Dax 1.5" friction kit - Tanaka 40cc - DH bike

Rawly,
I enjoyed my v-belt drivetrain for a few years but now am very happy with the friction.
I guess its the simplicity.
I dont ride it much in wet conditions & know this is the weak point of friction drive. I do tighten down the roller when I get stuck in a rain storm & it helps alot, but again, I dont plan to ride if the forecast shows rain likely.
I think the best friction setup would be a true freewheeling friction drive (or a way to lift the roller by cable actuated brake lever).
The one way bearings in my Dax kit dont freewheel at all when there is pressure applied between roller & tire.
I do go thru clutches on my Tanakas rather fast due to engine braking...fortunately clutches are relatively inexpensive (~$10 for generic 76mm, just need to file down the tabs a bit before installing)
-Lowracer-
 
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Low,
All I've got here is wet conditions 8 or 9 months a year, but that doesn't
bother me with this roller so long as there's not a lot of oil or pine needle
litter on the road. The pf4000 is going on one bike and my gx35 will be on
the other. I plan to tour with a trailer on one bike. So far my $15 huffy has
proven to be the most hassle free, but the technium bike has way better
brakes.
I want to do the Olympic Discovery Trail (soto voco)) so to speak. This
entails a lotta climbing and steep descents. I guess I'll have to try it on
both bikes and see which wins.
You make a point about the clutch; explain what you mean about filing
the tabs. ??
 
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On the generic chinese clutch shoes avail on eBay for $10, they dont close small enough to prevent dragging on the drum.
There is a small bit of aluminum shaped like a semicircle where each shoe closes onto the opposite shoe (see near bolt holes). By filing away the semicircle, the shoes can close a little further preventing any drag. I did 67 miles today on 'The Beast' (47r powered). I got 95 mpg's which is great compared to cars & motorcycles but low compared to my 40cc or 32cc Tanakas. I also got my huge fairing yesterday in the mail & assembled the brackets today. I'll have to switch back to my 25.4" handlebars to better fit the brackets. The 31.8" bars I have on there now are too fat for the brackets.
-lowracer-
 

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Okay Low,
I see what you mean; I've got a couple of those sitting around
I have used yet. Good tip, I'll prep 'em now so as to be ready
should I need 'em.
Think I'm gonna put the Tanaka on the belt-dive Huffy first and
beef up the brakes. It's just been totally reliable and it's the
rainy season now anyway. We'll see how it goes. I've seen your
pic. You're a lot lighter than me. I'm 6'4" and built like a defensive
tackle. At my age most guys lose muscle, but since I carry much of
my weight on my walkin sticks my arms are 20 1/2" 'round the biceps
with 16" forearms, friction drive doesn't serve as well as a belt
 
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Update:
I sold the Banshee Scream DH MTB w/Tanaka 40cc engine to a friend of mine.
I'm down to 1 MB & 2 DIY Gas Stand-up Scooters.
-Low-
 
Thanks rawly.
I think I'm gonna lay low for awhile, maybe sell the 2 stand-up scooters and build one awesome stand-up scooter.
Maybe build a DIY shift kit bike.
I'm ok keeping it legal under 49cc.
I had a 97cc Lifan on The Beast (see my avatar pic) & it was all that & more for a bicycle.
-Lowracer-
 
Say Low,
how'd that 43 mitsu work out for you? I see the guy's got another,new,
for $247 shipped. sounds like a good deal for some1.
 

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