Comments on: Monocoque Motorcycle Chassis Possibilities

By: Reg

Reg — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:47:37 +0000

Does anybody know about my 1972 Suzuki 750cc reverse trike? It is tube framed and monocoque body in the cent. I will send photos! Thanks

By: Marko

Marko — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:03:06 +0000

Cost seems to be a huge issue for general customers. The Ev-0-rr electric motorcycle is a beautiful bike but with my 1990 GS500 I can take it all apart tweak tinker and play for hours. Usually very very cheaply. The electric moto brings a complete nother level of complexity. But it would be fun to learn.

By: Grant Connor

Grant Connor — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:38 +0000

Carbon Fiber is the current state of the art for composite monocoque structures but aluminum sheet or honeycomb panels have been used successfully. The design of electric vehicles brings new challenges and opportunities. Electric motors do not require the same amount of maintenance as a gas engine. Most components such as battery packs, capacitors, and controllers can readily be housed in structural members. An electric motor is quite happy with some cooling air and adequate torque restraints. While FIM aerodynamic restrictions apply to racebikes, street bikes are free to employ more efficient fairings. Street bikes need to provide better crash protection. Race tracks don’t have trees, cars, wild animals or bridge abuttments in close proximity to the riders. Protection may come as foam filled plastic fairing sections coupled with touring bars or box sections. Restraint systems may include air bags on the bike or in clothing. Some of the protective gear uses aluminum honeycomb panels. The whole bike should be considered as a system and the monocoque as part with multiple functions. Modern cars use crush zones with geometry and material strength calculated to direct and convert forces to crumple metal. Composite materials are oriented to do the same thing and yes you will need to do your homework.

By: rafe03

rafe03 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:58:08 +0000

Hey JC!
This bike has been relisted on ebay – Did not reach reserve!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300296449954&viewitem=

Your big chance to make a bid!

rafe03

By: JC

JC — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:51:43 +0000

I have to admit, that GSXR is exactly what I was talking about, and seeing the top bid makes me wish I had seen it earlier!

Lots of good history in this thread as well!