Future V-8 build questions.
I'm planning on building a V-8 trike, but I have a few questions. I'd like to stay with a rigid frame with a suspended seat, keep is short, (preferably with no driveshaft, just trans. to axle) I've considered using suspension but I'm not sure how to go about it, and not get negative body roll. ( trike leaning left/outside, or a right hand turn.) If usig suspension, I've consisdered both solid rear axle with springs, and Independant rear suspensions.
Also, I'm not sure of a good front end to use, I'm trying not to break the bank, but don't want to hit a pothole and wind up pole vaulte into a guardrail either. Are Goldwing or Silverwing front ends stong enough, or am I going to have to buy a custom front? Can I go with a wider front wheel, or will it completely change the handling and steering of the trike?
Sorry I'm so long winded, just trying to get a decent start.
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
The only experience I've had with V8's on motorcycles was a Boss Hog.
I would think a big issue would be torque ... it was on the Boss Hog, I met a guy in Sturgis in 07 (my neighbor at a campground). He was riding a Boss Hog. 502 Ford V8, he asked me if I'd like to take a ride .... Duh ... Even after he warned me profusely about the torquing to the right when the engine starts, I almost dumped it just starting it. The torquing the whole bike to the right when the engine rev'd didn't get much better while riding it. I would think the frame would take a beating on a trike ... but I'm no engineer.
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
The trike will probably break something with a rigid rear end with no drive shaft. My v8 has leaf springs and a Harley front end with helper springs. Got it into the shop today to have a rollbar made and place a correct rake on the front. I find the Harley front with the springs is too much for my trike. It keeps blowing out the fork seals so plan is to remove the springs and see how it seats. I would like to put a leading link front on it. I made my own for the vw trike I have but would like to make one up for the v8. I'll have a better idea after the rake is addressed. By the way the ride with the leaf springs isn't too bad on the open road but on city streets it can be a bit jarring.
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
I've seen a few online that looked like they were no drive shaft, however, I'd probably be ok with a short drive shaft. my plan is to run airplane gears in it to dial back the torque, at least till I can get more accustomed to the ride. I'm definitely not opposed to running leaf springs or coils in the rear for a smoother ride, just not sure about the body roll, or if there would be any body roll at all. would a springer front be best for that amount of front end weight?
By the way guys, I realize I probably sound like a meandering goof, but I'm learning. I've seen the bikes built, cant afford a Boss Hoss, but want my own interesting trike. So to those of you who are willing to teach, and be patient with me, my sincerest thank you!
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
In my opinion an air bag suspension would be best in combination with good shocks to control the body lean. I also like the idea of a short frame but consider the rear axle as a fulcrum, the longer the front end is from that axle the less weight that will be on the front wheel. So keep on planning your build and continue to ask questions.
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Re: Future V-8 build questions.
Here is a pic of the one I built a couple of years ago I started with an sub-frame assy out of an 97 Mark VIII Independent susp set up I'm using the front end off a 83 1100 wing with the heaviest springs Racetech had and with 40PSI in the front shocks it rides well. It does had a little body roll however it does ride 100% better than I ever expected. My biggest problem is when you get above 20-30 MPH the steering get pretty stiff which I guess is really a good thing.
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Re: Future V-8 build questions.
I don't know if I want to be that far away from the forks, I'm willing to spend a little to do this if I need to. I'm hoping for something like these.
Also, if I go with a wide front tire, how much will my handling be affected?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]26000[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]26001[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]26002[/ATTACH]
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
[QUOTE=Mo Lee;281589]Here is a pic of the one I built a couple of years ago I started with an sub-frame assy out of an 97 Mark VIII Independent susp set up I'm using the front end off a 83 1100 wing with the heaviest springs Racetech had and with 40PSI in the front shocks it rides well. It does had a little body roll however it does ride 100% better than I ever expected. My biggest problem is when you get above 20-30 MPH the steering get pretty stiff which I guess is really a good thing.[/QUOTE]
Ya gotta love Hooters:pepper:
Re: Future V-8 build questions.
Do you mean that you changed the springs in the front forks? I guess that never really crossed my mind that it was a possibility. If I do that though, will the metal (meaning all other metal, not just the springs,) and the seals hold up to the weight? I live in South East Ohio and we have some pretty major pot holes, and the occasional wheelie, so I just want to make sure the thing wont snap under pressure of a hard jarring.