been a long time since i wrote the last post. have had a lot of moments that cud be penned but been lazy and lost the spark.
one of the things i have been totally immersed in, the last few months, is the design of a trike. it started off as a normal wide track with a chain driven differential using the final drive from the ubiqutous bajaj auto rickshaw. vinod commented on it, why not try designing a trike that leans. looking up on net, found a few that lean, but are reverse trikes. i.e. 2 front wheels and a single driven wheel at the back. notable is the brudelli leanster. (
http://www.gizmag.com/the-brudelli-leanster-remarkable-car-bike-fusion/10089/ )
trodding along, have finally got to a point where i can build my own version.
1. designed for the pulsar 180 i own. would have loved to use the FZ16 from yamaha, but spending money on a new bike for a prototype doesnt sound too prudent.
2. keep the entire bike stock, except remove the swing arm, rear wheel and shocks.
3. fabricate a new subframe bolted to the swing arm pivot. on that goes my 2 single sided swingarms, differential, mono shock and hydraulic cylinders that control the lean.
4. machine the axles, chain driven differential, hubs, sprocket flanges, and add wheels, brakes, etc.
also realised that by making a trike that leans, i am able to keep the track really tight to about 18" so it will not be wider than the width of the handlebars anywhere. sounds perfect for offroading where only a foot trail is available. and with the torque of P180, if indeed i am able to make a reliable machine, it would be a beauty.
made a 3d view of it, not too realistic but explains the concept. hydraulics to lean not added in this graphic.
now am ready to start the build, but thats the part that needs a lil more time and running around trying to find a guy willing to do something non commercial.
lately am trying to figure out the concept for a wheel chair that can climb kerbs and steps, will write about it in the next blog. hopefully, soon.
