Which motored bike would you build to drive across the USA?
I would start out with a recumbent bike with a suspension, such as a Burley recumbent or similar. For a motor system, I would go with the Golden Eagle EHO35 35cc Robin/Subaru Mini-4, with a large gas tank. I would experiment with building a fairing out of coroplast, a plastic material that is constructed like cardboard but it is plastic. Fenders and mirrors are a must. To carry gear, probably I would use a trailer, if I could not find a good location on the recumbent for panniers. Many flashing lights on the back, bright yellow fairing color and a flag for visibility.
What would you run cross country?
For me, (one of these eons) I'd like to use the AMF Roadmaster my folks got me when I was 10.
It still hangs in their basement and it's still in good shape (probably needs tires at this point, though
)
It's setup as a tourer with the typical in-hub 3-speed Shimano unit that never gave me any trouble.
Siince it's a tourer, its already got ample fenders, headlight, a flag on a long whip and a comfy seat that even has tabs built into it so I can hang the big orange triangle off it!
...even got a speedo/odo.
I'd do an old-style tank (holds more fuel) with the feed line coming off a petcock so I could control flow (if needed).
For an engine, I'd do one of the Honda micro's. Preferably the little 26cc, or maybe the next size up (32?).
I'd prefer to do a belt drive, if I could find one.
Belts have already replaced chains in car engines and motorbikes due to their increased reliability (although some say otherwise) and decreased noise.
A couple of paniers, plus I've got a rack behind the seat, so another bag there and I should be set.
...and just to be
extra-special insane, no support.
Dean
