Drive ring question

[shawnshank]

What is the difference between the GEBE drive ring and the whizzer drive ring (other than the obvious: one being plastic and the other being metal).

I use the velocity rim on my GEBE kit which has 105 gauge spokes. Does the whizzer rim have larger gauge spokes? I assume it would need thicker spokes for the extra power of the whizzer. If not, why have two different drive rings? Also, are they both the same diameter and both notched for the belt?

 

[Zev0]

To the best of my knowledge and these figures are not exact, but I think the GEBE ring is 17 inches in diameter and the whizzer is 15. But don't hold me to that.

 

[augidog]

shawn', the whizzer "sheave" is a standard v-belt pulley, is metal, and is anchored to the spokes with screws and keepers...the Golden Eagle "drive-ring" is more like a large gear to match the toothed belt, is made of a nylon composite, & snaps onto the spokes.

so, they aren't "interchangeable" as relates to drive-train, but...

about wheels: either component can be used with a variety of wheels and spokes, ie the sheave would fit the gebe-velocity wheel, the drive-ring would install on a whizzer wheel. a brand-name wheel isn't a requirement, they both do well on a basic 12G freewheel or coaster-brake wheel, which is always a good MB'ing minimum-standard to shoot for, no matter what your drive-line style...imo.

 

[shawnshank]

I spoke to a very nice guy at Whizzer and here is what he said.

The spokes on the whizzer are 12g there are nine clips on the sheave (drive ring) which attach to the spokes and the sheave fits on standard 36 spoke wheels.
The sheave is 15" in diameter.

I was just curious whether or not the metal sheave could be used with the GEBE kit and if so, why they don't use it inplace of the plastic ring with no clips.
I know the engine gear would need to be replaced with a fly wheel of some sort but I don't know if the belt length is the same of not.

 

[Member 5549]

I think the

GEBE ring is super strong if thats what your worried about , mine has not had any issues at all with 700+ miles so far, The wheel has been another issue, But now I have the 105G wheel and I think my wheel problems are over.
The gebe ring is so strong that i just cant see one breaking even with major abuse. also it wont rust.

 

[AndyT]

I agree. The GEBE drive ring is very well engineered, and is very tough. For that matter, the whole kit is well designed. IMO there would be no reason to consider a metal drive ring. That would keep you from using the nice toothed Kevlar belt. A "V" would just suck power.

 

[shawnshank]

I agree. The GEBE drive ring is very well engineered, and is very tough. For that matter, the whole kit is well designed. IMO there would be no reason to consider a metal drive ring. That would keep you from using the nice toothed Kevlar belt. A "V" would just suck power.

I thought since the whizzer engine is capable of 60+ mph that the metal ring would be stronger. The only reason I am curious about this is because I am searching for a more powerful engine to use with my gebe drive ring setup and I want to make sure it can handle the extra power. I want a frame mount engine that will get me in the 45 mph range. That is as fast as I want to go.
Any ideas?

SS

 

[cpuaid]

has anyone successfully removed a GEBE ring and re-installed on another wheel? if so, what would be the best method for removal. i'm afraid of trying just in case i crack the ring or make the little spoke openings wider. Also, the re-installed ring might not be as well secured as during the original installation, after all, it's only made of ABS composite.

 

[AndyT]

shawnshank,

I think your GEBE setup can work for you as is. From my experience and from watching what others have tried, you need to be careful with your engine choice. The made in China Chung Yang 46cc or GP460 engine is too powerful and "peaky", doesn't have a smooth power band, and often poor reliability. I have one and it blew an engine seal on the first ride. Thr jerky power delivery causes belt issues and is hard on bike components as well. The clutches also engage at a crazy high RPM. I have a Goped Riot (sit down mini bike) that I have mounted a slightly modified Zenoah G43L engine on. It pulls well down low in the revs, has a great clutch, and is very smooth. I have the Riot geared for about 32 mph and it will climb any hill in my area with bogging. It could easily handle higher gearing. The G43L will hit about 12,000 rpm, and is built like a tank. Redmax used them in garden equipment, so you are looking at Tanaka-like reliability.

The G43L engine I have is from a Goped GSR40 TSI scooter. The cylinder for this model was mildly ported by Trevor Simpson. I added a fully adjustable carb, and otherwise it's stock. Since it hits 12,000 rpm, where my Tanaka 32 does about 7500 rpm, without a gearing change my speed would increase from 30mph to 45mph. I used a gear calculator and it says at 12,000 rpm it should be doing 48mph.

A stock G43L engine (no porting) should be a bit more powerful than a Tanaka 32 or Subaru 35 off the line and the extra revs would take you to the speed you want. The stock engine is rated at 2hp, but that's a conservative rating. These engines are easily modified, parts are available and you can get pipes and other HP stuff. These engines are not available new, so you have to pick one up off ebay, or off a Goped forum, which is where I got mine a few months ago. I paid $150 for the complete motor (in excellent shape), and purchased a new carb for $40 to get it running. These engine don't come with a gas tank. so you need to mount a Goped 1.5L (50 oz) tank to your lower mount strap below the engine. It's easy to do; I have done this and use it to carry more fuel for my Tanaka.

 

[shawnshank]

I have the tanaka 40 cc engine and it runs like a charm...I love it. I have been clocked at 34mph and I have yet to install my performace pack on it which is supposed to add an additional 5 mph to the top end.
However, the way the bike was built, the weight tends to shift toward the rear tire so with me on the bike and the engine on the rear, the front tire easily comes off the ground. I haven't had a problem with loss of traction on front tire as of yet but I'm afraid it's only a matter of time (especially once the weight and power from the power pack in added into the mix).
If I could frame mount this setup, I'd be all set. Any suggestions?

shawnshank,

I think your GEBE setup can work for you as is. From my experience and from watching what others have tried, you need to be careful with your engine choice. The made in China Chung Yang 46cc or GP460 engine is too powerful and "peaky", doesn't have a smooth power band, and often poor reliability. I have one and it blew an engine seal on the first ride. Thr jerky power delivery causes belt issues and is hard on bike components as well. The clutches also engage at a crazy high RPM. I have a Goped Riot (sit down mini bike) that I have mounted a slightly modified Zenoah G43L engine on. It pulls well down low in the revs, has a great clutch, and is very smooth. I have the Riot geared for about 32 mph and it will climb any hill in my area with bogging. It could easily handle higher gearing. The G43L will hit about 12,000 rpm, and is built like a tank. Redmax used them in garden equipment, so you are looking at Tanaka-like reliability.

The G43L engine I have is from a Goped GSR40 TSI scooter. The cylinder for this model was mildly ported by Trevor Simpson. I added a fully adjustable carb, and otherwise it's stock. Since it hits 12,000 rpm, where my Tanaka 32 does about 7500 rpm, without a gearing change my speed would increase from 30mph to 45mph. I used a gear calculator and it says at 12,000 rpm it should be doing 48mph.

A stock G43L engine (no porting) should be a bit more powerful than a Tanaka 32 or Subaru 35 off the line and the extra revs would take you to the speed you want. The stock engine is rated at 2hp, but that's a conservative rating. These engines are easily modified, parts are available and you can get pipes and other HP stuff. These engines are not available new, so you have to pick one up off ebay, or off a Goped forum, which is where I got mine a few months ago. I paid $150 for the complete motor (in excellent shape), and purchased a new carb for $40 to get it running. These engine don't come with a gas tank. so you need to mount a Goped 1.5L (50 oz) tank to your lower mount strap below the engine. It's easy to do; I have done this and use it to carry more fuel for my Tanaka.