What one-off bike should I build to sell?

[recumpence]

Gerard,

I am open to that. I can MIG weld steel (I used to be a welder by trade, but only MIGing steel). So, I could easily do all the mounting work here. The only issue I have with that is making sure everything clears everything else. So, I would need and essentially complete bike here to mount the drive to. I also am not really setup for complete bike shipping and Hal is.

But, again, I am open to it. His work is just as good as mine, just focussed on the frame.

Matt

 

[recumpence]

You know, I've actually been considering getting in touch with you about doing a dual-RC-motor setup on my Schwinn Spoiler...........

I've been planning on putting an Ezee front hub motor on it, but I think an RC motor setup would look much better - and have a lot more torque for going up some of these hills I have around here in Ankara.....

Yes! Now picture that bike with a twin motored E-drive that looks alot like a V-Twin Harley engine!

What I was thinking is mounting the two ESCs looking like twin carbs coming out the side. I would not make engine replica covers, though. I want to make sure this is not a covered drive unit that looks like an engine. However, I want to take al the normal operating components and arrange them in a layout that resembles a V-Twin. So, it will be obvious that you are looking at an E-drive, but your mind automatically drifts toward the asthetic similarities between what you are seeing and the engine that would normally be seen there.

Am I making any sense?

Matt

 

[voicecoils]

I understand the idea behind v-twin asthetic for the chopper, it would look the part.

But... I think the efforts would be better spent on a platform that's more exciting to ride (stretched out choppers don't do it for me):

* ultra lightweight high end road bike build (a throttle on drop handlebars would be an interesting exercise)
* full suspension DH bike

For either of the above, the bikes could be ridden for their original purpose except faster and more effortlessly. For the latter, bombing down DH runs then blasting back up to the top under motor power would make for some wide eyed on-lookers.

 

[Link]

#1 I could build a full suspension mountain bike.

 

[Anonymous]

.

 

[michaelplogue]

You know, I've actually been considering getting in touch with you about doing a dual-RC-motor setup on my Schwinn Spoiler...........

I've been planning on putting an Ezee front hub motor on it, but I think an RC motor setup would look much better - and have a lot more torque for going up some of these hills I have around here in Ankara.....

Yes! Now picture that bike with a twin motored E-drive that looks alot like a V-Twin Harley engine!

What I was thinking is mounting the two ESCs looking like twin carbs coming out the side. I would not make engine replica covers, though. I want to make sure this is not a covered drive unit that looks like an engine. However, I want to take al the normal operating components and arrange them in a layout that resembles a V-Twin. So, it will be obvious that you are looking at an E-drive, but your mind automatically drifts toward the asthetic similarities between what you are seeing and the engine that would normally be seen there.

Am I making any sense?

Matt

Hey, I'm game if you are.....

.

 

[deecanio]

hehehehehehe,

Matt threw down some matches here with this thread
Even though the choppers arent my thing either, i do apreciate the style of them though sooooooo i wonder if your going to do one, why do one thats already been done?and well (the electric stileto?here on es for example).
i'd go for something like that terminator chopper Y posted somewhere, now thats a cool ride 8)
post it again Y, you know the one i mean, non converted but a fat terminator bike, huh?
where is that damn pic?, here somewhere?

Cheers,

D

 

[recumpence]

You know, I've actually been considering getting in touch with you about doing a dual-RC-motor setup on my Schwinn Spoiler...........

I've been planning on putting an Ezee front hub motor on it, but I think an RC motor setup would look much better - and have a lot more torque for going up some of these hills I have around here in Ankara.....

Yes! Now picture that bike with a twin motored E-drive that looks alot like a V-Twin Harley engine!

What I was thinking is mounting the two ESCs looking like twin carbs coming out the side. I would not make engine replica covers, though. I want to make sure this is not a covered drive unit that looks like an engine. However, I want to take al the normal operating components and arrange them in a layout that resembles a V-Twin. So, it will be obvious that you are looking at an E-drive, but your mind automatically drifts toward the asthetic similarities between what you are seeing and the engine that would normally be seen there.

Am I making any sense?

Matt

Hey, I'm game if you are.....

.

I can build you a V-Twin drive for that bike. It will take some time, but I can do it.

Hmm, maybe that is something to do before a whole bike. Maybe there is a market in V-Twin RC drives?

Matt

 

[northernmike]

Matt, if you're going to focus on a component, why not go all out?

I mean a frame, with integrated battery, motor, and drive mounts.

You have an understanding of lightweight EV dynamics that only your practical experience could afford.

That is your advantage!

You can take this game to the next level.

Offer something with balance, panache... the magical "minimalistic" combination of components and measurements so briefly mentioned!

Please don't pander to the last generation's fond nostalgia of V-twins!! There's really no need..

 

[JS Tyro]

This thread has got me thinking - Steampunk! Look at some of the slightly eccentric bikes/trikes (esp. trikes) from the Victorian era (e.g. Archibald Sharpe's book) and go for it. If the "steam" parts are lightweight and only nominally functional (spin and toot, dry ice&water for "steam" etc) there wouldn't be an excessive weight penalty. You could sell it at Burning Man!

 

[MitchJi]

Hi Matt,

Maybe you should build what you want but make 2 or 3 then sell one or two to fund one that you keep. Building 2 or 3 will take a lot less than 2x or 3x the time of building 1.

If you had done that with your Recumbent you had an offer of $5k without even trying to sell it.

If you had built 2 or 3 PK's you could probably get good prices for one or two and keep one.

The beauty of this is, even a wildly exotic E-bike is relatively inexpensive in comparison to pretty much any other self propelled vehicle.

Matt

Maybe you are thinking too low:
The pi base price is $5,500:
http://pimobility.com/what/what.html

That might sound really high but the Optibike base prices range from $4,995.00 to (Cringe) $12,995.00 .
http://www.optibike.com/New-Comparison-Chart.html

Matt, if you're going to focus on a component, why not go all out?

I mean a frame, with integrated battery, motor, and drive mounts.

Existing frame choices are pretty limited. Depending on price and design producing frames could be a winner.

 

[gogo]

I'd go for a V drive upgrade instead of these 12V friction motors.

 

[recumpence]

OK, I have a comission to build a wild bike! Now we are rolling!

The bike will use one of Hal9000's E-bike specific suspsension mountain bike frames that houses the battery cells.

I have already been working with this customer for a drive. But, it looks like a drive order will become a complete build. So, I will start a build thread on this bike as equipment arrives.

Very good times comin!

Matt

 

[www.recumbents.com]

Hey Matt,

If I thought that it would be at all practical I'd say do a full blown recumbent lowracer. Because that's not so practical, I'd say something like a super lightweight sport bike would be cool. Low and long, full suspension, motorcycle seat and bars, battery pod "tank" to lean forward onto, pegs to rest your feet on. Yeah, pedals too, but as an afterthought. Your bikes aren't meant to be pedaled. I don't know what you'd use as a starting point, maybe a Y frame MTB with a chopped seat. It would certainly be unique! The cops may object...

-Warren.

 

[Joepostal]

Here I touched up the image

I wonder if you could work out having one motor to a pulley on the right and the other motor to a pulley on the left both connected to each end of a jackshaft. Then the freewheel connected to one side of the jackshaft. That would have one nice big pulley on each side underneath each motor and they would mirror each other. It could be belt reduction for the single reduction, very quiet. With the remaining room make black diamond plate or carbon fiber box somewhat like where the transmission is on a normal motorcycle. A common jackshaft could combine them in the bottom corner for the final drive that you could pedal through. Not enough detail in the pic (edit minor changes to pic)

 

[michaelplogue]

OK, I have a comission to build a wild bike! Now we are rolling!

The bike will use one of Hal9000's E-bike specific suspsension mountain bike frames that houses the battery cells.

Rats!

Well, when you get the time I would like to commision you for a dualie for my spoiler........


.

 

[recumpence]

OK, I have a comission to build a wild bike! Now we are rolling!

The bike will use one of Hal9000's E-bike specific suspsension mountain bike frames that houses the battery cells.

Rats!

Well, when you get the time I would like to commision you for a dualie for my spoiler........


.

That is doable. Right now, I have a number of drives to finish up for customers. I just got $600 of pullies, sprockets, chain, belts, etc last night. So, I can finalize those drives. One customer has a HUGE amount of stuff ordered (two dual stage drives with motors, throttles, batteries, etc). That order is next after John Holmes drives and one crazy polished drive with a Terminator. Oh, also Astro is shipping me six 3210s today.

I am OK with doing a V-Twin drive for you while I build that bike because there will be time between various parts shipments when I am not doing anything at the shop. So, I can still do it for you.

We can talk via PM if you would like.

Matt

Oh, also, I like the touched up image of the bike. Nice! 8)

 

[deecanio]

good news Matt

commissioned build eh? nice, i also like hals frame design so it will be interesting to watch it grow.
i guess i'll have to wait for luke or your private build to see what rc can really do offroad
Best of luck with the commissioned bike - would't that be a cool full time job? EV builder 8)


Cheers,

D

 

[Anonymous]

.

 

[michaelplogue]

We can talk via PM if you would like.

Can do! I'll see if I can come up with some detailed drawings and/or 3d file of the bike - to help with mounting brackets, etc.

 

[liveforphysics]

Upon sight of a chopper, and sight of a sputtering V-twin, I'm immediately met with a need to look away.
This is to avoid the inevitable look of disgust on my face from hurting the feelings of the rider.



The thoughts that immediately jump to mind when I see V-twin engines and/or choppers:

Feebly weak vibrating unresponsive engines.

Frame geometry so poor it effectively destroys the machines ability to perform basic motorcycle functions.

More power in noise than bhp.

Leather and chrome vibrating awkwardly uncomfortable couch (and the people who are into vibrating and leather stuff...)

Inability to turn, brake, (and sometimes accelerate) to even meet minimal requirements for highway safety.

Numb hands.

The memories of my feelings of disgust gained from my experiences with riding two different choppers.



Now, if you really think these types of characteristics match well with the creations you build, go for making a chopper. Otherwise, why not something that makes sense and has purpose?

Racer recumbent (love the idea)
Super light road racing bike with electric assist (love the idea)
Radical full suspension off-road electric powered light weight dirtbike alternative (love the idea)

My $0.02

 

[MitchJi]

Hi Matt,

OK, I have a commission to build a wild bike! Now we are rolling!

The bike will use one of Hal9000's E-bike specific suspension mountain bike frames that houses the battery cells.

Very good times comin!

Matt

Good news! Congratulations!

Maybe you should solicit orders for Mounts/Drives for that Frame since you will be doing one anyway.

i guess i'll have to wait for luke or your private build to see what rc can really do offroad

Why? Anything wrong?

 

[northernmike]

IF I had $7 grand to send Matt, here would be my design criteria. This is for a city-use bike

- Moped tires and wheels.
- Generous fenders
- Weather resistance for moderate rain, temperatures -10 to +40
- 20Ah of Lithium, low to the ground
- Adjustable front suspension (rigid rear)
- On board charger interfacing with standard wall receptacles
- Cycle analyst built-in, without looking like an afterthought
- Killer brakes
- Transmission with selectable ratios for flat ground, hill climbing, cargo towing, etc.
- Drive parts enclosed for safety
- LED lights front and rear
- Cargo space for a day's food and light rainwear
- Reasonable security for locking up outside shops

 

[recumpence]

Well, we are rolling.

It looks like the bike will be 6 inch travel Urban Assault style. It will be a city bike with good suspension, Hydraulic disc brakes, Astro (single motor) drive with a 3 speed rear hub.

It is all looking good so far.

This project has a reasonable budget and should perform VERY well. Oh, it will be all Matt black (gotta love that color).

I will use some of my PK learning for this bike. The ultra wide Nimbus unicycle rims will be used with wide street unicycle tires as on the PK, but in 24 inch guise.

So, picture a single motored, full suspension, 24 inch version of the PK with equipment inside the frame. That is kind of what this will look like.

Well, I am off to source some forks and brakes.

Matt

 

[deecanio]

Hi Mitch,

no, nothing wrong
i only meant that i would see serious power on an offroader, i'm "only" at 4kw, i meant a 10kw+ dh'er - just to see what really can be done top end of bicycles, im not interested as much once we're talking dirtbike (no pedals) just top end mtbs.
Mine is finally coming up for test anyday ;p

Matt,

sounds awesome, cannot wait to se this take shape, btw who is commissioning?


D