Motorcyclists have been modifying their bikes for generations. Now an exciting new chapter is emerging with a North Carolina business launching a patented EV conversion system that allows owners to make the switch to EV without giving up their beloved classics. 

Shandoka Electric Motorcycles, based in Mars Hill, has developed an all-in-one system that includes everything needed to do the conversion. 

The company is starting with Japanese bikes like the Yamaha XS 400 Maxin and Kawasaki Ninja 250 because of their frames were developed. 

“The real trick to this bike is that it’s got a structural engine. So because there’s no frame that goes beneath the engine itself that lets us use our patented adapter to convert the bike to electricity and maintains the structural integrity of the bike, but gives you plenty of freedom,” said Shandoka Electric Motorcycles Founder Ernest Eich, discussing the first Yamaha to be converted. 

Shandoka is offering turnkey conversions that include everything from the battery pack to hub motor to BMS (battery management system), relays and all the rest. 

So what about converting V-Twin bikes like Harley and such? They’re on the roadmap as well. Ernest says his company is made up of a group of designers, tuners and welders.  

There are a variety of price points, battery sizes and custom fabrications available to ensure customers can spec their EV-conversions exactly the way they want them. 

Shandoka claims its patented system is future proof by allowing relatively quick battery swaps when even better battery technology emerges five or ten years down the road. 

EV Rider was the first media outlet to take the very first converted Shandoka Electric Motorcycle for a spin. It felt great; with brisk acceleration, excellent balance and competent braking.     

What about battery sizes, range, cost, the BMS (battery management system), availability, turnaround time and so many other questions? 

Those questions and many are answered in the video at the top of this post, which gets into the nitty-gritty tech details. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Shandoka’s very first EV motorcycle and look forward to following the company now that it’s made it from the research and development stage to the point of taking orders on builds to deliver to customers. The turn around time for customers at the time of this post was approximately 3-4 months.

While Shandoka is inititally taking it slow to make sure its first customer builds are up to snuff, it’s also accepting dealer and builder inquiries as it also looks beyond the initital ramp up. For anyone interested in becoming a Shandoka Electric Motorcycles dealer or builder, fill out the form on Shandoka’s website.

If you enjoy the video, please give it a like and subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel so I can bring you more adventures in EV motoring. 

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