GEBE engine strap failure

R

recumbentbill

Guest
While riding home my gebe engine strap broke. The throttle cable all of the sudden became tight and the engine revved to full throttle. I had to keep the kill switch depressed while coasting to a stop. I got off the bike and noticed the engine strap was broken at the engie stap bolt hole. I guess there is enough flex when riding to cause fatigue. The throttle cable kept the engine from falling backwards and down on to the pavement.
I urge every one to check the engine strap bolt hole for cracking. I will now fabricate a stronger engine strap[wider/thicker metal flat stock]
I'm sooooo glad that I was only two miles from home:D
 
I wonder if its possible to use 1/2 or 3/4 in angle iron for that? Angle iron is stiff for its weight.
 
engine strap break pics

the strap has 4 holes on the engine end and one on the bike frame end. The break is on the third hole from the end. Now after looking closer at the break I wonder if I should have cut off a section of the strap so just one hole is for the engine mount . Looking again if I did cutthe strap the engine would have to be pivoted forward and would cause problems with the swing arm and shock
 

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I have my strap reversed. The single hole end is connected to the engine rack and the 3 hole end is connected to the frame. Wonder if that will make any difference.
 
The strap looks thick enough although it could be a little bit wider(1/4")
IF it doesn't matter which way u position the strap i would put this down to experience, but if it did it again i'de definately investigate making-up my own strap.
Maybe if your bored some day & want something to do make-up your own strap....that way if it breaks you'll only have one person to blame. :)
 
new strap. Old strap comparison pics

bike strap 005.jpg

new strap on bike.jpg

new stap on bikea.jpg

old new comparison.jpg
I made a new wider same thickness strap this morning before setting out on a 40 mile ride. New strap is stronger and is A OK. Attached pics show new strap on the bike and new strap next to old and old strap in two pieces:D
 
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This is the second post I've seen on that particular strap breaking and the engine going full throttle. GEBE should rethink this part of their design before it causes an accident. Also, another great example of why everybody should have an easily accessible kill switch. Toggle or rocker switches are better because you don't have to hold them down until the engine stops spinning.
Scary stuff...
 
kill switch

This is the second post I've seen on that particular strap breaking and the engine going full throttle. GEBE should rethink this part of their design before it causes an accident. Also, another great example of why everybody should have an easily accessible kill switch. Toggle or rocker switches are better because you don't have to hold them down until the engine stops spinning.
Scary stuff...

It could have been real scary if I were in the city with stop signs,red lights and traffic. Thank goodness I was on a rural road with minimal traffic. I think I will replace the stock GEBE kill switch with a toggle or rocker.
Thanks SirJakesus for the kill switch advice
 
the strap has 4 holes on the engine end and one on the bike frame end. The break is on the third hole from the end. Now after looking closer at the break I wonder if I should have cut off a section of the strap so just one hole is for the engine mount . Looking again if I did cutthe strap the engine would have to be pivoted forward and would cause problems with the swing arm and shock


Indeed the culprit are those extra holes that you don't need. That band metal you can get a any stocked hardware store. I'd go with that.

From your pics it seems that you ride hard and don't spare the horses.:) You can easily fabricate a double layered strap. But one strap without the extra holes might be just fine. And you might find that a longer suits your setup better.


Michael
 
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