3rd Friction Drive build (pics)

[happycheapskate]

Clutches are a weak point. If you are building a side loading design like this, they are a really weak point in the system. This design eliminates the problem: the chainsaw clutch will likely wear quickly when used for something with a much bigger mass to move before full engagement. (A chainsaw might take on a large load when sawing, but it is not multiplied a dozen times by the length of the spindle, and the chain is often spinning before hitting the wood. ) If you are only going to ride this out of town it wouldn't be too bothersome. Stoplights would get old fast though in the city.

 

[concretepumper]

Clutches are a weak point. If you are building a side loading design like this, they are a really weak point in the system. This design eliminates the problem: the chainsaw clutch will likely wear quickly when used for something with a much bigger mass to move before full engagement. (A chainsaw might take on a large load when sawing, but it is not multiplied a dozen times by the length of the spindle, and the chain is often spinning before hitting the wood. ) If you are only going to ride this out of town it wouldn't be too bothersome. Stoplights would get old fast though in the city.

Yea good point. A c clutch would not like the stress of the load angle. We live on the edge of a large city with lots of 55 mph hwys not a lot of light or traffic at our end of town.

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

I'm not sure if your argument against clutches and their use stands up, since all high quality gopeds have clutches, and are driven very hard by some very powerful high rpm engines. If I were to use a 25cc engine, the goped 54mm racing clutch might be perfect.

 

[happycheapskate]

Are the clutches side-loaded with a long spindle that turns on a tire, and pulled down by a turnbuckle or spring? Anyway, a "high quality go-ped" is probably a long way from a shop-fabbed mount and Homelite chainsaw. This is nicely done, but still hard on the engine compared to the Dax and Staton type kits. And I'm sure the go-ped clutch has "heavier" springs and thicker shoes made for moving the full weight of a person. Apples and oranges.

 

[concretepumper]

Peaches to plumbs yeah. I'm bananas pu&%#, cut off the grapes and grow a pair. Now I want some fruit. Quote ... Lol.

I have been looking into bearings and such to build something that supports the drive spindle on both sides. I'm not sure how long the little motor will take the stress. Gonna have fun till then. Oh wait. This bike is for somebody else.

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

Yes, goped clutches have long spindles. It's a friction drive just like a friction drive on a bicycle, and they handle much more horsepower. For best operation, the spindle is supported on two sides, which is just good engineering on both a goped and a bicycle.