Purdue student turns old Suzuki into solar ride

[October 01, 2010]  WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) -- A Purdue University student has transformed an old motorcycle into a solar-powered bike with a top speed of 45 mph.

The university says in a statement that physics major Tony Danger Coiro (COY'-Roh) bought the 1978 Suzuki for $50 and spent $2,500 retrofitting it into a street-legal bike. Two solar panels mounted on either side of the bike charge its lead acid batteries, but they are also chargeable with a plug-in AC current.

Coiro's solar bike has a range of about 24 miles from each charge, and can go as fast as 45 mph.

The South Bend junior has received a provisional patent for his invention, and he says he hopes to improve his design to create a 100 mph, sun-driven racing machine.

[Associated Press]

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