1976 Harley DE-40 Electric Drive Questions

[azhdbiker12]

I'm restoring a DE-40 which has a Harley DMH-492-3 electric motor (36V) which seems to be in good shape but I will go thru it and replace any worn parts. I will also be updating to an alltrax controller. My question is, can you or has anyone run this motor on 48V? I'm trying to determine best / most cost effective way to get this one the road. It will be used as a NEV not a golf cart so I need to get up to 25mph. Thanks for your input!

[Lochlin]

Just about any older motor can handle additional voltage no problem. I currently run a 24 volt 50s era cart on 36 and also run a 36v 90s era shuttle on 48v. You'll be fine.

[azhdbiker12]

Thanks for the input Lochlin! Since I'm faced with other cart related expense trying to get it on the road, I may just run the stock motor for awhile then buy an aftermarket motor for it later.
Thanks again!

[nickdalzell1]

If you go 48V be mindful that 'delay tube' is a vacuum tube and might red-plate with more voltage than designed. That tube can also gas out and you lose 4th speed or it acts erratic.