Comments on: Modular Motorcycles – The Way Forward?

By: BillyB

BillyB — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:41:41 +0000

As Gordo pointed out, this is already happening in the custom bike market, based on Harley-Davidson designs. 90% (give or take) of all “custom” bikes built are based on the exact same architecture: the Harley FL-series from the 1950’s. Even when these rigid frames got replaced with swing arms in the 60’s the motor and tranny mounted exactly the same. When the Softail was introduced in the 80’s, it too used the same layout. And most custom bikes are based on that. When a builder says he raised the trans 2-inches or stretched the downtubes by 10, or the backbone by 6, it’s all based off of standard FL architecture. Harley’s newer Twin Cams and all the rubbermount bikes have a different layout, but that’s a whole other topic. You can even get a “standard” style S&S bottom end for a Twin Cam top end so you can fit it in a “standard” custom frame.

Basically in the american custom market, most everything is based on that standard with the exception of frames based on Harley’s other layouts. So effectively, you’ve got what you’re talking about right now. The only problem is a non-unit-construction, air-cooled pushrod-equipped dinosaur motor is only good for so much. It would be cool if you could get a compact, motor-trans unit in single or twin configuration that would fit a number of uses from street to dirt to utility.

By: B.Case

B.Case — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:55:41 +0000

Well Dave, your comment was too good to pass up. Besides, I do tend to frequent the ‘Slider if you haven’t noticed.

That sounds like a good little motor. But it also sounds like a lot of work, and right now I’ve got my hands full. If CAD is all you need, then I’d say there’s plenty of help out there. Having a design that works is the tricky part. Best of luck!

-brian

By: coho

coho — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:13:56 +0000

Dave,
That is a spectacular idea. Maybe even better than the Renovatio Sport-Tourer (which I don’t think is ever coming).
I would gladly help with the urban-combat reliability/longevity testing…I’m in Seattle, though, is it waterproof?

Real question: Will the different configurations be user-interchangeable (if one had already purchased the various components)?

By: dave

dave — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:39:21 +0000

Ah, Brian… I was hoping you’d pop in..
I could use a man like you for 3D CAD work, to shop this project around.. (much easier to send files, than a real bike)
The motor is from a previous project with Bienville. It’s a 400cc triple air-cooled engine designed by Ian Drysdale. It’s been finalized, and as far as I know, is going through the EPA/CARB process as we speak. There is room for other powerplants built into the design, so that’s always an option for later. Let me know if you’d be interested…

By: B.Case

B.Case — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:24:45 +0000

Sounds like a great idea Dave. I think there will be a market for this kind of stuff. Same engine in all 5 config’s? What are you using?

-brian