Hi Everyone,
Just a few quick comments concerning the prototype and new products.
My prototype model now has 784 miles logged and not a single mechanical problem. Yesterday I needed tuneup parts for my van and rode the prototype to the parts store approx 15 miles away. The journey included a route that required riding over a 6 mile bridge that has a very steep incline in the center to allow boats to pass underneath. When I ride a stock [or near stock] Whizzer on the bridge it is always necessary to pedal the last 1/4 of the way on the incline. On my modifed Whizzers I can make the journey without pedal assist, but I must accelerate prior to the beginning of the incline to do so.
However the new prototype didn't require any help from me, nor did I get a running start prior to the incline. I was "cruising" at 27 MPH, geared for top end, and the bike simply climbed the hill and didn't lose 1 MPH during the initial voyage. On the return trip I had to face a major head wind and the same incline, and my thoughts were centered around when would I need to help it make the trip by using the pedals. I was traveling about the same speed [27 MPH], and the bike did lose 2 MPH about half way up the hill, but it just settled in at 25 MPH and easily crested the incline. I must admit I was puzzled that a 49 CC OHV motor could supply such power, and at first I thought the trip to the auto parts store was aided by a "tail wind" because I encountered a "head wind" on the return trip, but the motor still made the trip both ways without any additional aid. I also thought when the prototype slowed by a couple MPH on the return trip it would continue to slow, but it didn't. Last week I changed the ratios [took about 10 min.] to have the prototype run out of power on the top end to slow the overall top speed down somewhat, but it only increased the top end, and made it more stressful to leave the stop sign [still easy to take off]. Because I only weight about 170 lbs, and ride mostly on long country roads, I wanted the motor to turn less RPMs at "cruising" speed, and I was sure the motor wouldn't be able to deliver enough power to exceed the earlier top end with the changed ratios. I was wrong! I am currently using a 14.56 X 1 ratio changed from the earlier 17.56 X 1. Where is all this power comming from? The only change I made to the motor was the exhaust system. I will admit the SP drive system doesn't absorb anywhere near the power of the currently available systems, but it is still difficult to believe the amount of power delivered to the ground.
On another subject, the special mushroom lifters for the Whizzer motor are finished and will begin shipping in approx. a week, most are sold, but we will have about 25 sets in stock. 25 sets won't last long, so I suggest a quick response if anyone needs them [if you have a NE motor from 2005 to mid 2007, you need them]. We also received the special Hi fin PERFORMANCE heads for the NE motors, all but one are sold. The heads were custom made in the USA from my patterns, and will drop the opertating tempature by at least 100 degrees, and add major power.
Have fun,