[toddshotrods]

This is going to be fun!

I don't know diddly about reverse trike layout and geometry, so I'll need to ask some possibly dumb questions here. First one:

Won't having the motor that far out in front of the axle center line create funny handling dynamics? I understand that weight is needed on the front wheels, but thought it was always better to keep mass inside the axles.

That being said, the component layout you have there offers the opportunity for really sexy bodywork. It's just begging for a few bumps and curves in the right places! A bomber seat would be awesome. You should make up a mock one with some scrap materials or poster board.

That motor is made for this Woody! I hope the 1000kg limit has created a home for it here.

[Woodsmith]

The general idea is to try and get 1/3 weight on each wheel so 2/3 1/3 weight distribution.
All that weight up front would need to be balanced by batteries down the sides putting load to the rear end.

Realistically, as much as I would like to go this route I do want to keep it light so I doubt I will use the 12". Even the 9" is a bit big and weighty by conventional light trike practice.

What I should do is get a couple of Agni motors and fit them at the front pivot of the swing arm.
What I would probably do is fit the 9" sideways to drive a chain, with or without jackshaft, to the rear wheel. I am watching a few chain drive rear assemblies to see if they go for much though I could make my own with a chain drive wheel.

[toddshotrods]

Oh well, a guy can dream anyway. Hope you don't mind, but I couldn't resist the temptation to share what I see when I look at your pics! Unfortunately the quality of my chicken scratching is worse than usual. As much as I love my graphics pad it's been really bothering my hand, wrist, and arm to use it and I don't want to end up with carpal tunnel. I keep experimenting with revised positioning but it throws off my hand-to-eye-to-screen coordination. I feel like I'm drunk trying to draw.

[Woodsmith]

I like that! Thanks!


I can sorta imagine the front end looking a bit like



I will look at plywood forms and cycle wings at the front end as another option.

[toddshotrods]

Originally Posted by Woodsmith

I like that! Thanks!...

Yup.

Originally Posted by Woodsmith

...I can sorta imagine the front end looking a bit like

Exactly! That's actually very close to what I saw - okay, maybe a bit less dramatic. The basic lines and curves, with the motor poking through like that though.

[Jimdear2]

Originally Posted by Woodsmith

I can sorta imagine the front end looking a bit like



I will look at plywood forms and cycle wings at the front end as another option.

Woody,

I always liked the look of those Morgan 3 wheelers with that big honking JAP V twin on the front. Very unique.

Here you have a chance to build a three wheeler Woodsmith with a big honking electric motor on the front. WOW what a statement, forget sanity and practicallity, anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

Jim

[toddshotrods]

Originally Posted by Jimdear2

...forget sanity and practicallity, anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

Jim

Words I have lived by for decades. No wonder the three of us have so much fun around here! Not sure we should be allowed to hang around each other though. We might be bad influences on the "normal" folks who are just trying to get from point A-to-B.

[Woodsmith]

Originally Posted by toddshotrods

Words I have lived by for decades. No wonder the three of us have so much fun around here! Not sure we should be allowed to hang around each other though. We might be bad influences on the "normal" folks who are just trying to get from point A-to-B.

You mean folks who take a perfectly good family car and shove an electric motor in it and a load of lead or lithium are "Normal"?
Well I never!



I need to check on the build and registration regs as well as the battery cost of running over 400kg but it is ever so tempting to go a little mad with that 12" and Tbox.

[toddshotrods]

Originally Posted by Woodsmith

You mean folks who take a perfectly good family car and shove an electric motor in it and a load of lead or lithium are "Normal"?
Well I never!...

They're on the other side of the river from my perspective.

Originally Posted by Woodsmith

...but it is ever so tempting to go a little mad with that 12" and Tbox.

If there's anything I can to do convince - er, I mean help - you, just let me know!

[Woodsmith]

Lol Todd!

I have been thinking of the dash board.


This sort of thing would be good with the retro volt and amp meters.
I am considering the possibility of making a wooden version of the engine turned dash panel using small oyster veneers.

I have been measuring the various component possibilities (read 12" motor and transfer box!) to see how things would actually sit. I'd be nervous of too much dead weight and torque with a very light chassis. I might even look at a wood monocoque again.