KMX tadpole trike with canopy, Windwrap, cromotor, 10KW

adam333

1 kW
Joined
Mar 16, 2011
Messages
319
Location
La Pocatiere
Here is the result after 10 month of on and off work:

Edit: ABS Front fenders glossy finish 2.5mm thick I've made for my trike ( 16 x 3.0 with 160mm Disc brake rotor )
More pics here : KMX tadpole trike with canopy, Windwrap, cromotor, 10KW
Fenders%202mm%20thk%20glossy%2016x3x160mm_3.jpg


Old config:
canopy1503_1024x768.jpg


I recently made a front suspension for any adult KMX Trikes:
Here is a 2 min video of the suspension in action:
Details can be found at https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=78893

With the increased width from the suspension, it is now possible to install 4" fat tire:
fat-tire-E-trimed_800x523.jpg


Edit: LED Flagpole rev 3


E-KMX tadpole trike canopy
Without Windwrap:
canopy1488_1024x768.jpg

Rear view:
canopy1487_576x768.jpg

To get on the bike, you simply release the 2 front clips. The canopy's rod are made out of Fiberglass and always return to their "straight" shape. This is also what allow the fabric to stay stretched. I tested up to 60km/h and there is no flapping noise or deformation.
canopy1495_1024x768.jpg


2 min Video:

This is not my design though, I was inspired by Ed miller to create this canopy: recumbent trike canopy – Tadpole Rider
trike-hood.jpg


See bellow for pictures of each components.

There is still improvement to be done, like suspension and front mudguards...

Bike: KMX typhoon
Motor: Cromotor V2 with a temperature sensor from Methods
Rear wheel: Mopped 16" alu rim with a motocross studded tire laced by JRH.
Controller: Lyen 10kW 24 FET modified by Zombiess.
Battery: 18s4p Lipo ( 75V, 32 Ah )
CA: Cycle analyst V3
Front tire: 16 x 3.0 e-bike tire, they fit on the standard 16 inches KMX rim.
Rear tire: SR714 Scooter Tire 90/80-16 TL, this one was mounted on a 2.15x16 36 hole aluminum rim


I also want to make a low center of gravity battery box. It will be as much waterproof as possible.

Here is a few pictures of the ongoing design:

The battery box will be made out of 12ga alu 5052-H32. It will be as low as possible and the weight will be distributed.
The chain path is changed and the pedal crank arm will be reduced from 170 to 95mm.
KMX%201_1024x717.jpg


Here with the top panels, made out of 1/16" alu.
KMX%202_1024x721.jpg


This one show how it look on top of the point cloud of the KMX Typhoon: ( shown with 170mm crank arm )
KMX%203_1024x600.jpg


More to come.
 
Last edited:
Great project :wink:

Some advices:

Try to avoid area on the frame that act like pocket that retain snow or water... including your battery box. the snow that splash from the tires really goes everywhere!.

Also during winter your lipo battery will have their internal resistance increasing if you dont have heat insulation aroud them. To solve this you have 3 choices:

-driving low power ( less voltage sag and les torture on the battery at low temp.
-using the best nanotech lipo that already have a very low IR so at cold temp they will still hol dthe voltage
-using some LifePO4 cells that are less sensitive to low temp.

One more advice: with the snow that make the ground with various level of snow, you will ahve snow hitting the square tuve of the frame that hold the front wheels. i suggest to install sme nylon plastic deflector to let your trike to slide on these snow accumulations or bump otherwise the T frame will brake when hitting these snow bump.. well it depend on the wheel size on the front you have... in my case it was 16" wheels.. or ski =)

Doc
 
Bonjour Doc :D

Thanks for the advices. I already experienced the poor performence of the battery at low temperature on my A-line and I will likely go with the "low power" suggestion since I already bought the Lipo zippy flightmax 6s 8Ah long time ago.

One more advice: with the snow that make the ground with various level of snow, you will ahve snow hitting the square tuve of the frame that hold the front wheels. i suggest to install sme nylon plastic deflector to let your trike to slide on these snow accumulations or bump otherwise the T frame will brake when hitting these snow bump.. well it depend on the wheel size on the front you have... in my case it was 16" wheels.. or ski =)

yep, I should have shown the bottom view also. The bottom will be waterproof and should act as a big ski. The crazy carpet idea is realy good.

KMX_bottom_1_1024x518.jpg


btw, where did you bought the front fenders? and do you remember the price?

Oh, and the blue leds, they come from hobby king? did you had any issue with cops about those?

Do you actualy have the posibility to go reverse with your controller?

En passant, tu est une grande source d'inspiration pour beaucoup de personne au quebec, keep up the good work :D
 
after a lot of work, here is some pic to show the current progression....

Since i am not going to invest a 1000$ on a Schlumpf High speed drive for this bike, the pedal are only there for the "legal" aspect. Therefore, I shortened the length from 170mm down to 95mm long.
2013-07-01%2000.58.50_1024x768.jpg


I had to move the small gear near the chair to make some battery space. I replaced the original gear with a newly machined one.
2013-07-06%2016.52.19_1024x768.jpg


5000 lumen led light bought from Ebay. I made a delrin adaptor for both.
2013-07-23%2017.39.14_1024x768.jpg


Strong CA adaptor for the trike
2013-07-26%2011.51.35_1024x768.jpg

2013-07-26%2011.51.06_1024x768.jpg


Adaptor made from Delrin to hold the chain tubes
2013-07-28%2022.49.19_1024x768.jpg


7075-T6 alu bracket for the battery box
2013-07-31%2011.37.34_1024x768.jpg


Switch, ignition and temperature panel made from delrin
2013-07-31%2016.08.53_1024x768.jpg


I got the 16" rim laced with a Cromotor v2 from JRH, 10/11ga spokes
2013-08-12%2020.23.27_1024x768.jpg


I am working a LED flag pole to increase visibility. 3 white row at the front and 3 red row at the rear. ( not finished yet, more pic later )
2013-08-18%2021.46.15_1024x768.jpg

2013-08-18%2022.33.55_1024x768.jpg

2013-08-18%2022.36.27_1024x768.jpg


The wire clearance on cromotor is a real issue when you want the brake to be functional as well. I had to buy and modify an ATV 6" rotor brake to solve the problem.
the rotor thickness is 2 mm thicker compare to a bike disck brake. I got rid of the adaptor that came with the cromotor.
2013-08-20%2021.43.47_1024x768.jpg

2013-08-23%2019.49.19_1024x768.jpg


I made a 2mm thick adaptor for the calipper from alu.
2013-08-21%2021.47.51_1024x768.jpg

2013-08-21%2021.59.47_1024x768.jpg


The 6 speed freewheel is replaced by a 17T single gear freewheel, derailleur is also discarded.
2013-08-27%2021.04.53_1024x768.jpg


I cutted the KMX dropout in order to fit a custom designed set made out of 7075-T7 aluminum.
2013-09-03%2021.11.15_1024x768.jpg

alu_dropout_1024x768.jpg

alu_dropout_instaled1_1024x768.jpg



brake adaptor, 7075-T6 aluminum
2013-09-15%2022.06.58_1024x768.jpg


A few pic of the assembled rear wheel with the brake:
2013-09-17%2016.36.12_1024x768.jpg

2013-09-17%2016.36.59_1024x768.jpg

2013-09-17%2016.38.26_1024x768.jpg

2013-09-17%2016.39.23_1024x768.jpg


I got the custom battery box made from 5052-H32 aluminum. Powder coat black paint.
2013-09-16%2016.52.16_1024x768.jpg


a few pic of the current status, more to come...
2013-09-17%2022.26.07_1024x768.jpg

2013-09-17%2022.26.30_1024x768.jpg

2013-09-17%2022.26.44_1024x768.jpg
 
Very amazing. I LOVE the replacement dropouts, I'm definitely jealous. Are you going to seal them to the frame with some kind of paint, rubber dip, or braze? I imagine if you're doing very wet riding that some water might make it's way inside the frame. Wouldn't want it to rust from the inside out!

Gorgeous work. I wish I had the tools you do.
 
As soon as 20" single-sided loopwheels come out, well, that'll handle my suspension needs =)Not sure what I'd do for the rear though.
 
impressive build indeed! this is the beauty of having workshop and skills..

few years back Matt was doing wonders with Typhoon, now you have taken over! Dropouts are really great! i have made Doc's steel dropout welded + using dropouts on both side but the nuts are still getting loose.

the tire looks really good - what brand is that please?
 
Thanks for the good words guys =)

parajared said:
That thing is looking amazing so far. Are you going to do the motorcycle torque dampener mod to keep things stable at high speeds?

The dampener will most likely be installed. I want to see how it feel at high speed before taking a decision.


Very amazing. I LOVE the replacement dropouts, I'm definitely jealous. Are you going to seal them to the frame with some kind of paint, rubber dip, or braze? I imagine if you're doing very wet riding that some water might make it's way inside the frame. Wouldn't want it to rust from the inside out!

Good point, I will use a line of black silicone all around to seal the interface between the frame and the dropout. I also painted the inside of the frame, it had already some traces of rust and its brand new....


As soon as 20" single-sided loopwheels come out, well, that'll handle my suspension needs =)Not sure what I'd do for the rear though.

Nice find... I will have to try those.

the tire looks really good - what brand is that please?

The MX tire: K760 90/100-16 ( 46$ ): http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/kenda-k760-trakmaster-ii-rear-tire.html
The alu rim: 2.15, 16, 36 holes, ( 65$ ): http://www.mikesxs.net/product/34-2016.html
 
Excellent work!! :wink:

if you use it during winter and REALLY want to enjoy the full power of your battery without the effect of battery cooling with low temp, i suhhest to but some electric blanket or warmer pad to put under the battery. then power them with the same battery. the effect of heating them to maintain them above 20 celsius will make them to preserve great internal low resistance and you wil get all the Ah of your pack. More Ah than the consumed Ah by the heater. A great batteri insulation is aso important!

During winter the front narrow rims will not make any effect, but during the summer you will hate them... when that will happen just order two new OEM rims from KMX and glue them to teh actual rims to make one doublewide rim per side. This improove ALOT the handling when cornering!!!

Doc
 
Thanks Doc =)
i suhhest to but some electric blanket or warmer pad to put under the battery

This is a realy good point. I would have bought the Aerogel spaceloft insulator if 5 mm thickness was available easily: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Aspen-Aeroge...203?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1c1d6e13

Now I will have to use heat reflective air bubble insulator, which is far from the above performences: http://www.mcmaster.com/#thermal-insulation-sheets/=ol9von

As for the heating blanket, I could use a heating wire that we put on roof to get rid of snow during the winter.

order two new OEM rims from KMX and glue them to teh actual rims to make one doublewide rim per side

Interesting... I was thinking about buying the 43mm wide 16 inch rims from recumpence. Did you kept the same tire?
 
looking good, The winter in Winnipeg is insane tho, build an ebike for the conditions here will be a hell of an achievement
 
adam333 said:
Interesting... I was thinking about buying the 43mm wide 16 inch rims from recumpence. Did you kept the same tire?

I believen that his rim are 16" rim for 20" tire.. The typhoon is using 12" rim and 16" tires..

I dont suggest moving to 20" tire on front if you want to not flip over all the time!


Doublecheck with him if these are 16" rim dia or rim made for 16" tire.
Doc
 
On recumbents.com I recall a thread about using some other brand of fenders on a KMX... they were wider, with solid black supports + everything. You might be able to find some suitable alternatives to stock mud guards. I'm still debating them for mine, I figure spray won't hit me unless I'm turning hard anyway. I would want them for a dedicated snow trike though. :)
 
adam333 said:
Doublecheck with him if these are 16" rim dia or rim made for 16" tire.
Doc

He is out of stock, but they were 16"

Doc, do you have any picture of your "double rim"? and what about the mudguard?

Here is the thread about that project.http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=44918&p=654510&hilit=epoxy+rim+kmx#p654510

I am very proud of the result of that upgrade!

It not just improove alot the handling and cornering but also it give an emergency solution in case if one of the front wheel tire become flat. sicne there is dual tube inside ( one left and one right on each wheel, if one of the tube is flat the other can easyli compensate and it already happened and i was still able to ride the trike with only one tuve inflated on that wheel.

The wheel is REALLY strong and dont think that this wheel could break apart, the epoxy is stronger than the aluminum of these rims!!

the goal is that the tire instead of having a baloon shape like the big Apples, shal have a half moon shape wich increase the handling.the tire want to stay aligned to teh rim while lateral force happen when cornering.

I recommadn that upgrade to anyone with that own a KMX!

Doc
 
Here is the thread about that project.http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=44918&p=654510&hilit=epoxy+rim+kmx#p654510

I am very proud of the result of that upgrade!

It not just improove alot the handling and cornering but also it give an emergency solution in case if one of the front wheel tire become flat. sicne there is dual tube inside ( one left and one right on each wheel, if one of the tube is flat the other can easyli compensate and it already happened and i was still able to ride the trike with only one tuve inflated on that wheel.

The wheel is REALLY strong and dont think that this wheel could break apart, the epoxy is stronger than the aluminum of these rims!!

the goal is that the tire instead of having a baloon shape like the big Apples, shal have a half moon shape wich increase the handling.the tire want to stay aligned to teh rim while lateral force happen when cornering.

I recommadn that upgrade to anyone with that own a KMX!

Doc

ok, you convinced me :wink:

If you can, could you post a pic of the KMX with those tire please?

Thanks
 
very nice work
the tire looks really badass. with that modded 24FET you must have very good acceleration offside from the streets. for winter and ice i think tires with spikes may have better tracion, but i dont now how the winter is like in you area and where you going to ride it :)
 
Ypedal said:
wow... nice work !

I love the dropouts...... something you can run thru a CNC program ?.. or you mill those by hand ?... not sure i even want to know how much it would cost.. but damn.... envy..

thanks Ypedal :D

I made those on my small CNC at home, but the dropouts are roughly 3 time bigger than the regular capacity of the machine. ( that was a 8 hours nightmare per piece )

I got some interest from members about those dropout and I have requested a quote. We will know soon how much they really worth.
 
madin88 said:
very nice work
the tire looks really badass. with that modded 24FET you must have very good acceleration offside from the streets. for winter and ice i think tires with spikes may have better tracion, but i dont now how the winter is like in you area and where you going to ride it :)

thanks Madin88 :D

I have yet to try the controler or even the bike with power. I expect a decent acceleration though :wink:

But yes, I plan to give it a few try as is then do like Doctorbass and purchase those spikes from Ebay.
 
I got a quote for the dropout set:

A set include 5 pieces, ( 2 dropout, 2 adpator for the seat and 1 adaptor for a 6" break ) All made from 7075-T651 with Light bead blast finish

1 set: 1883$ ea + shipping
3 set: 1300$ ea + shipping
5 set: 1222$ ea + shipping

This is like buying another brand new KMX...

Edit:

I can now make a rear dropout set (black anodized) for 595 us$

see: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74881
 
A few more pics...

More machined pieces:
DSCF1352_1024x768.jpg


Alu plate to hold the batery box.
DSCF1354_1024x768.jpg


Cable adaptor.
DSCF1369_1024x768.jpg


Assembled chain wheel.
DSCF1363_1024x768.jpg


Fit check underneath the seat.
DSCF1365_1024x768.jpg


Top panels fit check.
DSCF1362_1024x768.jpg


Rear chain fit check.
DSCF1367_1024x768.jpg


Front chain fit check.
DSCF1368_1024x768.jpg


Inside the box, we now see the 1/4" temperature isolation foam for the battery, all the cabling remain to be done :(
DSCF1370_1024x768.jpg


here the fuse holder and the 5 pin connector for the charging.
DSCF1371_1024x768.jpg


Here the key switch, Led switches, CA, and the 2x 5000 lumen front lights.
DSCF1372_1024x768.jpg


Inspired by Doctorbass, some blue led underneath the bike :wink:
DSCF1373_1024x768.jpg

DSCF1374_1024x768.jpg


Next part is the cabling... this will take a while...
 
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