Plug In West Michigan Podcast - Episode 7 - Electric Motorcycles

Part of WKTV Journal Grand Rapids, MI Community Programming
... or find it on your favorite podcast feed like iTunes or Spotify.

Episode 7 Show Notes

Introduction


Main Topic:  Electric Motorcycles

    Local EV News
    • The Walker DC Quick Charger (PlugShare link: https://www.plugshare.com/location/187044) at the Meijer gas station that I’ve talked about in a few shows has now changed from free to 30c per minute.  That sounds like a lot, but consider that most folks will only need 10-20 minutes to charge.  Also, the free charging model is not sustainable.
    • National Drive Electric Week is coming up in September.  This is a series of show and tell events for all electric vehicles organized by enthusiasts rather than dealers or manufacturers where you can check out, sit in, drive in, and talk to owners of electric vehicles.  There will be local events in:
      • Kentwood - 
      • Hastings
      • Kalamazoo
      • I am planning to attend all 3 and have my Zero DSR motorcycle there for people to check out and I believe there will be at least one other.  One of the Tesla service mechanics also drives one and he should be at the Kentwood event for sure.

    Value Added
    • Proficient Motorcycling - a wonderful book on being a better and safer rider.  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/329406.Proficient_Motorcycling  It's not a new book, so you can find it at your library or good used copies on www.ebay.com.
    • There is a peer-to-peer charging network called EVMatch that lets you list your home charger for other EV owners to use.  It was originally only in states like California and Colorado, but they have now expanded nationwide from what I can tell.  
      • You can sign up for free here (full disclosure: I benefit in charging credits from using my referral code):  https://vrlps.co/hfyyTAf/cp
    • RAM Mount X-Grip is a great system for holding smartphones and all kinds of gear.  Mine goes from car (windshield suction cup) to bicycle (handlebar mount) to motorcycle (also handlebar mount).
    • www.Crampbuster.com is a throttle assist that lets you roll on a motorcycle throttle with your palm.
    Resources


    If you are in the market for a Tesla Model S, Model X, or Model 3, use my referral code to get free limited Supercharging.  Program details:  http://ts.la/karl5062

    Pictures

    My new toy: a 2016 Zero DSR

    Zero DS at the 2018 National Drive Electric event in Grand Rapids


    Guest Brad Kallio and yours truly at WKTV after our podcast recording




    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Feedback including suggestions or constructive criticism is welcome. Please note that abusive or offensive comments may be removed.

    Popular posts from this blog

    Electrics at the Dragon - Day 6: Charleston to Marlinton WV

    Image
    Day 6: Charleston to Marlinton WV Stats and Map: Intended mileage 158 Actual mileage 154 Cumulative mileage 943 Number of charge stops 3 Charging cost $7.35 Charging energy (kWh) 20 Detailed Rever Map Video Route This route took me through the mountains of southern West Virginia from Charleston to Hawk's Nest State Park, New River Gorge, and ultimately through Monongahela Forest to Marlinton, WV.  I was unsure about charging because the PlugShare locations had few check-ins with limited information.  Also since the stations were not networked, I was unable to see status.   Before heading out, my old boss and friend Vinay invited a few of the Bayer Institute, WV site retirees for a breakfast and it was heartwarming to see some of my colleagues after all these yea...
    Read more

    Motorcycle Trip Planning - Electrics at the Dragon 2024

    Image
    Riding the Dragon Tail of the Dragon   Designated US 129, the Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, NC  boasts 318 curves in 11 miles and is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts in eastern USA typically fall into two categories:  They've ridden or driven the Tail of the Dragon or they want to.   Checking out the bikes Electrics at the Dragon Austin Ammarell, owner of eMoto Powersports , has been organizing an event to gather electric motorcyclists for several years called Electrics at the Dragon.  Renting a set of AirBNB houses in Robbinsville, NC, Austin's event allows eMoto enthusiasts to rent a room at very reasonable rates.  The shared common spaces like a garage with plenty of parking and common kitchen and living spaces fosters a sense a camaraderie and telling of riding stories for the attendees. ...
    Read more

    Test Your 12V Battery with This Clever Bluetooth Monitor

    Image
    QUICKLYNKS 12V Bluetooth monitor (Amazon affiliate link) The recent  12V Battery Post and associated YouTube video elicited quite a bit of engagement, so thanks for the feedback!  The initial analysis indicated that the 12V battery on my Kia Niro EV was potentially marginal.  It turns out a single measurement with a multimeter isn't enough to get a true picture of the battery health. Fellow EV owner and builder Mike Walenga whom I met via the Kalamazoo EV Association recommended a 12V Bluetooth battery monitor which I thought might be helpful for readers of this blog as well.  See link below the picture on the left or in the text above. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prefer a video version of this?  See this Zero E-Michigan YouTube Video . Our friend's Prius' 12V battery was draining due to  a dome light left on. Data Snapshots Obviously checking the voltage on your 12V battery with a multimeter only gives you a single sn...
    Read more