Ok, some of you know that for the past four years or so, I have been kind of interested in driving the hack wheel of Black Betty (that sweet girl.)
I have thought about many ways to accomplish this, either mechanical jackshaft with a viscous coupling or an electric hub motor that would give me enough juice to keep going straight through sand.
After four years of pondering this, I have finally reached a conclusion.
I think the closest to ideal thing for the squirrelly riding I like most (high speed pavement + silly offroad) in the same day, is to buy a wrecked electric motorcycle (Zero or Livewire) that has severe front end damage, but still intact battery, motor and swingarm related components.
Then graft the rear of the electric bike into the Hack Wheel position with a separate throttle/reverse switch, battery somewhere in the tub.
Why this sounds like fun:
1. Top spec e-motorcycles have to ton of torque/HP. Adding up to 114HP, 140 ft. lb. of torque to a bike that already has a 101hp gas engine seems like it would put a NOS bottle to shame for added acceleration at altitude, without paying the reliability piper.
2. The battery/controls/display is already worked out, just move it over. I'm thinking a left hand throttle for the hack wheel, leave the bike gas throttle on the right. Could make for some interesting left hand power slides! Would definitely be an acquired taste to drive, but what sidecar rig isn't a little interesting to corner?
3. Could have substantial all electric range for cheap commuting.
4. Bike alternator + and Aux Alternator might give enough juice to keep an infrequently used battery topped up.
5. There have been some very rare occasions where a reverse would have been fun.
I got to checking insurance auction sites and it seems quite a few of these things are getting totaled out and put up for auction. I'm thinking a less than new one with severe damage might go for $3000 or less. We will see.
Not something I am in a big rush to do, but I think I will set up some auction searches and see what I can come up with while I study the different mfgr's and models' specs.
What ever on earth could go wrong? 
Just because it’s a “bad idea” doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. And if anyone can pull it off, you da man!
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
