Post by suprtek on Jun 26, 2006 20:22:58 GMT -5
Some of you may find this interesting. This was a project that has since run its course. It started as a pedal only trike that I ordered from a guy in San Diego that makes them in his garage. I made many modifications including gearing upgrades and the cargo box. If I would have stopped there everything would have been fine. (famous last words 
) One day I stumbled across these motor kits on the internet that were designed to be installed on bicycles. So naturally I decided to find a way to install one on my trike. I had to modify the frame and fabricate a steel bracket to mount the motor. After a several hours of fabrication and assembly, I actually got the thing to work. This was an 80cc two-cycle motor. I was surprised at the power it had. I was able to get it up to around 40mph! As you've probably figured out by now, there were a few problems. The first was a serious lack of braking power. All it had was a single caliper brake on the rear wheel. None on the two front wheels. This was fine when it was pedal power only but with the high speed and the additional weight of the motor and cargo it took a dangerously long time to get it stopped. I added a second caliper brake assembly to the same wheel. All I succeeded in doing was making it really easy to lock up the rear wheel. It still did not stop very quickly at all. Due to the construction of the frame and front wheels, the only way to add front brakes would have been to buy some very expensive front hubs that would allow disk brakes. The second problem was even more serious. Stability at speed. I intentionally bought a trike with a high center of gravity so I could sit upright for comfort. This machine accomplished that extremely well. However, at the expense of stability. With a little practice, it was fairly easy to control with pedal power. At 40 mph it developed a nasty wobble that resulted in a pretty ugly wipe out. I ended up air born and crashing into a ditch. Because of the design, I just flew off the front of it and tumbled a few times. The only injury I ended up with was on my calf from catching it on a pedal as I flew off. I have since removed the motor and converted it back to a pedal only machine. (And repaired the damage from the wreck of course) I still enjoy riding it with my family on many of the local bike trails. The motor project was a fun experience and other than the bumps and bruises I'm glad I did it.
) One day I stumbled across these motor kits on the internet that were designed to be installed on bicycles. So naturally I decided to find a way to install one on my trike. I had to modify the frame and fabricate a steel bracket to mount the motor. After a several hours of fabrication and assembly, I actually got the thing to work. This was an 80cc two-cycle motor. I was surprised at the power it had. I was able to get it up to around 40mph! As you've probably figured out by now, there were a few problems. The first was a serious lack of braking power. All it had was a single caliper brake on the rear wheel. None on the two front wheels. This was fine when it was pedal power only but with the high speed and the additional weight of the motor and cargo it took a dangerously long time to get it stopped. I added a second caliper brake assembly to the same wheel. All I succeeded in doing was making it really easy to lock up the rear wheel. It still did not stop very quickly at all. Due to the construction of the frame and front wheels, the only way to add front brakes would have been to buy some very expensive front hubs that would allow disk brakes. The second problem was even more serious. Stability at speed. I intentionally bought a trike with a high center of gravity so I could sit upright for comfort. This machine accomplished that extremely well. However, at the expense of stability. With a little practice, it was fairly easy to control with pedal power. At 40 mph it developed a nasty wobble that resulted in a pretty ugly wipe out. I ended up air born and crashing into a ditch. Because of the design, I just flew off the front of it and tumbled a few times. The only injury I ended up with was on my calf from catching it on a pedal as I flew off. I have since removed the motor and converted it back to a pedal only machine. (And repaired the damage from the wreck of course) I still enjoy riding it with my family on many of the local bike trails. The motor project was a fun experience and other than the bumps and bruises I'm glad I did it.
that is a great idea ;D ;D two thumbs up!
I don't want to talk badly about this machine though because it performs extremely well when used as a recreational pedal vehicle. As I said before, I don't regret the experience. Actually, I don't even regret the fact that it failed because that is what led me to buy my Ruckus! 
I still have the motor hanging on the wall in my workshop. It keeps staring at me begging to be part of another project.