mid range acceleration that comes with a bike geared for a top speed of around 80. I havent had a chance to get the raptor on the trails yet but I reckon with the current set up and 12kw peak power it'd be a real animal even down low. What I've got to watch is that it doesnt flip on me again over the rough stuff under power. Like in your last vid Rix where you were belting over that terrain at speed and the front wheel kept coming up, the raptor would be quickly wanting to go vertical over that stuff in the current form so I think limiting it to 5kw with a booster mode is probably the way to go. Or maybe I should really work on that gyro idea that cuts the throttle once the front end gets too far of the ground.]

[/quote]

Okay, Glad you are back. Yes! why not both! Yah, those shots were of my Fighter bursting 5kw through the woops. Front end gets light at speed over the crests. A 12kw special would be fun, even is my skillz were challenged by keeping the front end down. A gyro that cuts throttle eh? My 98 Sportster had a lean angle sensor in it. Basically the ignition was cut off if typed over. If you had something like that turned sideways so it worked fore and aft, that could be a possibility, even though I wouldn't have the slightest clue how to hook on up and make it work. You got a working concept model yet?

 

[Kepler]

Hi Jay. I always have a bit of a peak at your thread every few days as there is usually something on there of interest or at least something to give me a bit of a giggle . Was upset to hear that you hurt yourself and that the cause could be more sinister. But also relieved when you let us know that BC was unlikely.

All as I can say is just take it easy exercise risk management. (Old bloke advice )

 

[t3sla]

Lucky, just learn from it bro and relax a little. Also you should really try a high powered trike, I rode Allan's and loved it (way more fun)

 

[Hyena]

Okay, Glad you are back.

Yeah that was my call to the ebike suicide hotline :lol:
I can't give up riding all together. No matter what, I just can't. As per our previous discussions it's an essential part of my maintaining my sanity outside of work and home life.
I know I'm going to have to give up other aspects of riding though to mitigate the risks of further injury. The most obvious thing that's going to have to go is daily commuting to work. At least on the trails I'm in control in the vast majority of situations, on the road you're at the mercy of the cagers. I ride defensively of course and in 5 years of near daily riding I've "only" been hit twice but mixing it up with cars at the best of times doesn't end well for bike riders, let alone now. I probably should give the madass away too though arguably I'm safer on that than a fast pushy.
That means I'm back to regularly driving to work and my gas guzzling 300kw XR6T isn't a sensible choice so I'll need a new car.
Maybe this is the shove I finally need to switch over to the electric car conversion!

A gyro that cuts throttle eh? My 98 Sportster had a lean angle sensor in it. Basically the ignition was cut off if typed over. If you had something like that turned sideways so it worked fore and aft, that could be a possibility, even though I wouldn't have the slightest clue how to hook on up and make it work. You got a working concept model yet?

A simple throttle cut would be dead easy to make, you'd just need to fit a mercury switch to the frame that activated at the desired angle and connect it up to the a brake line.
I was thinking something more complex to essentially be an 'instant wheelie mode' - something like an arduino with a proportional output that could control the throttle signal on the CA V3 so it would cut just enough power to stop you flipping but if you kept it pinned you could ride around all day on the back wheel :lol:

Hi Jay. I always have a bit of a peak at your thread every few days as there is usually something on there of interest or at least something to give me a bit of a giggle . Was upset to hear that you hurt yourself and that the cause could be more sinister.

Thanks for the concern mate. Sorry to bum you out, I'll try to work on my downer to giggle ratio

you should really try a high powered trike, I rode Allan's and loved it (way more fun)

Yeah it's on my list of things to do. The DO look like fun but I'm not sure where I could realistically ride it. They look like an even quicker way to get run over if ridden in public and wouldn't be suitable for most of the offroading I like to do.

Back to business, I've had a fellow ebike enthusiasm machine me up a sweet new axle for my crown motor. I've gone with bigger 16mm flats and with better steel too this one will be unbreakable I'm sure. If anyone else is looking for a good Aussie machinist I'll pass on his details. The construction of these crown axles is not cheap though and this took a heap of work. Unlike other types that have a channel machined down one edge these are cross drilled which makes the job a fair bit harder

 

[Rix]

Nice axle. That looks more than sano enough. 16mm with 10mm flats, that will definitely hold up. Yah, beautiful work. That maybe an up grade I need when I get me a TC4080 with the regular spoke flange.

 

[Sigmacom]

Sorry to hear the news from the docs - but as others have said this accident probably saved you from doing a lot more damage.

At least this means I might be able to keep up with you now riding the local tracks

 

[Hyena]

Yah, beautiful work. That maybe an up grade I need when I get me a TC4080 with the regular spoke flange

In all honesty I dont think it'd normally be needed, there were some pretty outstanding circumstances that caused mine to fail which ordinarily most wouldn't experience. If you dont break the H40 axle on your fighter in the mean time then you dont have to worry about the TC as it's much stronger. Aside from what is no doubt cheap metal the guy that made my new one said the machining on the original is actually quite good quality so that's good to know.

I might be able to keep up with you now riding the local tracks

haha yes that's true! I might even do something crazy like swap in a TC65 so I dont have the temptation to go any faster. Mind you 65 is still plenty fast enough to snap myself in half...

In other news I've been using my down time to do a little work on the raptor.
I had an old double leg stand that I pulled off a cruiser bike eons ago. It's been in my rainy day box and to my surprise works well on the raptor. Using the stock raptor stand mount it sat too high from the ground and needed to be about 30mm lower to properly hold the bike up with stability. I had a length of 10mm Aluminium bar so it up 3 suitable lengths of that, whacked the appropriate length holes in it and bolted it on. It's surprisingly solid so I'm really impressed with it. This should make taking photos in future easier if nothing else



I also got some LED strip lights intended for use as car DRLs (daytime running lights) I got them in red with the intention of mounting one either side of the rear shock as tail lights but unfortunately they're about 10mm too long! I could just let them overhang but I suspect I'd end up catching them on a stick or my foot or something so I'll have to come up with another solution. Either that or make a little plate that essentially extends the length of the frame either side of the shock but that'd probably look a little dicky...

 

[Samd]

Poop to the thought of bone cancer. Hang in there fella.

But awesome on the Raptor front - niiice!

 

[ManoisEscobar]

I'll need a new car.
Maybe this is the shove I finally need to switch over to the electric car conversion!

I managed to seize the 180sx if you're looking for a donor

Hope you recover asap! In future I recommend not crashing into shit instead of giving up e-bikes. I have been trialing it for a few days and it seems to be working alright.

 

[Hyena]

I managed to seize the 180sx if you're looking for a donor

Bugger! What do they weigh ? I think my wife would kill me if I brought another project home that size. I need to ease her into the concept :lol:
Can I turn the tables and interest you in an XR6 turbo as a replacement ? Only 90,000ks on the clock, 300kw mild tune, leather seats, premium sound/dash, Dick Johnson limited edition bobtail spoiler and a Hyena Electric Bikes sticker on the back window
(seriously though I will be selling it soon if you know anyone who's interested)

In future I recommend not crashing into shit instead of giving up e-bikes. I have been trialing it for a few days and it seems to be working alright.

haha yes it's the old story, it's not speed that kills but the sudden stop.

Also I just wanted to take the opportunity to say this wasn't me who decorated this Sydney train platform!

 

[ManoisEscobar]

I think they weigh around 1300kg, which isn't all that light for such a small car. Still, it's a solid 400kg less than an XR6! What year model is it and how many moon-dollars do you seek?

 

[SamM]

That train platform looks great. Hang in there Hyena. I had a major crash on my motorcycle in April 2013, just before I turned 50. Spent 4 days in the Trama Unit ICU, 11 days in the hospital and missed 8 months of work. I have given up riding motorcycles which is something that I have done since I was 6 years old. I miss it but getting into eBikes is what I have wanted to do for awhile. The crash and rehabbing with my Diamondback sort of pushed me towards eBikes. But I didn't know it was dangerous! lol I bought the Stealth Fighter yesterday, can't wait for Friday and finally getting out there on it.

Anyway, take care and get well!

SamM

 

[Hyena]

I think they weigh around 1300kg, which isn't all that light for such a small car.

Yeah a bit porky all things considered. I'd really like to do an old AW11 MR2 but they still fetch a fair bit these days. A small ute with solar panel tray would be cool too.

What year model is it and how many moon-dollars do you seek?

It's a 2004 so getting on a bit chronologically but the kms are silly low due to A: primarily riding my ebike to work and B: the time it sat largely unused during my cancer treatment.
As for what it's worth, I really dont know for sure. I had a mate sell one very similar recently (same age, more km and no leather) for 8k so I guess in that sort of ball park. I've seen them go for less but they've all got a bazillion miles on the clock and turbos that must be surely ready to fall out onto the ground. If you're seriously interested shoot me and PM.

I have given up riding motorcycles which is something that I have done since I was 6 years old. I miss it but getting into eBikes is what I have wanted to do for awhile.

Sorry to hear about your crash, sounds like a bad one and you were lucky to pull through. Although ebikes dont have the outright speed and power of a decent ICE bike they do have other qualities that for some reason make them so much more enjoyable to ride. A number of people here will tell the same story about how they've come from a moto or dirt bike background and never looked back. I've built a number of bikes for people over the years and it's surprising just how much they rave about the ebikes in comparison to their motorcycles. One guy actually has a garage full of various nice motorcycles from Harleys to sports bikes and he said he rarely rides any of them any more and much prefers the ebike!

The crash and rehabbing with my Diamondback sort of pushed me towards eBikes. But I didn't know it was dangerous!

Ebikes are great for rehab. Mine was invaluable when recovering from my cancer treatment (couldn't walk to my letterbox initially without stopping for a breath) and when my father had a heart bypass he found the same.
As for being dangerous, even regular mountain bike riding is dangerous and if you ride hard and fast you risk getting hurt. I've got a mate who used to race downhill but gave it away after fracturing his spine and having to get air lifted to hospital. The same injury risk goes for any active sporting type stuff. Every time I've been to the snow I see people getting carried off to hospital on stretchers. Ride sensibly and you'll be fine.

I bought the Stealth Fighter yesterday, can't wait for Friday and finally getting out there on it

Congrats on the new wheels. If the fighter is your first ebike it's a great introduction to the sport. Actually, sport is the wrong term, for many riding an ebike becomes more a significant lifestyle thing.

 

[SamM]

Hyena,
Glad you are doing better. I have some experience with the c-word. I can't even say it now, I just call it the c-word. Lost my Dad to it in 1996. Worst experience of my life. I pray that I never get it or have a loved one that does again. Terrible, terrible disease. Congrats for kicking it's ugly rear end!

That crash changed my life. After impacting a guardrail and shattering my right shoulder blade, I fell over the side of a mountain. Thankfully, there was a ledge 25' below that I landed on. Unfortunately, the road crew drove steel pilings into the ledge to sure up the roadway. I impacted the steel and cut my abdomen open. 1 cm more and I would have bled out right there. My buddies were with me and took good care of me until Mountain Rescue got to me and airlifted me out. I'm truly thankful to still be here with my family. My wife isn't real happy with my Fighter purchase but it's all good. She knew what she was getting into long ago.

Thanks! So far, I love the Fighter. She needs some care. I tend to take things to the extreme with my builds. I've been dealing with ICE vehicles so long that it's hard to think I other terms. As I learn more, I'll figure out what's, what and which way to go. Reading about builds here has helped but I still a serious noob. I love your Raptor build. I'm thinking my next bike could easily be a Raptor. I want something powerful with about a 50 to 60 mile range. I 'm sure we will talk more in the near future. And I like plug n' play. The Fighter is just a bike to get me into eBikes. It will probably be my local trail bike. It will be perfect for that. I owe a nice large piece of property. Been wanting to bike on it for awhile. Now I can.

The nice thing about getting older is that I now have more disposable cash. The eBike bug has bit me. Everything thing that I own is now for sale.

Take care and I will be in touch.

SamM

 

[Hyena]

That's a bad bust up Sam and a split second difference in circumstances either way could have made for a very different outcome. Glad you made it (albeit battered) and this has lead you to a path of new enlightenment
Oh and yeah, there's a few C words that banned in my house!

I'm still refining things with the raptor as it's all pretty new but hopefully by the time you're fighting fit again I'll have some slick plug and play raptor kits that offer the best of both worlds with high power on demand but also long range. 50+ mi is totally doable with the raptor 8)