Bags / solutions to conceal a frame mounted battery?

[bikeman242]

I am wondering if there are any solutions to conceal a bike with a yamaha battery that is frame mounted (ie not a bosch integrated powertube), so that at initial glance other people wouldn't be aware that it is an eBike while riding around. I could pass on getting the looks/comments from other acoustic bike riders.

Any suggestions?

 

[DouglasB]

It's always going to look like an e-bike. If your concern is theft, I would consider removing the battery. I suppose you could make a zippered sleeve for it, out of some sort of light canvas. I remember there was a button on sleve for the frame of my 1967 CT90, to conceal and protect the wires that ran down the frame.

 

[JRA]

DB, that pic takes me back! That was my first motorcycle and I rode all over on it. I could get it to wheelie by rolling back with my foot on the shifter and letting it go as it didn't have a conventional clutch. I graduated to a 125 Yamaha MX with an expansion chamber that wasn't as popular with the neighbors.....but it would wheelie much better!

And to the OP, look into the triangular type frame bags that fit into the lower part of the main triangle and you may be able to adapt one of those as a cover. They are a known accessory so would provide the stealth factor you seek, although I personally never see the need to do so and came out of the eBike closet years ago....if others take issue with your mode of transport and you are on legal ground then that is their problem.

 

[bikeman242]

DB, that pic takes me back! That was my first motorcycle and I rode all over on it. I could get it to wheelie by rolling back with my foot on the shifter and letting it go as it didn't have a conventional clutch. I graduated to a 125 Yamaha MX with an expansion chamber that wasn't as popular with the neighbors.....but it would wheelie much better!

And to the OP, look into the triangular type frame bags that fit into the lower part of the main triangle and you may be able to adapt one of those as a cover. They are a known accessory so would provide the stealth factor you seek, although I personally never see the need to do so and came out of the eBike closet years ago....if others take issue with your mode of transport and you are on legal ground then that is their problem.

Thanks for the tip!

Came across this company that makes custom bags for the triangular part of the frame:

CUSTOM FRAME BAG — BEDROCK BAGS // Bikepacking

"Guys, my frame bag fits so well the Velcro is overkill! ... Awesome fit." -Steve M, WA

www.bedrockbags.com

Do you think that the fabric of the bag against an operating battery would be a fire hazard?

 

[indianajo]

I've got plastic foam wrapping mine (see left). No fires yet.

 

[vincent]

For a good selection of frame bags I would check out campfire cycling

 

[JRA]

Thanks for the tip!

Came across this company that makes custom bags for the triangular part of the frame:

CUSTOM FRAME BAG — BEDROCK BAGS // Bikepacking

"Guys, my frame bag fits so well the Velcro is overkill! ... Awesome fit." -Steve M, WA

www.bedrockbags.com

Do you think that the fabric of the bag against an operating battery would be a fire hazard?

Nope, they have been in use for that purpose for years. I have a 52v 10ah battery I use for longer rides that is in an under the tt bag.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

@john peck adapted a garment bag that conceals the battery IIRC.

 

[john peck]

@john peck adapted a garment bag that conceals the battery IIRC.

I have a pile bike bags adapted from thrifts & garage sales. That which Bruce mentioned
mounts like a saddle over the top tube. Actually I have 2 such, one rectangular, the
has beeen cut & stitched to match the frame triangle. If it's practical for me to make
a thing rather than buy, I can usually scrounge materials for next to nothing.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

If you google "DIY Frame Bag" or "homemade frame bag" a plethora of websites and videos come up showing you how to do just that.

With a little bit of creativity you could easily adapt one of the frame bag designs to both hide your battery(ies) and provide a useful frame bag.

 

[bikeman242]

I have a pile bike bags adapted from thrifts & garage sales. That which Bruce mentioned
mounts like a saddle over the top tube. Actually I have 2 such, one rectangular, the
has beeen cut & stitched to match the frame triangle. If it's practical for me to make
a thing rather than buy, I can usually scrounge materials for next to nothing.

Lets see pictures!

 

[ElevenAD]

I am wondering if there are any solutions to conceal a bike with a yamaha battery that is frame mounted (ie not a bosch integrated powertube), so that at initial glance other people wouldn't be aware that it is an eBike while riding around. I could pass on getting the looks/comments from other acoustic bike riders.

Any suggestions?

F@$k acoustic riders and their lameass looks/comments! ride responsibly,ride with no shame.

 

[Alex M]

I am wondering if there are any solutions to conceal a bike with a yamaha battery that is frame mounted (ie not a bosch integrated powertube), so that at initial glance other people wouldn't be aware that it is an eBike while riding around. I could pass on getting the looks/comments from other acoustic bike riders.

You're worrying too much. Acoustic riders can recognize an ebike by other signs as well - motor, display, wires, thicker frame, and even the way you ride - ebike goes smoother, there is less swaying left-right because you don't put as much effort as in acoustic, to maintain same speed.

 

[john peck]

Lets see pictures!

I lost my pictures when my old PC committed sepuku. For some reason my old camera won't load into this PC (?)
there is a picture buried in another thread here somewhere (?) I'll try to find it.