David Arthur's blog

Perspex canopy enclosure

David Arthur — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:12:20 +0000

AS header i have now made several full size canopies for my own FF and reverse trike, and now have a couple of spare these are approx 1600 x 600 wide and produced from 6mm sheet, and are available at £1275 each.

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Honda CBR 1000 bits

David Arthur — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 17:28:04 +0000

As header i won't be putting the bike back together again, so ive a few bit's i wont be needing, i also have a fuel tank, but will hang on to that for the moment, but very likely it will be available as well, and ive still got all the Pan bodywork bits as well, all available for free, just take away. Dave

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3rd run

David Arthur — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:01:12 +0000

Slow progress but i feel a step in the right direction,( note in vid link below, my o/side landing gear wheel comes up on the bend ) which means i am now making a semi controlled bank on the bend, which enables me to turn faster and safer. The seat and controls had been set up very crudely, during this and earlier runs, but now i can at least steer the vehicle, i need more feedback for my next run, as i was not confident enough to go any faster as it was, but i have now made some adjustments, and hope this, plus a further long list of jobs and reworking before my next outing, should bring further rewards. Dave https://youtube.com/video/gIeK4oXWw1Y/edit

Talking Heads

David Arthur — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:58:48 +0000

As per the title, sadly this is my second video, i set my phone camera remotely up on a stool pointing at the 20ft wide gates for my 1st outing, warts and all, and off i went, but the drive was so bad i actually missed the gates. Second outing, as shown, and this was after making several adjustments, was also diabolical, but the vehicle is at least now in one piece, and i can now start to sort out the landing gear properly, i started with the easiest and quickest itineration first, and will work my way through several more ideas, until i have a workable system, and now i have a runner i can go through my ideas a lot quicker, as its just one system change, bit by bit, and not a full vehicle. Also the basic vehicle is now set, so i can now spend a bit of time on the bodywork, so overall i am quite pleased with progress, and despite the blog entry title, just hope i am not on a road to nowhere. Sorry but for reasons beyond my paygrade, i can't seem to upload the video, but will eventually post, warts and all. Dave

Clear out

David Arthur — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 09:08:00 +0000

I advertised my mates Pan European on here recently to no avail, so i have now cannibalized it for bits, as it would seem a shaft drive at a later date would be a good option, plus a higher tyre load rating which is vital for my type of project, also the front end has anti dive, and slightly bigger discs. The motor is now sat here, and is available for just £100 with 2 full looms, and ECU's, their is also a lot of plastic on a Pan, and its available for free, just take the lot. I also have Robs/Royce's back end off his FF and it came with the Volvo seat and frame, and i would hope somebody ? building a new Voyager, could make use of it, as they are getting thin on the ground, and being stood 20 years, it may also be in a bit better shape than your own, or just as a spare either way, available for free. I also previously offered on here a Sach 125 rear end with log book, minus motor, but note the headstock is a separate item but also available, for possibly a lightweight electric FF for free if any takers, or just use the rear swing arm and wheel etc, as sadly i realize i wont have time to do all i wish, so its just taking up space. Finally Robs/Bobs Kwack came with quite a few spares, and if you need a part i may have spare its available for free, and although Rob is still considering using some of the fibre glass bodywork if he does not use it, that will also become available for free.

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Honda Eco

David Arthur — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:45:38 +0000

After Robs offer of Bob’s ex Kwack FF and finishing the first part of his Triumph project, and it out the door, I was keen to make a start on the Kawasaki, I had hoped to initially keep the tank, and air box, but even after removing both, and keeping the extended swing arm in place, I still don’t fit in the gap, by extending the frame pivot point, a further 8” South and then fitting the standard swingarm back, I would fit, but realistically, the bike should then need to go through SVA, and all it’s attendant extra time and hoops.
I was still committed to go, but last week, I eventually got the opportunity to sit in Collin’s new ECO, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, Colin, my best 70th birthday present, but what I also realized, is if I don’t prioritize, I will just have loads of half backed, half finished, jobs just clogging up the shop, and as those who know me, my hope has always been to make an Eco, and the image below is the start.
I know I wish to produce an electric version, but I have no issues at all with IC engines, and the fact my Zero is sat in a container waiting to be dismembered, I am alarmed at the number of SR’S that are requiring new battery packs under warranty, and I don’t think I will get much support asking them to remove a pack from my Eco, even though it has done zero miles.
As it is, at approx. 11ft long, and as a single seater, it’s a few inches lower than an Eco, but it will be a few inches wider, ( so I can get my feet in ) as I don’t fit inside at all, I always assumed they were a bit on the big side, but they are even more beautiful in the flesh, than any picture I have seen, and when I eventually get round to making the electric version, I would hope with good housekeeping, and the space made available from ditching the Honda CBR 1000F engine, I will be able to accommodate a passenger in the space left behind, and because I hope to eventually produce an electric version, I am keeping back Rob’s/Royce’s front end for that version, and will stick the standard forks or similar at the front.
No point dodging SVA though, but if you design it as a PSV police ambulance services, type vehicle, something Royce confirmed was of interest to both services, you can get past go, and collect £200, very tempting, but I will now go straight down the SVA route, and post any roadblocks or issues I may have for our members.
I know a lot of you will say a CBR back end is not the best or lightest donor, but it is available, and at least now I can make a start, and if all I can produce is scrap, I will save a considerable amount of money by not cutting up the Zero, anybody interested in a zero mile Zero. Dave

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Kawasaki FF

David Arthur — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 20:33:53 +0000

Hi I don’t know if acquiring the Kwack is a serendipitous event, or just another detour and delay, but as picture shows, I don’t exactly fit Rob’s / Bobs Kawasaki FF, as it is, and despite their assurances, and the many adjustments available on the bike, plus my own enthusiasm with the hacksaw, it will as it is, still be another compromise and lash up for me. I vehemently agued with Rob against using the Triumph as the basis for an FF, if nothing else at 700lb plus, it is a lot to drag round when maneuvering, or even stationary, but the Lady was not for turning, and although other vehicles have been heavier, I think it is far from ideal, but the man knows what he want's and you can't argue with that, but from my own perspective, i assured Rob the Kawasaki would make a much better donor, and judging by the time it has taken to just tweak Rob’s Triumph, getting the Kwack to anything near to what I want, will take a considerable amount of time, so I have decided, if I am going to do it, I hope now to do it properly, and by that, I mean I will follow Royce’s, version of an FF, chapter and verse, ( other than maybe a slightly higher seat, or adjustable ) as I agree with Royce 100% with 90% of his ideas regards FF, plus if it does go wrong, I will then simply blame it all on him, he has broad shoulders, ime only the apprentice. With a lovely package from Kawasaki, and 50HP on tap, not available when Royce started, I would hope it will also be more thermally efficient than a Reliant motor, and it is considerably lighter and smaller, so in many aspects of the design should be an immediate improvement on Royce’s Voyager, and if Royce and others got 93mpg at 70 mph, I will aim for 100mpg at 70mph, sounds good, and should wake a few people up. The only downside is it will not be able to accommodate an electric drive at a later date, so it does delay me starting on my Eco, but if I fail to get any interest with this project, there is no point carrying on, and ive saved £15k not having to destroy my Zero. Its early days, and I will not be sure I can do as I wish until I get further down the road, and stripped her back to the bones, after which I can then decide, and if suitable, I will post, I hope, regular updates, so in the event, it works as planned, somebody else may be encouraged to copy along similar lines, and unlike my electric version I assume can be completed for under £1000, which I hope is within a lot of peoples budget.

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FF update

David Arthur — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:41:12 +0000

Not exactly an FF gathering, but as picture shows, ive just acquired Robs Bananaskins FF next to the soon to be completed Rocket 3 of Robs, and leaning on the side of my reverse trike in the distance, is Royce's chassis and complete front end he built for Rob, for his Norton rotary, and which i soon hope to have the front end surgically removed, and grafted onto the back end of my own electric FF. The thing that strikes me most, despite our dedicated few FF propogandists flying the FF flag, and disregarding all but one of the supposedly, and actual many advantages an FF design can offer, how a few relatively subtle changes to a design, ie sitting in, rather than on a motorcycle, can at a single stroke almost double the MPG of the vehicle, and it not be a main stream design, and a perfect example is Bobs home grown 500GPz 72mpg at 70mph, is mighty impressive, and without casting criticism on the design, a day in a wind tunnel by any the mainstream manufacturers would probably add 20 more, and the commuter vehicle would be topping 200mpg, just take a look at Allert Jacob's efforts. Anyway ime exited to get a road FF and will have something to possibly test some of my stuff before it goes onto the electric FF.

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Pan European

David Arthur — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 19:58:45 +0000

Ive just been offered the above by a friend who is moving workshops, not got much info yet but will update, may be of use to somebody out there.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1235126227352590/

Rob/Royce Norton rotary FF

David Arthur — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:49:06 +0000

Happy New Year everybody, well it is for me. After an epic drive from Rob, from the South of France, i met up with him and Royce on Bristol services, as he handed over his now abandoned and dismembered front end off his FF project, whilst the back stayed firmly in the van, to be delivered elsewhere. I now have a head start, and no excuses, and the best front end available, and Royce's support, so it's now just a simple matter of sticking a back end on, ( electric of course ) and i am on my way. I hope to eventually build a monotraceresque vehicle, but this will be a feet down version, but still incorporating the outriggers, to establish the validity of such a system, whilst still being able to use ones legs in the event of failure mode, so as light as possible? but still possibly 650lb plus. Current motor is a Motenergy 1616 AC motor 67bhp ( peak ) and Sevcon controller, Battery's to be decided, as the 12v Jag i pace modules are to big a package for this project, and i will probably use VW 24V or 48v modules, making up a small, circa 12.5Kw pack. I also have a Zero SR, which i will ultimately use as my donor, but am reluctant to dismember her totally as yet, until i have proven the design, but am incorporating aspects into the design as i go along, to make the eventual transition easier. The back end is currently Hayabusa, and will be chain drive. Yours Dave

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Canopy success

David Arthur — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:28:31 +0000

Hi Just a few pics to show my eventual success, or at least I am now on solid ground, and though no expert, I can now hopefully reproduce further examples without to much trauma, as required. I would also like to apologize in advance, to Dave Lochead regards the 3 wheel reverse, trike photo, but I am seriously hoping to go into production, and despite my earlier offer on this site, to produce an FF vehicle at virtual cost, had no takers. So in this regard, using the same electric drive train, as my Monotraceresque type vehicle, this alternative, may elevate my status as a manufacturer, to one qtr of 1% of the buying public, and I will at least then have a very slim chance of producing something that people will want, or i can at least sell, as despite my own preferences, in reality only a very few individuals care to risk life and limb, and the 3rd wheel may just tip the scales, and with just the CBR 1000 motor fitted it was a lot of fun, and the Hayabusa motor that followed, was also seriously risking life and limb. Using the same drive train will help in manufacturing and production volumes and I just hope, if people can see a practical alternative, as well as ecologically vitally important vehicle, actually being available, I will regard this as a success, and I will be happy. Also Dave if you ever happen to bump into your Kiwi friend Roger Dunkley, could you give him a big hug from me, he and particularly Royce, Peter, and others, as well as all who have gone before on this site have been so inspirational, but because of Roger, and his detailed adventure, I also had the help, and information, and idea that forming my own canopy was no big deal, ignorance is bliss, so maybe also kick him in the balls.

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Perspex canopy salvage

David Arthur — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 20:38:56 +0000

As the photos show, I have been making a pigs ear of producing the canopies for my Monotraceresque type vehicle, and i am only now, confident of any success, and although i have somebody who may want a few, i am also offering the rest to site members for free, hoping they can be of use to somebody for their own projects, if nothing else the 6mm sheet is £120 a pop, and it may just fit the bill for somebody's own project. My own take, is cut down to a motorcycle windscreen size, the small curvature of a couple of the failures may be just the ticket, especially for our FF esque silhouette type vehicles, and although the styrene in the fibreglass resin affects the perspex, you could probably get a few moulds off them before they were destroyed, and get the start of a smooth front nose for an LSR vehicle, or a big remote control R.O.V. or submarine, to a car roof box, or Andy may be able to adapt one for his current diminutive top box, into a sleep over pod. I have put a lot of time and effort and money into this part, and if i only wanted the one canopy, I would have paid the £2500 required to do so, but because i want to eventually produce more, i had to go down this route if it is going to be viable, and whilst it has been very challenging for me, its not really difficult once you have gone through the costly learning curve, of building 2 ovens and making good all your earlier mistakes, and costly scrap. So whilst i have everything set up i am also prepared to make further copies on the chance any are required by others, at £800 each plus the vat, before i dismember the oven. Ime ordering another 3 sheets for myself next week, so decide quickly, just don't ask afterwards. If anybody is interested in making their own oven, i am also happy to fire pictures off etc, and all the bits i got wrong, making it far easier a path to follow. The canopies as formed from 6mm sheet, and are approx 1600 x 600 and i am hoping a min of 400mm high, will keep you posted.

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2 Yasa 400 motors and 2 gen 4 size 10 Sevcon controllers

David Arthur — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:57:25 +0000

As legend these motors were removed from an abandoned project, and we have been told, they have been set up and run on a dyno, unfortunately we have been unable to glean any further information from either Yasa or Sevcon regards these units, and although we have been able to communicate with the controller, are unable to make any adjustments, despite my engineer having vast amounts of experience, on the low voltage Sevcons, without further firmware, he is unable, to go further, and as nothing has been forthcoming from Sevcon, I have decided to sell, preferably in one lot at £7000 plus vat. Originally purchased to fit in my Monotraceresque type vehicle, and my reverse trike, they are ideal for a performance vehicle, with approx. 160KW on tap from a 50lb lump, they are virtually unbeatable performance wise, but as ive found out, also difficult to live and communicate with, or at least the setting up is, before you can get them in bed, just plain Divas, to rich for my blood. Because of the above difficulties, I have now decided to go a different route with my drive train, so I also have several more new Yasa motors available as well at just £3500 plus vat each. Also happy to part exchange any of the above, including any complete, low voltage Netgain systems, or on any other EV stuff, including incomplete, or damaged EV’s Leaf or similar vehicles or parts, but especially any Zero SR motors and controller or parts, or a complete damaged bike. Based in the North West UK available to view most days. Contact via site or tel 07964049808, but prefer text as a bit deaf. Yours Dave

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Ashwood Motor and controller now sold

David Arthur — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:20:28 +0000

Hi As legend motor and controller now sold, on its way to the States, sadly, not going into an FF, but a KTM 990 Adventure.

Ashwood electric motor, and Sevcon motor available

David Arthur — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:11:39 +0000

One Ashwood motor, and Sevcon controller, approx 50HP peak, as removed from a low mileage Ford Transit van. I bought this for an FF motorcycle project, but found the wiring was beyond my capacity, and so i just sold the batteries on, and the rest of the stuff was put on a shelf, till i got a better understanding. 5+? years later, i accepted i am still uncomfortable, and so sent it off to an expert, who got it running in 5 mins. I have now gone in a different direction, and with other plans, and so the motor and controller are now surplus, but still located in Bath with Jozztek. I am happy to sell as is, and Steve has forwarded a video of the motor running, which i can forward to you if required before purchase, or if you care to buy, then have Steve program the Sevcon configured to your exact requirements, then this can be done by him for a nominal fee, before you collect, either from Bath or in Widnes Cheshire. To complete, you will require a compatible drive relay to suit, and a hand or foot throttle of some sort, as well as all the downstream equipment, including a battery pack. Regards battery's i initially bought over 50kw of brand new laptop battery packs, but have realised it is a very long winded exacting process building your own pack, and ive got enough on my plate, so ive now sold these on to the wife, and she is selling them off in whatever qty you wish at £4 each. I also have the complete BMS as came with the vehicle, but have no idea if it is of any use, ( this is still located in Widnes ) but you can have this if you think it is of any use. I also have a large qty of EV stuff, as well as over 20 tons of ferrous and none ferrous stock, from bar to sheet, which i am happy to sell on at cost to fellow constructors, to try to reduce my stock, and further finance my own projects. The Ashwood motor controller is £1250 including VAT, but if you want more power i also have several new Yasa P400 motors available, currently £9600 from Yasa, they are still in there original boxes, and at 220KW from a 50lb disc, the best on the block, selling at £3500 plus vat, but before you rush for your cheque book, a compatible controller to suit is circa 10K, and with no help from Yasa it's not a plug and play.Contact via site, or email at da420354@gmail.com. yours Dave

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New laptop battery packs for EV FFs

David Arthur — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:03:15 +0000

Hi I bought all these pre Covid, all brand new, straight out of the warehouse, as I couldn’t afford a Tesla pack. Work issues aside, I quickly established building my own pack was a very time consuming undertaking on such a large scale, (over 800 packs) and so those of you who know me, I have now invested in Jaguar i Pace modules, as my best option. I have already sold these laptop packs onto my wife, who can now spend the time and effort, something I can’t afford to do, and selling on in smaller qty’s, via Ebay etc, but before she did, I wanted her to post on here first at virtually cost, hoping they will further our cause, and bring other peoples projects forward, without costing a fortune for the battery pack. For fellow EV constructors selling for just £4.30 per pack, min 30 packs to 400 packs, don’t ask for more discount. Note after 400 packs have gone, they will have to go £5.00 per pack, as we need to make some profit. But please remember, they have now been sat on the shelves, for some time, so not every pack may be 100%, but at these prices, which are similar to 10 year used job lots on Ebay, its an easy call. Either way, just to be clear, all packs are sold as, is where is, you must decide if fit for use, no warranty given or implied, and no returns or refunds, and cash on collection. Finally many off the packs are 6 cell and nine cell, you will receive equal of each, alternatively, I believe we also have a large qty of pouch cells from Apple or similar laptops, and you can pick these exclusively if you wish. Located at my workshops in Widnes Cheshire, they are available to view most days, and if you text Laptop EV to 07704 106067 and you can arrange to view with her. Yours Dave

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Electric FF update

David Arthur — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:06:47 +0000

Hi a couple of links on youtube FF 1st ride out and FF 1st ride back with 15 kwh pack, battery's from Jaguar i Pace

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Vetrix electric

David Arthur — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:23:49 +0000

Hi I don't know if anybody is interested, but their is a Vetrix VX1 Bergman type electric scooter for sale on speakEV the guy is asking £800, (battery's are shot) usually replaced by Leaf cells, and it may just be of some use, to somebody just dipping their toes into converting a basic electric scooter, into an FF. I know nothing about these vehicles, but Winkle Brown Blez has very probably ridden one, and can hopefully give us a full SP on the viability of such a project being a good proposition, or one to miss. All the best Dave

Electric FF for Sale

David Arthur — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:04:31 +0000

Hi Everybody
Just a quick note to inform you all, Dale Engineering is now officially going into the production of Electric FF motorcycles, and electric, reverse trikes. No its not an April fools joke, though as a business model, !!! let’s just say, I could see several better options, than going into this arena. My change of heart, comes from nothing more than a breakthrough in ev motor pricing, and I am now able to secure water cooled 50hp motors at a price that now makes the above a viable proposition, which until recently was a very big stumbling block. My first motor should be available by September and I hope to have a roadworthy vehicle by Christmas. I already have an existing 750 Suzuki that has previously been converted to electric, and is registered as such, and I will probably resurrect this initially to test further. The baseline vehicle will have a top speed of over 80 mph and a combined duty cycle of over 200 miles from a 15/20 kw battery pack, and will retail for under £25,000
With regards to the above, to hopefully start the ball rolling, I am prepared to sell the first 3 off at below cost. The first one at £17k the 2nd at 19k and the 3rd at 22k. All I require is a down payment of £1000 and further stage payments as the project develops, any time you are not happy, just cancel the order for a full refund, minus £200 admin charge.
The electric reverse trike, until recently had been fitted with a Suzuki Hayabusa motor, but the motor has been sold on to further finance the EV project. Subject to your design requirements, it can be built very frugal, and an inexpensive platform, or from mild to wild and the first one will probably be fitted with a Yasa P400 motor, or motors, which we currently have available, with 160KW on tap, but can’t calculate costs, due to the number of options available. Finally, I have amassed a large qty of ev hardware used and new, and we have just acquired a complete 2020 Jaguar I Pace battery pack, and these will be used initially, until a more optimized pack has been developed, and some of these modules will also be available for sale. If anyone is genuinely interested you can email on daleenglsr@gmail.com or tel 07964049808 for more information. Yours Dave Dale Engineering

Clearout

David Arthur — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:06:33 +0000

Hi I have just to many projects, so if anybody wants to take this over, they are welcome to it for free. I was obviously going to convert it to a lightweight electric FF, and although i bought a nice motor and controller, ( these do not come with the bike ) it never got started. Basically its a Sachs 125cc just as it is in pics, all the front end has gone, i only had to cut through one tube to set it free, and i may have a few more pieces available, just found a headlight, but you don't get the blue box, i just used headlights to drain battery's for testing. only other bits possibly footrests, poss rear brake caliper, speedo and rev counter, but i don't want to start looking, if no one is interested. Have logbook in my name. Available for collection, but we are going South in the next few weeks, possibly via Wales, and ending up on the Lizard in Cornwall, so may be able to meet on Services South, or somewhere on Welsh coast, but would prefer to drop off ist day out approx 150 miles from Warrington, as sleeping in the van, and the missis is rearing up enough as it is, in fact you can take the wife, and i keep the bike.

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Conventional electric FF

David Arthur — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:45:11 +0000

Ive just shortened the wheelbase on my electric ff test mule, over 600mm to make a leg supported FF test mule, so its now the same wheelbase as Royces voyager, thanks Royce, I cant say if its optimum anything, but its a start. The vid ive posted shows you can get your feet up readily enough, and I can maneuver quite easily at walking pace, but as it is, its a recipe for a snapped leg, but seems worth pursuing further, will keep you posted. yours Dave https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCbd4bAuJk

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electric FF 2nd and 3rd outing

David Arthur — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:04:50 +0000

High everybody
Just posted on utube a few more vids re electric FF. Its hard to show from vid, but the hardstanding/ground at the front of my workshop, is atrocious, and I was trying to show how landing gear, is able to traverse over very rough ground, whilst also shaking the steering, and balancing on 3 wheels. Its far from perfect yet, and one setting had it lay on its side, but the outrigger system I built although not completely doing its job as I would wish, has enabled me to gather enough info, to no longer require to continue with the mule, and I feel the design changes I will make to the mark2, will sort out my current misgivings. That said, as all the drivetrain is working as designed, it seems a shame to just scrap it off, as it will now be a simple matter to cut and chop again, to produce a shorter lighter conventional FF mule in the shortest time possible. I had hoped with my enthusiasm, and also offering my 1st off at less than cost, would have dragged somebody along on my adventure, but up to now, that has not been the case, and with the ability to drop out at any time and only forfeit £500, I thought that was a very reasonable offer. The last few weeks, have seen a monumental shift in our outlook, and I for one am very saddened by the situation, but I can now only see this project go forward on a business footing, and I can no longer offer any discount incentive on any sale, and it will have to stand on its merits, it was only a dream, but with the current situation outside, it makes me feel very sad, and a bit trite, carrying on with the project at this time, but hope for an improvement shortly for all. Cant link but putting electric FF 2nd outing and electric FF 3rd outing in utube they came up. Keep well Yours Dave

FF motorcycles available for sale

David Arthur — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 00:35:46 +0000

Hi everybody, From my title entry I assume I am at this time the only manufacturer of FF motorcycles in the UK and possibly even beyond. I had hoped to have posted this after forwarding my second outing of my current electric FF project/mule, but this has not been possible due to reasons below, as it would appear for all my hard work I have now been rewarded with another hernia, so it will be several more weeks before I can work properly again hence the delay. This may not be your normal sales pitch, but its true, and whilst i will be out a few weeks after surgery, i am happy to go over my ideas to prospective buyers. Despite casting myself onto the rocks several times with my hopes and ideas to the Niche Vehicle Network for funds it has come to no avail, but over time I have slowly been putting together a system that I think will work, and although my first FF outing video was not as slick as some offerings, if this was all I was able to offer I would never of started, but I had hoped that my video of my little escapee from a fairground ride was just a bit of light relief. Ive been back on this site I think to Oct 2017 where I offered to make an FF at cost, and had no takers, and I am just asking again if anybody seriously wants to buy a new totally enclosed Electric FF 120 mph and 300 mile range for half the price of a E Racer, £43000 if so i can fulfill that need, but if you wish, i could also build you a vehicle capable of 1000 miles to enable the Lands end run for the same price, and all i would still ask is £1000 deposit and stage payments as the project develops, and if at ANY time you get cold feet a full refund of all monies already paid, less just a £500 admin fee. Most of you must think i am a fool coming onto this site with such claims, especially after seeing my first video, but if you were to find out as you watched trackside from Goodwood or go the oldtimers festival at Nürburgring or similar and watching some of the Chevrons and Aston martins passing by you with help from parts made by me, or if you were to go to the Isle of Man on one of the big Sea cats, and were aware my 5" dia gudgeon pins were helping to propel you along, shows i really am a fool, this was my business, and i have now stopped making these and many other parts just to build my FF and enable me to try to make a positive change, and give something back. I am still going to keep applying for funds to NVN if for no other reason than when i have made a positive change i can then confirm how much help i didn't get, it just isn't going to happen any other way, so we have to get on with it ourselves, i can so i will, and although i do now have sufficient funds to complete my first off, it would be good to know i was not alone in my aspirations, All i am trying to do is show another way, and eventually hope more people will follow, plus i have to say i love the challenge, and would hope to also eventually incorporate my existing FF into a Carver esque E trike. Not everyone has either the funds or wish to pursue any ideas but their own, good, and to that end, although i don't wish to start making parts for anybody elses projects, i do have a large quantity of materials including fibreglass rolls and parts available, and happy to sell in the small quantity's required for such projects to further finance my own. Wanted BMW complete front end pref with ABS or possible Busa or similar front end. Contact da420354@gmail.com yours Dave

48v battery pack

David Arthur — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 00:04:54 +0000

Hi Royce, hi Paul, everybody.
Picture of my new LIFEP04 cells for my project, as a reference, the pack is 20" long 10.5" and 8.5" high and the cells are 90ah and after initial charging, it will be set up as picture but only as a 48v pack, as specs are far more relaxed at this time, each cell weighs in at 2KG and total capacity is approx 8.2KW. The purple 18650 cell is one of several thousand new cells I have also just purchased, and have a higher energy density, and will be used further down the road. With regards location, whichever type of cell I use, from the outset I had planned to fit as many as possible in the keel, and eventually just bolt a front and rear end onto the stressed battery box/frame. Regards waiting for a crashed Zero or similar, I think you are wasting your time, unless you are trying to bypass SVA approval, then its fine, that said I am scouring salvage yards every week in the hope of finding one, but unless they sell at a reasonable price, I feel its actually a retrograde step. Yes you have everything you want in one package, but that's the problem, the package itself, as soon as you try to reconfigure to what you want or need, nothing fits its all been designed as is, everything will be in the wrong position, and every plug /connector will not stretch to where you want it to, and every lug and fixture will be in the way, and most chassis are now Alloy making welding a more expensive option, not to mention, most chassis are heat treated, and any welding will reduce this. Anything can be done, but I think it would be far easier to convert several existing steel rolling chassis that you prefer, or already have, or even start from scratch, but purchase a motor straight off the shelf, and a controller to suit, lots are available, and you don't need to go far from our site, and use one of Cedrics offerings, the electronics side has to be easy because I can do it, and although you will still have to build or buy a battery pack, unless you drop very lucky, will end up with a bigger compromise than you wanted. BUT if anybody has a bent or bashed electric, circa £3000 ime all ears. Yours Dave Arthur

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FF First run

David Arthur — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 20:48:48 +0000

Hi everybody, The latest image and the video link ? shows my very first run in my cabin FF. It’s a one-off chassis, following on from what I learnt from electrifying the Phasar and earlier projects in the past, and starting with a fresh sheet of paper, so the only limitation is your imagination, and the mechanical interfacing of the parts, building a dream.
It’s currently fitted with early Honda CBR1000 wheels, forks, brakes and swinging arm. The electric drive motor is from a forklift truck, used for the hydraulic circuit, and is rated at 36v x145amps. This is just a number, and more volts and amps gives more shove, but at approx. 80lb, probably good for 100hp (in short bursts). Note that the motor output shaft has been fitted with an outrigger bearing for support.
The current controller fitted is a Sevcon DC 48v x 450 amps, which is much less than above. The drive is direct, via chain, with just a large rear sprocket for reduction. At the time of the test the bike was also fitted with just two 12v lead acid batteries – just wanted the wheels to go round!

The rear top section is part of another project I built, a road-registered reverse trike, which at one point was fitted with a Suzuki Hayabusa motor. It has now been languishing in a container for God knows how long, and the engine sold on to finance this FF, but I still have four of the original CBR1000 engines as originally fitted to the trike, if I don't also convert it to electric drive. As you can see, the outriggers are a trailing arm set-up and are currently controlled by just a single rear motorcycle shock and a half-ton electric winch, which is also connected to the pivot shaft, to enable retraction. This first chassis is just lashed together to enable me to cut and modify at will, and to enable me to get a workable prototype, and find as many problems as possible before committing further.

The main object at the moment is to get a roughed out body shape, and the outriggers right, and I have several designs I wish to pursue, and a really interesting and a very important part of the entire project.

The electric driveline components are easily swopped over, bar possibly the water cooling if required, apart from their cost. I now have several battery packs to choose from and configure, Then All it needs is a bit of paint, apart from a Hayabusa front wheel to complement the complete rear end that I already have, including the ABS componentry, plus the construction of a pair of Hossack-type forks, for the MK2 Oh, and a large bubble canopy windscreen. I’ll keep you posted. Yours, Dave A.

FF Body moulds for sale

David Arthur — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:07:48 +0000

Hi everybody Slight exageration, but since selling Phasar ive now built another rolling chassis for electric drive with trailing arm drop down stabilisers, and i am now trying to cover her over, hence legend. Basically this is the rear section canopy off a Tornado strike aircraft, and the front will also be available shortly, sizes roughly 1200L X 875 at one end tapering down to 830mm at the other, its not much differnt than a curved 1.5mm ali sheet, and If your hoping its just a case of glassing up the inside, and a fabulous body emerging you will be very disapointed, but it can save a lot of time even if only used in strips. The real beauty for me was if it had of been closer to size, you could have glassed up the inside, for your one off, and then glassed up the outside to make the buck, if only. Ive also got the underside of a cannoe i am am currently looking at, and also intend removing our curved shower screen at some time, none of it perfect, but hopefully i can jigsaw in enough shapes, and get them to roughly to blend in, and save days rubbing down, (and my elbows) and all for the price of a few tins of duck. Note the resin attacks the perspex, so not perfect for long term use, plus their is also a few more titanium fittings and bolts ect i hope to remove before sale, selling for £100, but would also like of swap, anybody who has a glider canopy, good smashed or bashed, its too thin to be used on the bike, but ideal for modelling. Located in Widnes Cheshire Tel 07964049808

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Difazio style hub for sale /swop

David Arthur — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 21:22:28 +0000

Hi As header front hub all appears to be new, laced on 18" alloy rim, and new racing tyre, but this has now perished, swap for BMW/Hossack front end, prefer to include the front wheel, discs callipers, and pref ABS. will try uploading pic, but if you require more just text your email to my phone, 07964049808 and I can send more. yours Dave

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Phasar sold

David Arthur — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:53:37 +0000

Hi Everybody as title Phasar now sold, had a tremendous amount of interest of one, so it doesn't say much if ime trying to carve out a niche market for my self. Sold it with the electric motor, and a controller, so you may find it sneaking up on you in the near future.

Phasar for sale

David Arthur — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:32:33 +0000

Hi everybody as title, Phaser is now for sale, ive been persuaded to carry on work full time till March, meaning very little is going to get done, and realistically although I have learned a lot from this project it was only ever a test mule, to establish viability, and to that end it has met its target, and spending further time on this, without financial gain, would be counter productive. I never intended to convert the Phasar to full enclosure, i always intended to just start again, and to that end, I have today, purchased a late, complete back end off a Hayabusa and it is this new part, which has now prompted me to pass the vehicle on.

The bike is currently in bits again, and can be sold as just the rolling chassis, and all the bodywork ( minus the rear sprocket) and you can then decide if you wish to rebuild as std, or go down the electric route, and it is then available as several options as below.

1) Rolling chassis complete, includes new front tire, and a pair of nearly new front shocks, all the bodywork, and some brake components (minus rear sprocket) £1250
2) As above but including the existing pump motor and controller £1700
3) As above plus 40 off 3.2v x 90ah lifepo4 cells all brand new July 2018 and 36 off were required giving approximately an 11KW pack £5900
4) If you want to go down the AC motor route instead, I also have a Sevcon controller, and the Ashwood motor to go with it, which was used to drive a batch of early hybrid Ford Transit vans £6600

5) If your not in a rush I am more than happy to build her up on your behalf, in any configuration you may wish, and don’t be fooled by the old forklift pump motor, with the correct controller and a different battery pack 250hp is easily available, all be it in short bursts, or you fry the motor, and it will reduce your mileage, but very lively. £14000

6) If there is little interest in the above, I would possibly be prepared to sell the lifepo4 cells on separately, I may also have another set of new cells, an 18KW pack available composed of 3.2v x240ah x 24 off cells but please note these are only 1c continuous but ideal for standby/solar or low output vehicle, not decided yet but will confirm.
I also now have a full Leaf pack, which I may split, let me know if you are interested. A picture of the bike is already on this site on Malcolm’s bike page, but I can easily fire you more across to your email if anybody is interested, or if you just want a bit of info for your own project, more than happy to pass on what help I can, give us a bell on 07964049808 preferably after 1900, but before 2200. Yours Dave

Phasar update

David Arthur — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 23:20:59 +0000

Hi everybody just thought I would post a picture and a bit of an update on my electric Phasar as you can see it now has a new rear swing arm and damper setup, curtesy of an early Honda CBR 1000 and from the humungous rear sprocket you can see, its now chain drive, as opposed to the original Goldwing engine driveshaft combination. It is now able to progress under its own power at the moment on 36v, and this feels like 150cc, but the actual drive is so bad, I will leave it as it is for the time being. Part of the problem is the front shocks are totally inadequate, but also easily resolved, if anybody out there with a similar vehicle, can measure the eye to eye length of their shocks for me please, it will also I hope, help tie in a few more issues.
Part of the reason I have also sent a picture at this time is a one line comment from Royce, having avidly read all his notes, his recent comments on Cedrics offer of help for would be electric drive enthusiasts, made me very sad and I quote (The number of people on this site who have actually cut metal, or even plastic, can be counted on the fingers) how true, most of my friends have lathes? But were nearly all old farts, 50 years ago every town had hundreds of little and not so little workshops, and factories turning out goods, but now many young people I talk to don’t even know what a lathe is. My £50,000 Colchester tornado lathe, was assumed to be an industrial washing machine, by one individual.
But I think an even more crippling factor has been brought into the equation fear of failure, failure is nothing but a windsock to progress, every failure inexorably directs you to a better position than you were in before, and hopefully eventually to success. Compared to not trying at all it really is a tragedy. I have been accused on occasion of being unprofessional, in my business presentation, from a friend just trying to help, but if anybody actually believes the corporate crap that comes from every sale item, then we truly are lost, and the loo brush should be an icon, and we truly are in the shit. Ime happy to show my scrapyard dog, but I am doing so to hopefully encourage others on this site, to make a start, the worse it starts off, the easier it is to make large improvements, or radical changes without great hardship, or cost, get out there and start cutting, theirs a mine of information and help on this site to get you started, what are you waiting for.
I was so excited when I saw this, another project close to my heart, and part of the reason I wanted to build a fully enclosed motorcycle, and I also managed to talk to the constructor himself, I forgot take any pictures of the bike, which also graces a funny front end, I agree Royce its not an FF but I told him it would benefit him to do so, and as you said so yourself, there are so few of us around, circle the wagons, and it definitely is not a tuba. Check out Graham Sykes Force Of Nature a bike designed to break the existing world land speed record, for steam powered vehicles Yours Dave sorry unable to upload picture as to big will take at lower res and try again

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