"RatRace"

Preliminary pics of my latest build "RatRace". Rear wheel will be strong spoked w/ Sturmey Archer 8spd disc mount hub and Sturmey cranks for 8 spd hub. I'll be purchasing an engine drive sprocket from Andy @ king's. I'll run KMC Kool Chain both sides no tensioner. I'm going w/ the dual pull Brake lever. All w/ a nice vintage "patina"!

 

[KeepOnKeepnOn]

Nice healthy looking motor mounts, I wouldn't have welded mine if it came with something like that. Those skinny tires will fly but I'd be scared to hit a pot hole with them at speed (and with 8 speeds it ought to hit some high speeds). Will that be 8 speeds hooked up to the engine or just pedal power? It has an old school racing feel, light as can be but just barely strong enough to hold together. I like any imaginative ideas so good job on the tank placement, is the idea to to get a lower center of gravity? Looks like fun for the courageous.

 

[bikebum1975]

Looks like a very fast ride indeed. Inventive way to mount the gas tank I like it just works.
That bike I imagine would be killer with a SBP shift kit. But very sweet looking ride.
One question though how exactly did you mount the tank?
Jim

 

[FireBellyCycles]

It's going to be 8 pedaled speeds and one very tall engine gear. I will be using heavy duty spokes on front and rear and I keep thinkin' some track rims or maybe ?.

It Is built for speed. I'm starting out w/ an ets of 47.5mph @ 7000 rpm. Pedaling the 8 speed hub is going to get the rider going fast enough to smoothly engage the clutch and allow the rider to help the motor get up to speed after that. Truly pedal assist!
It will not be ridden at speed on public roads.

The tank is mounted via the aluminum frame clamp in front and an aluminum channel underneath.

Thanks for the comments!

 

[echotraveler]

great looking silver bike! i like it, makes me scared....are you planning on riding them tires with low presure to get a better grip?

 

[FireBellyCycles]

I'll definately play around w/ tire pressures as I do w/ any bike. But this is a fair weather/road bike. I won't be ridin' in the rain.

 

[unraw]

nice motor mounts!

 

[wheelbender6]

The tank mount rocks. Should lower the center of gravity.

 

[FireBellyCycles]

Thanks! I'm into this bike; it should be up 'n' runnin' this weekend!

 

[FireBellyCycles]

New photos! It's Alive!

Gotta get another gas cap 'cause this one leaks, but stuff works.

I love the 8 spd hub you can shift to any gear at any time. As you have probably noticed the shifter is aside the throttle so as to necessitate the removal of hand from throttle. The motor is not driving the gears but I think I'll be gentle to it and shift it like a motorcycle.

The chain tensioner works (it's a 15 min rough proto). I'm gonna make another out of thicker plate and mill a groove for tensioning. The rubber covered steal bands hold tight to the frame.

I've built bikes w/ this brake lever but this is my 1st bike w/ one. They're Really Nice!

I ended up making my own sprocket mounts and bored out the middle of the kit sprocket to clear the disc mount and straighten the chainline.