New Improved Felt Red Barron.

I got bored so I rebuilt the death trap... here is the new and improved red barron.

Most notable improvements include a brand new Grubee 66cc engine, kill switch delete w/new grips, sick bikes front mount, sick bikes expansion chamber, an HD flywheel from sick bikes, an 11 tooth sbk sprocket for the jackshaft, and a better fuel tank mounting arrangement that allows me to lower my seat to a comfortable position.

My comments on the new sick bike parts... the expansion chamber is AWESOME!!!! It lets you rev a couple thousand higher in the rpm range giving you access to the additional torque. The only thing I can compare it to is real 3 lobe Honda vtec, ( as in an rsx type s or 99 civic si). If you add the nuvinci hub, 11 tooth sprocket, and air filter what you get is an amazing machine that starts to approach the performance of an actual motorcycle. It really is amazing. The pipe gives you the revs... the revs give you torque... and the nuvinci hub with bigger sprocket lets you effectively use the torque to get speed. I have fallen in love with the red barron all over again. I think the next upgrade is a rock solid head. I will keep you guys posted.

A couple of fabrication tips for anybody building something like this...

I couldn't get the sbp expansion chamber to fit so I fabbed up my own down tube and hanger... very easy to do and it works well with the felt frame. If it looks familiar... thats because it is; I used the stock exhaust and just cut the muffler off leaving the downtube. I used JB weld and the brass pipe fittings that came with the sbp kit to attach the resonance chamber. I cut the silicone tubing and wrapped it around the whole area and hose clamped it tight while the epoxy was still wet. It has cured pretty tight and doesn't leak AT ALL. To hang it I just used a wire coat hanger and bent it to shape, then used the mounting hole and bolt originally intended for the rear fender to hang it. The gas tank mounted easily with some old tire rubber I found on the road and some 5000 lb epoxy. I cut 4 squares using the existing tread pattern on the tire scrap and glued it under the 4 corners of the tank to keep it from rattling. A pair of VERY heavy duty zip ties holds the tank to the rack. I deleted the kill switch using the throttle piece from dax. The thread pitch and hole size were too small so be prepared to drill out and tap a new thread pitch for the throttle cable.

As you will see... still no brakes. I think I am starting to like riding it that way.

Anyways, here are some pics. All comments welcome, hope you enjoy.

rb6.jpg


rb3.jpg


rb3-1.jpg


rb4.jpg


rb1.jpg


rb9.jpg


rb10.jpg
 
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Im using a firmstrong chief cuz im 6'6". Its a single speed but Im thinking of doing what you did, to accomodate thick bricks.

How much did you say the nuvinci was?
 
Thanks for the tip PatrickW, the toilet flange bolt fit perfectly and test ride is promising on my '1903'. I've been having issues w/ thrown chains because a 1/4-20 bolt didn't stop the axle creep. Maybe now I can make the chain guard & get this puppy finished! THEN 'V-Tec' I'll get those pics posted. BTW young man, how'd you make out w/ the Whizzer?
 
Thanks for the tip PatrickW, the toilet flange bolt fit perfectly and test ride is promising on my '1903'. I've been having issues w/ thrown chains because a 1/4-20 bolt didn't stop the axle creep. Maybe now I can make the chain guard & get this puppy finished! THEN 'V-Tec' I'll get those pics posted. BTW young man, how'd you make out w/ the Whizzer?

almost done... still have a few parts to acquire. I would say I am about 80% complete with the project. Just need the tank, belts, battery, rear taillights, and a couple other odds and ends.

Its hard to walk by that motor quenten built, I gotta look at it everyday.... all I can do is imagine how fun its gonna be.
 
re: axle creep.

I thought I was the only one having this problem! I'm just using a regular beach bike, but I've had the problem with the axle moving forward just a tiny bit, leading to the chain loosening.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/81/816efe70-0487-46e7-91ab-ba3b0ffb0814_400.jpg
photo Toilet Flange with bolts. View bolts for illustration.

I haven't tried it yet, don't know if my dropouts are long enough. I planned to add a spring tensioner to the stock grubee box (mounted on the upper right screw but extra long, near the seat tube). (see profile pic)

I figure that the small amount of "give" would cure the axle creep which is probably caused by both torque and the vibration acting directly on the axle& nut, like a sort of impact wrench or hammer. Every firing of the engine sends a vibration pulse through the gears and clutch and chain into the motor side wheel cog.
 
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re: axle creep.

I thought I was the only one having this problem! I'm just using a regular beach bike, but I've had the problem with the axle moving forward just a tiny bit, leading to the chain loosening.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/81/816efe70-0487-46e7-91ab-ba3b0ffb0814_400.jpg
photo Toilet Flange with bolts. View bolts for illustration.

Yup, that's what they look like. You can get the nut & bolt sets separate (without the wax ring.) Just be sure you get the all 'brass' set and not the set with a steel nut. If HD doesn't have them, try Loewe's or any good hardware store.
 
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