front engine front wheel drive question

rkbonds

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Joined
Sep 10, 2008
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124
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Huntsville, Alabama
Ok I'm still the new guy here but, quite the shade tree engineer. I've got a 25cc weedeater motor w/clutch that I'm working on putting on the front of my mtn bike. I'm pretty sure I've got the drive system worked out (chain drive) but, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for mounting the engine? I'm playing with a few ideas in my head just didn't know if someone else had already tried this before or not. I know it would be easier to put it on the rear but I don't have the room to mount it in back. And yes I have since modified the trailer to pull level.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r302/rkbonds/8-30-08012.jpg
 
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First, I hold NO engineering degree myself....

Before you mount the 25cc engine, that picture is showing you, 3 kids, and a pull trailer as well. This is alot of weight and momentum to get going, so you are looking at a fair amount of pedaling before getting any power out of the engine. 25cc's may be a little small for what you are using it for. But, if you get up to speed, it would/could have enough torque to keep you going at a reasonable speed.

Next, the engine mount, this may be a little more difficult as the wheel pivots and would cause a issue for mounting.

Take a close look at the following link, it is a GEBE setup, but it will show you how to mount the engine ro the axle and forks....

http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=5229&highlight=front+wheel+drive

Any questions, please ask us at the forums here, we are very friendly!
 
I will only be using the engine to pull me by myself and not with the trailer. I do plan on doing most of the pedaling but would like to be able to use the motor for short commutes (lunch, store,etc...). Thanks for the link. I can't decide what would be the quickest drive system to get going quicker. I plan on the final product being the chain drive but, think friction would be quicker to get going until I get all the parts for the chain drive. It would also give me the chance to work out any bugs in the system without ruining my wheel. I don't have an engineering degree either just a lot of determination I guess is what I should have said. lol
 
looks like that should turn out to be -- A LOT OF FUN !!!

a friction drive to hold you over -- I sure like mine

is that the Huntsville close to Tuscaloosa ?

we were out there a year ago -- many nice roads for riding..

Ride That Thing - Mountainman
 
With you yourself riding the bike for those short trips, that engine should work very well for you...

Start with the friction and when all the bugs are worked out, switch over to chain or belt....

But, you may just find you like the friction fine and stay with it, if so, invest that money in a new engine, a Honda GX50 has plenty of torque to handle you and the kids!

Stay safe and keep the kiddies happy!
 
Soon I'll have a Titan mount up front for my trike.
I have plans for mounting and it does not involve drilling into the fork.
I have to see first if it will work I'm rather sure it will but it would involve rather inexpensive hardware at lowes and my gooseneck.
I'll get back when I have it all figured out.
 
Today I got my short drive shaft made and got it and the clutch assembley put together today working properly. I hope to get the motor mounts fabbed up over the next few days. I'll keep you posted on the progress as it comes. I'm wondering if it will still be considered a motored bike by the state of Alabama if I'm not using the motor???
 
25 cc weedwacker
Are you using a gearbox?
jackshaft?

Or driving the front wheel directly with a sprocket and chain?
 
Right now the motor is set up with a drive wheel. I don't plan on using a gearbox or a jackshaft all of the ideas I'm working on drive directly from the motor to either friction, chain, or belt drive. The weedeater engine came with a clutch ( most of the better models do) which will all me to set it up this way.
 
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