11:00am Monday 8th April 2013
By Jim Durkin
WHEN a Poole motorcycle enthusiast built an electric chopper from scratch last year he was soon causing a stir around town.
Intrigued residents would often stop Nigel Bryant as he rode past to comment on his unusual choice of transport.
Now, following the construction of his latest model, the 56-year-old, from Haymoor Road, is expecting even more interest.
“This time I’ve opted for a more traditional style,” explained the former Bournemouth University technical officer.
“This latest bike is far more complicated than the chopper and should appeal to an even larger audience.”
Nigel’s latest invention has been inspired by the original ‘Indian’ motorcycles from 1913.
He embarked on his chopper project after being made redundant from his School of Conservation Sciences position three years ago.
“I wanted to turn this setback into something positive,” Nigel explained.
On his latest project, he told the Daily Echo: “Although I’m really just a self-taught amateur I built the entire frame, tank, forks etc from scratch and without a jig.
“Genuine vintage parts such as the lights and leather satchel were sourced from eBay.
“The bike is powered by a 350w, 36v electric motor similar to that used in the chopper last year, using the latest electronics and a lithium battery.”
Nigel’s Indian – which he describes as “a labour of love”– has a top speed of 20mph and a range of 10 miles on one battery recharge.
It took him six months to build and cost around £1,000.
Nigel said: “As a battery recharge only costs around five pence, this equates – purely on a cost basis – to about 1,200 miles to the gallon.
“So this red Indian is really green. Mind you, with a Harley and a fuel-injected V8 MGB also in the garage here, it won’t help me very much.”
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