riding the Titan XC50S across america

Thx Andy,
I have since built a second trailer that is lighter & more utilitarian.
Though I really like a 3 spd. hub on a motored bike, the GX35 was not
quite strong enough to suit me. Being old, fat, and 6'4" with a trailer,
I've gone to a Tanaka Pf4000,(actually 4210). Though it has only 5
more ccs than the GX35, it produces 70% more power. I've been thru
a lot of engines, and I will say categorically this would be my best choice
for long distance touring. It was first 2 stroke rated both EPA...& CARB
approved. They have a 2 yr commercial and 7 yr private use warranty.
They're pricy, but well worth it. THe GX35 is a great little engine; I love
mine for around town. It's a tabby cat; the Tanaka is a lynx. Here's some
pics of the current setup. The trailer doubles as a hand cart and, with
the tub removed it'll haul a kayak.
Oops! Didn't load the right 2nd pic, and can't seem to dump this'n. Anyway
you can compare the new rig,(top) to the old.
The new is friction instead of belt on a Raleigh technium mtn. bike. It
has better brakes, (the main consideration) and a wider range of gears.
 

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Grem,
I found my PF4000 on Ebay, new-in-box for $249 free shpg,...But I spent
more than a year looking. Staton has 'em on sale now for $349+ s&h. That's
probly as cheap as you'll find one, but search around. I thought I saw some
southern outfit that had 'em for $329.
One thing I forgot to mention earlier, if you plan a tour of more than 1000 mi.
on aluminum rims, you're almost certain to experience rim failure. All it takes
is one pothole hidden in what looks like a shallow puddle. I don't know from
carbon, can't afford it, but you might want to consider stainless rims.
12 gauge spokes aren't a bad idea either.
 
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Appreciated there rawly, I was just dreaming.I'm working a pf4000 as well, but spare engines are always coveted.Doubt I could do 1000 miles on a diamond frame, my wrists can't take it.I have two heavy gauge rims, but have never needed them, the stocker Araya is working great, but I go to great lengths to make sure of that (lattice work zip-ties that pull the drive side spokes, and gorilla gluing the sheave in place), not even a loose spoke and I have about 800 miles on that rim with GEBE.Be careful on your jaunt.
 
Grem,
Wanna hear something truly outrageous. Okay,the pf4000 is 2.2 hp, and mine
is pretty strong and fast. Consider a 65cc Tanaka at 4.3,(nearly double the power).
I had concerns that it didn't have a clutch, but have found out it does. Russo
Power Equipment has a 65cc Tanaka tbl 7800 leaf blower on sale for $429. Wish
I had the dough, no more pedaling the steep stuff. This thing would build one
scary-@$$ bike!!
 
If I were in your situation, I would use a pusher trailer with a honda or Suburu engine. Enlarge the trailer so it can carry fuel, camping equipment, food, spare clothes and spare tools.

This setup would require very little maintenance and should last the entire trip. Oil changes every 150 hours using a 15w40 HDEO should prolong engine life in hot weather. Very simple concept.

these are words of wisdom!
 
:antlers::Give my Regards to the 'Southern' Cheyenne, Sioux. WE got a nicer rez,
but no oil, just an outhouse of a casino. On second thought, not that
nice or I'd still live there.
Oh, and,Grem, I'm too old not to be careful. I don't have that many bones left
that I haven't broken. If I do have an accident, I hope it's a clean kill. The
last one was a real nuisance.

"What doesn't kill you may make you stronger, but it can be mighty annoying."
 
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Grem,
Wanna hear something truly outrageous. Okay,the pf4000 is 2.2 hp, and mine
is pretty strong and fast. Consider a 65cc Tanaka at 4.3,(nearly double the power).
I had concerns that it didn't have a clutch, but have found out it does. Russo
Power Equipment has a 65cc Tanaka tbl 7800 leaf blower on sale for $429. Wish
I had the dough, no more pedaling the steep stuff. This thing would build one
scary-@$$ bike!!

WoW!Get a 20 tooth gear, adjust the strap, and have a GEBE that will go highway speeds.Or we could dub it "the spoke breaker".
 
You'd need a metal sheave like the rim from 24" whl like
I'm running and 12 gauge spokes. That and a really good
HMO.
 
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