Bicycle - a vehicle that allows you to simultaneously reach the desired point, do your physical fitness and turn every trip into a walk. It does not need to be stuck in traffic or crowding in a full metro car, returning home from work. It is environmentally friendly. But at the same time, he also has a drawback: not all can overcome long distances. Still, physical fitness may not allow you to drive several kilometers without stopping. But the solution to the problem can always be found. In this case, you can make a motorbike with your own hands.
Features
Motorbikes are available at the store. But they are quite expensive, and the appearance is far from desired. And such a design weighs about 20 kg. This weight will greatly complicate the road if the engine fails and you have to pedal. Similar disadvantages can be avoided if you make a motor bike with your own hands.
This type of transport was widely popular among adolescents during the Soviet Union. But modern capabilities and tools allow you to significantly change a regular bike and create an original means of transportation. Experienced homeworkers on the question of how to make a motorbike with their own hands, will answer that it is very simple. Almost everyone can cope with such an activity.
Types of engines
Getting started, you need to decide which is better to choose a motor for a bicycle. They are of two types:
- Electric, which with the advent of compact but capacious batteries are becoming more popular.
- Traditional combustion engines.
To create home-made motorbikes, gasoline engines can be used from lawn mowers, chainsaws and other tools and assemblies.
Engine selection
Most often, an old chainsaw is taken as the basis for the manufacture of a motorbike with their own hands. Or rather, her engine. But here there are some limitations. Do not take engines from small and light saws. They have too little power. A motor is suitable for a bicycle, the power of which is above 2 liters. from. (or 1.5 kW). And the higher this value, the better. But even with the indicated value, the bike will be able to accelerate to 30-35 km / h.
When choosing an engine, you should also pay attention to the volume. In accordance with the Vienna Convention, this value should not exceed 50 “cubes”. Only in this case the rights and registration of the vehicle will not be needed. At the same time, the motorbike will fall into the category “outboard bikes”.
Another advantage of this engine is the lack of smell of gasoline. The motor practically does not smell, which allows you to store the bike at home. But there is a drawback. It consists in the characteristic sound of a working chainsaw. The sound of a running motor will accompany throughout the trip.
Connecting individual parts to the frame
To create a motorbike, you can use any bike: old, rusty, folding. A motorbike requires only a sturdy frame from the base. If one is not available, it can be made independently. To do this, you will need several pieces of a metal pipe.
The motor is attached to the frame at the junction of the lower and seatposts. This is the most optimal, but not the only option. Sometimes you can see the motor mounted on the trunk. The main thing is that the mount is reliable. During operation, vibration will be felt, due to which the motor may fall if it is poorly fixed. For mounting, it is recommended to use metal clamps. A motorbike kit may include special perforated mounts. But their use is not necessary.
In addition to the engine, the battery and fuel tank must be secured to the frame.
Connection details
Fastening all the parts individually to the bicycle frame is only half the job. Next, you need to connect all the elements into one system. Otherwise, a home-made motorbike will lose all its new features.
The first step is to connect the motor so that it transmits rotation to the wheels. A special mechanism must be provided for this. There are two options for these mechanisms: with pulleys or chains.
Belt drive provides for a pulley system. This is an easier option. One pulley fits over the motor shaft. The second is fixed to the rear wheel hub. A tension belt is put on between them. The disadvantage of this option is a shorter belt life (which stretches faster) in comparison with the chain. It should be noted that V-belts in terms of their characteristics (service life) are not inferior to chains.
In the case of a chain drive, rotation from the engine to the wheel enters through the chain. On one side, it is worn on the rear wheel sprocket. On the other hand, on the gear put on the motor shaft. Chain transmission is more durable than belt drive. But she requires regular care.
The battery is connected to the ignition of the motor and the brake handle. Next, you can install the exhaust pipe. You can do without it, but the exhaust fumes will spoil the trip.
Electric motor installation
Using a gasoline engine to create a do-it-yourself motorbike “kills” the idea of an environmentally friendly vehicle. Therefore, models with electric motors are increasingly found. The development of modern technology allows this to be done.
The principle of installation of the electric motor is similar to the fastening of gasoline engines. This will require, in fact, the motor itself, the battery, parts for control, and a controller.
Motor wheel
Another option that can be chosen when creating a do-it-yourself bike is installing a motor wheel. This option is suitable for those who are versed in electrics. Connecting a motor wheel requires certain knowledge, without which it will be difficult to assemble an electrical circuit.
The sale of the motor-wheel includes controllers, front and rear brake handles, the Pass system, and a charger.
The battery generates direct current. The controller converts direct current into alternating current, which, in turn, will drive the motor-wheel. When the wheels begin to rotate, the electric motor is activated. For this, the Pass system notes. There is a microswitch on the brake levers. It is necessary in order to disconnect the power supply from the motor to the wheels during braking.
The installation of the motor wheel is carried out in accordance with the following steps:
- The bike is turning the wheels up. The rear wheel is removed. In its place will be a motor wheel. It is mounted so that the outgoing wires are on the left (if you look in the direction of the bicycle). Due to this, the direction of rotation of the wheel is regulated. If you swap sides, then the wheel will "go" in the opposite direction.
- The controller and the battery are attached to the frame. The controller must be well insulated.
- Next, the remaining parts are installed and connected.
When assembling an electronic circuit, it is important to remember that the battery is connected via a fuse (20 A is sufficient). It will protect the system from fire in the event of a short circuit.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several ways to make a motorcycle with your own hands. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Installing a motor on a bicycle does not interfere with riding in the usual way (pedaling). To do this, just turn off the motor and clutch of the motorbike. This is very convenient when you want to slowly ride and do your physical fitness. The option of a bicycle equipped with an engine (regardless of its type) is a good option for people choosing an active lifestyle. It is both a vacation and a way of moving around the city (and not only).