S
skyl4rk
Guest
I am planning a future build whenever I get the cash. What I would like to do is to build a long distance high speed cruiser, possibly a low recumbent with a full fairing. I am hoping for 55mph continuous on the flats to keep up with traffic or at least the speed limits on the 2 lane roads. Of course slopes will slow the bike down. This is a transcontinental design concept, I am looking at Detroit to California. The motor will be about 50cc, probably 2 stroke but maybe 4. In any case it would have pedal power to get it up to walking speed before needing to engage the motor.
The question is, sort of as a starting point, what is the better final drive to the wheel, belt or chain drive? Which can handle the speed and is most reliable over long distances? Think lots of vibration, mud, water, grit, snow, ice, stress, altitude changes, slope climbing, temp differentials, ease of repair in the boonies, etc.
I have not decided whether it will be a centrifugal clutch /jackshaft or /torque converter or /gearbox driving the final, but either way, what are the advantages and disadvantages of belt vs chain for the final drive?
The question is, sort of as a starting point, what is the better final drive to the wheel, belt or chain drive? Which can handle the speed and is most reliable over long distances? Think lots of vibration, mud, water, grit, snow, ice, stress, altitude changes, slope climbing, temp differentials, ease of repair in the boonies, etc.
I have not decided whether it will be a centrifugal clutch /jackshaft or /torque converter or /gearbox driving the final, but either way, what are the advantages and disadvantages of belt vs chain for the final drive?