FF Web blogs

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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Looking for a better home

Bob.Walton — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:09:49 +0000

https://www.facebook.com/wobblywonders/

I haven't looked at my modified GPZ for years now. Not sure what to do with it. So I thought I would see if anyone here was interested. I live in Oxford if you want to pick it up.

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

Norton commando FF frames for sale

Keith.Shoemark — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:01:55 +0000

I have two FF frames for sale.
They fit OVER a standard Norton commando drive train and pick up on the 3 isolastic mounts.
There is no structure below the timing cover or primary chaincase.
One is a box section oil in frame design the other is tubular high tensile steel tubing.
They both use a double wishbone front suspension.
I seem to be unable to download any pictures.

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

Mallory - 2024 - erewegoagain

Graham Robb — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:32:26 +0000

May be masochistic, but I am applying again for a Club Stand at the Mallory Bike Bonanza (previously VMCC Festival of 1000 bikes): 5th, 6th and 7th of July 2024.
I see that they are planning EMRA organised racing as well, on both days. that may mean they get to fill the paddock better than 2023. I think we are due some better weather too (as I may not have the motorhome then)
Please email me for access to some of the 10 'free' tickets/bike places (preference given to FFs !)

Workshop clearance in Bristol, England

Royce — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 11:55:44 +0000

I've been tasked to clear the engineering workshop of a family friend, now sadly incapacitated.
Advanced hobby level, ex-Aerospace engineer. Includes Boxford lathe and substantial associated equpment. See also January advert in VMCC magazine*

Too much to list here, mail roycecreasey@gmail.com for photo catalogue. Cash sales, buyers collect. Delivery available separately.

*As almost all FFs worthy of the name are now more than 25 years old it makes sense to be a VMCC member. Mainly because it annoys the traditionalists.

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/

Spanish Steps 3

Graham Robb — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:38:31 +0000

Another touring blog for your perusal, even if not FF (actually 3 Tigers and an elderly Varadero)

Life goes on

….is a truism, but like all truisms, it contains a lot of truth. Much and many have passed since our last European excursion in 2019, but now that the dust had settled, 4 of us (Mike, Steve, Tom, and I) planned another Moto tour. Spain had previously delighted and surprised us, so that was again our destination. Age, aches, and operations notwithstanding, Steve had scheduled a gruelling 3000+ mile run, with barely a time to draw breath. The more cautious of us had convinced him to temper this by cruising to Bilbao on the outward leg; thereby saving one length of France and gaining an extra day.
More and Moor
2 nights at the Teruel Parador after the run across Spain from West to East. Mike used the extra day to recuperate, whereas the Montes Universales towards Cuenca attracted the rest. A route we had partially done in 2017, but which did not disappoint again, despite some drizzle. Immaculate surface, but given the light rain, we did not complete the full planned circuit around the hills, but called in at Albarracin, with its Moorish fortifications and steep cobbled streets to make up for that.
Moths
Teruel airport is used as a storage space for unused hardware – as it’s (usually) a very dry climate. The rows of mothballed aircraft looked forlorn, in the drizzle, as we headed back to the Parador - an industry perhaps not yet fully recovered from Covid.
Not drownin but wavin
Drier next day, we headed south and east into the Muela de Cortes national park, West of Valencia. Wild county; spectacular dams and lakes; virtually no other traffic. We looped though the reserve, over the hills, where many wind turbines waved their sails in appreciation.
Bleu Hotels
Paradors were again used for a lot of our stays and did not disappoint. Predictable luxury at very reasonable rates for old men. When we did try something new, it did not go well. The Hotel Blu (sic) in Almansa was a triumph of fashion over functionality. Started badly, with double beds allocated and no real alternative. We were finally offered one room with 3 beds, and one single room. That will have to do. Noting the 200 € fine for allowing water to splash onto the shower floor we tracked down our 3-bed room:
• The 3 beds filled the room entirely.
• The 3 strip windows were pitch black, as the electric shutters had broken. Upon protest, I was allocated 2 wooden wedges with which to jam 2 of them open.
• The wall mounted switches did nothing, except for the electric blinds, some of which rose while others fell, simultaneously.
• The bathroom area was separated from the bedroom by a huge glass wall, which allowed viewing into whichever side had light. Perhaps the idea was that you could view your partner in the shower, prior to their coming to bed? In any event, it was novel for 3 blokes sharing.
As tired brits, we did not complain, but took it as an amusing hotel experience. At breakfast, the staff in the restaurant were placing buckets under dripping light fittings – presumably one guest was liable to a 200€ fine. Still, the evening meal and breakfast had been OK. The manager took our photos as we escaped. If he wants to encourage others, I think he has to look closer to home….
Fistful of Dollars
Our destination was now near the Spaghetti Western area north of Almeria. Tom had found a remote village hotel, for 2 nights, where initially we seemed the only residents and which was run by 2 fashion-conscious young ladies, (young here is a relative term, but they seemed delighted to have us old blokes staying - it must have helped their takings)
Shape the Mountain
The free day was spent in the Sierra de los Filabres. Steve had found a road between Bacares and Velefique, which had been dubbed the Spanish Stelvio. Maybe it did not have 48 hairpins, but it was as good as that; the curves were perfection and the surface immaculate. If you looked at the road on a map, you would not think it much more than a dirt track, but the roadbuilder had perfected his art on this beautiful construction – and all seemingly for our benefit. Some Spanish bikes at the top – out on a run from Almeria – but nowhere near the hoards you get on the Stelvio. I speculated that while others will build the road to fit the terrain; the Spanish will adapt the terrain to ensure a perfect road.
Techno
Coming back to the hotel, this was Saturday night and the ladies had organised a ‘Techno-Disco-BBQ’ to which we were invited. The BBQ lasted until 11 pm - usually bedtime for us, but then the Techno started, so sleep would have been impossible anyway. This presumably was normal for the coast, but seemed incongruous in a sleepy, white-walled mountain village. We crawled away around 1 am, but the techno lasted til 3. Apparently, the neighbours don’t mind.
Sierra Nevada
All our free days had now been used up, so it was time to head west and north. This took in the Sierra Nevada, after we had called in to see one of Mike’s co-workers for a welcome coffee break and reunion. These Spanish roads just keep giving. There was one short section of gravel track, and one well-patched road through the pine forests, but really these were nothing worse than your average rural road in Buckinghamshire. The rest of the time, the surfaces were perfection and the curves a constant radius.
Monoculture
From Granada to Cordoba, the olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see. The ground under the trees is ploughed, so there is really no life there. Adverts will have you believe these are little family enterprises, caring for every olive, but reality is oil production on an industrial scale, using every square metre. At least they won’t be complaining about drought this year.
Speedy Nacho
North from Cordoba took us back into the central reservoir region, SW of Madrid. As we stopped for lunch, heading south came speed-freak-Nacho (who normally does track days) on his Yamaha. For him, the N502 was a revelation, and he’d been carving up the road at huge speeds (whereas we would only be marginally over the limit). In this big country, traffic police are rare. Nacho had to call his English friend to let him know how good that road was.
Recalculating….
As we were nearing destination Segovia, Steve’s GPS decided that we really wanted to go onto the Auto Via, into Madrid. Other than deserting him, we did not have much choice but to follow and getting stuck on a Madrid version of the M25 was not something we would have voted for. Problems come when a GPS decides to recalculate the route en-route. I must confess to making improper suggestions to Steve as to what to do with his GPS, as we sweltered in the Madrid jam. As it was, the jam split us up completely, so we eventually arrived individually at the magnificent Segovia Parador, later and rather fraught.
Rural pursuits
North to the mountains, the road suddenly became covered in what looked like small round stones, although they did not feel like stones under the tyres. Eventually it became clear. A huge flock of Pyrenean sheep was being herded to new pastures. No chance of passing this lot – they seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see - we just had to continue over poo, at sheep-pace, until they reached their destination a few kms further on.
Pass the Station
Last night in Spain was only just. Canfranc-Estation is where passengers would change trains between the French and Spanish gauges. The magnificent station hotel from 1928 has been rebuilt and dominates the village, although it was too pricey for us. They did not even allow us in for a beer. Next morning, we hoped to go over the Somport pass, but the cloud was down, so we took the tunnel into the French rain.
Saintes alive, policemen asleep
Last night in France heading north was between Saintes and Cognac in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. A designer hotel and a 12th century church dominated proceedings.
Avoiding Autoroutes through France is still enjoyable and reasonably fast, but things have changed in that every village has a 30kph section, complete with sleeping policemen who ensure you comply.
Over
We come to the end of another successful Moto; with triumphs and disasters as usual. Important thing is that we counted us all out and counted us all back – and we are still talking…..

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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Date for diary - Not FOTB

Graham Robb — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:11:17 +0000

The summer weekend gathering at Mallory in 2023 is scheduled for 14,15,16th July.
This is not named as the VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes; instead it is the Mallory Bike Bonanza, which does not quite have the same ring to it.
Track time form is here:
https://www.eastmidlandracing.co.uk/bike-bonanza
Format is identical to previous FOTBs - although I hope organisation is better - and I have applied for a BFF stand in the club section.
Too early of course to confirm your attendance (or mine for that matter); but it does give us a target. 10 bikes and 10 weekend tickets are the standard stand allowance.

Please delete....

rohorn — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 17:41:51 +0000

There are better things to do and better places to spend my time......

Reflections on an FF project September 2022

Royce — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:22:26 +0000

Reaching the unlikely age of 78 I recall that 1978 is the year I engaged in FF development - an attempt to rescue the Powered Two Wheeler from the dying hand of the motorised bicycle and exploit it's unbeatable efficiency in a world where that quality had suddenly become relevant.

It thus seems appropriate to review the progress of this effort. In 1978 PTWs still had some viability as personal transport but it was clear that the motorised bicycle was losing out to the steadily improving car. The intervening forty four years has seen cars improve almost beyond recognition but be increasingly seen as an indulgence in a world where the climate emergency has further prioritised efficiency.

The world's PTW manufactures could have seized this opportunity, improving their products in a similar way to cars. This would have required attention to Comfort, Handling, Safety and Efficiency, quite possibly in ways demonstrated by prototypes on this site. They chose not to do so, focussing instead on traditional products and markets that have resulted in a decline in PTW usage to a little over 1% of private transport use. The "Motorcycle" has failed in the market place,

Instead, corporate ingenuity has contrived a form of PTW that is less safe and less efficient than even a bicycle or motorcycle. A notable achievement. Ignorant or careless political systems in this country are now prioritising this type of vehicle - the "E-scooter"- over other forms of PTW, with the "motorcycle" not considered in recent transport planning.

Where does this leave my FF project? Clearly, dead in the water. I see no point in building prototypes for an industry that either no longer exists or has no interest in innovation. Only 'Heritage pastiche' and historic vehicles represented by the Vintage and Classic movements have any currency and this tendency has infected the FF movement with this site increasingly celebrating not recent progress but historic meetings and old photographs, a nostalgic infection that makes a nonsense of a site supposedly dedicated to progressive innovation.

Meanwhile the promising development of cargo scooters, visible everywhere in cities and clearly proto-FFs, is abandoned to Chinese and other low-cost manufacturers.

In view of this I have moved on from FF development, reverting to light engineering in the workshop created by my FF effort. I recognise and celebrate the continuing efforts of other FF innovators here and abroad and wish them every success.

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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EV SALES STUFF YASA MOTORS AND SEVCON CONTROLLERS 014.jpg	1.94 MB

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.

Nothing to see here....

rohorn — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:10:48 +0000

Never mind - there are other things to do - carry on....

Eight (Yes - 8!) Old Quasar and Phasar articles

rohorn — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 17:05:23 +0000

1) Motorcycle Mechanics. September 1977: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/mcmsep77quasarspx500.pdf

2) Cycle. June 1978: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/cyclejune78quasar.pdf

3) Bike. August 1978: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/bike_august_1978_quasar_tt_1978.pdf

4) cycle guide. December 1979: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/cycle_guide_december_1979_quasar.pdf

5) Two Wheels. August 1980: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/twowhaug80quasar.pdf

6) Which Bike. July 1981: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/which_bike_july_1981_phasar.pdf

7) Motorcycling. February 1983: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/motorcycling_february_1983_quasar.pdf

8) Bike. November 1984: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/bikenov84phasar.pdf

All 8 here: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/quasar.html

The host is asking for MORE Quasar and Phasar articles: https://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/wanted.html

POWA Design FF.....?

rohorn — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:26:46 +0000

An Alan Cathcart article on the POWA Design D-10 mentions an FF Yamaha and (?) another semi-enclosed moped. Never seen any pictures 'til maybe now:

POWA Book? Catalog? (Bottom 2 illustrations on cover...) http://files.homepagemodules.de/b17661/pictures_u142_b1ec36.jpg

Different Alan Cathcart article .pdf file: http://davestestsandarticles.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/motorcycle_international_november_1989_powa_el_tox_citybike.pdf

PS: I'm not on FB, but Bottpower is - as is their "Torpedo" : https://www.facebook.com/bottpower/photos/5437620896256251/
Bottpower has a rich history of actually making, riding, and selling functionally excellent machines, hence my higher level of enthusiasm for what is usually just vaporware. The timing is also...interesting - this isn't their first interest in the subject: From 2007: https://bottpower.com/maier-and-the-torpedo/

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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Auto-updates (can be annoying)

Graham Robb — Fri, 27 May 2022 14:22:22 +0000

OK, so where is the ‘Vert-Voyager’ project now? (see previous blogs for the why and how)

They all do that sir
Phase 1 ended with the failure of the Guzzi Mk1 flywheel. Surprisingly, the malady was not actually obvious. Well, it was a bloody great rattle, but it could well have been in the Reliant engine itself. Stripping the engine did reveal a lot of worn parts – mains, big ends, camshaft, cam-followers, oil pump. Winter 21/22 was spent with an engine in bits, but parts all available. Reassembly revealed the Mk1 flywheel moved fractionally independently from its centre - oops. Ebay and Mk2 f-w later, I was surprised to find that its bulk was 3X that of the Mk1. Luigi (Guzzi design department) had obviously decided this one was not going to break! Convert lore said the extra weight made little difference to performance.

Sins of the FFathers
Building up the transmission with the new f-w revealed a repeat of an old issue. Namely seized transmission when bolted up with the gearbox. Investigation eventually revealed that the components were 1mm longer than the space available. For reasons best glossed over, the Reliant/Guzzi adaptor plate, whilst fine for the original clutch, was 1mm too narrow; and this only showed up when the more rigid auto components came together. I had inadvertently solved this issue in phase 1, by skimming the Mk1 f-w to ensure it was flat. Now Mk2 needed the same treatment for the real reason.

Gearing Up
Thanks to Colin R for loan of his 9/34 bevel box. This was original Voyager fitment, but most owners have replaced that with the 8/33 for better response and easier town work. Too low however for the ‘vert and my 16” rear wheel, so I was pleased to go back to the original.

Testing-testing
After major work, tax and MOT have run out, so the first outing must be to the local tester. Not the best time to shake-down and discover your mistakes. Got there OK, despite popping a water hose and steaming out the boot. An understanding tester issued the necessary paperwork after tightening up the rear brake lever. Too much it transpired, as the brake seized on as I rode back – more steam and smoke!

Pumpsadaisy
An outing with the VMCC went well, despite a bit of a p-pick-up stutter towards the end. Feeling braver, I set out for a day’s ride, only to have my electric ATF pump fail after 20 miles. Symptoms for almost all these problems are a catastrophic lack of drive, as the ATF heats up and will not transmit drive through the torque convertor. Analysing the pump options, I decided to run a new smaller 12v pump through an old ‘ballast’ resistor. The previous pump had died through overwork, so I reasoned I should not be pushing it so hard, provided it had enough grunt to circulate the ATF through the tortuous oilways of the Convert. Preliminary testing is promising.

Breaking Cover
So off to meet the rest of the FF gang at Peterborough. This was my longest run to date and was almost fault-free apart from that strange stutter away from roundabouts, late in the ride. Discussion later with knowledgeable folks suggested fuel evaporation when hot. Logical, given all the hot pipes running alongside the fuel lines. Pipe insulation should fix that – watch this space.

Final thoughts
It was never going to be faster, or cooler, or more economical, but it does have a certain easy-going attitude. Always being in the correct gear is nice, but then again, I now have 2 temperature gauges to worry about; and pump failure is a bit of a catastrophe on a long ride. Good enough however to keep it for the moment

2014 Discovery Channel FF video...

rohorn — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:10:35 +0000

Just realized that this video was never shared here - just made the video public on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb0jtYGOw2s

Discovery Canada produced that - they were fun to work with.

Looking forward to a lot more fun (And video) of the next one...

Monoliner appears in public!

Royce — Wed, 11 May 2022 14:43:21 +0000

Readers of todays (Wedensday 11th. May) MCN will be presented with photos and a typically fact-free article on the Monoliner track day race prototype I delivered a few years ago. It'll be at the Peterborough show soon apparantly. Hopefully someone will put up some photos here - could be you if you go to the show.

I was particularly amused by the MCN suggestion that 'provisions are in place' to make it road legal, in a sort of reverse ferret of the Norton-Cosworth;- Duckworth "Do you want a road engine or a racer?" Norton "We want a road bike engine" They got the engine and promptly raced it. If Monoliner had been a road design it would have had the same 38 degree (each side) lock of all the other MK11 Voyager HCS-equipped FFs, rather than the 20 degrees it got. Other items may also have been different - at least a heater!

Still, it should cause some amusement and once running it'll raise adrenelin levels more than any electric pedalo. 90BHP and a Cda of .21 adds up to very fast indeed and it's got the same wheelbase as a Quasar, that I recall was exceptionally stable at high(ish) speed in the IoM. Best of luck to all who sail in it!

Identifying the FFs in the FortNine FF video (May 2022)

paulblez — Sat, 07 May 2022 12:42:01 +0000

This is a lengthy series of comments and identifications regarding RyanF9's (Ryan Kluftinger's) video on FFs on the FortNine YouTube channel: 'Feet Forward Motorcycles are Technically Better' which was uploaded on 16th April 2022. This one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk2ou5gt_94
I’ve watched RyanF9’s FF video a few times now, and there really is a lot of good stuff in it. Amazingly, it was viewed more than a *million* times in just four weeks and 4,607 people had commented on it!
My chief beef, as I said in my first (of several!) comments on the vid, is that he doesn’t credit any of his sources, apart from Tig Cross’s Electrom, from which he presents the whole item. It’s also occurred to me that I must be the only person on the planet who’s actually ridden at least one example of every FF shown in the video, and in some cases, many examples of the breed, including the actual FF that appears in the video.
Anyway, I’ve done my best to identify all the FFs that appear, and all the FF-relevant video sources, which I’ve described and listed below in order of appearance; all further info gratefully received.

So, in order of appearance, we see:
1/ The video starts with a few seconds clipped from a BBC West news item about the Voyager, with Royce driving the white demo machine (now blue, and owned by Graham Robb), with his wife Ingrid in the back. It must be from late 1989, at a guess. You can watch the whole original 3min item here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx_jFWjEcOE
2/ As mentioned above, RyanF9 presents the whole video from Tig Cross’s Electrom FF on Vancouver Island, with some great action footage throughout. Tig has made plenty of great videos of his own, most of which have been posted in this group; just go here to view them: www.electrom.ca
3/ 0.44-56” is snipped from my own 10 minute Top Gear FF item originally broadcast in April 1988; RyanF9 shows the original TG prog intro with William Woollard sitting in the late, fire-destroyed NMM Quasar at the National Motorcycle Museum, plus several seconds of FF action from Wroughton where we had over a dozen machines in action together. In order of appearance, we see the Fryer FFelocette, the VF750 Quasar, the Flying Banana, the Crowson white Quasar, the LC350 Phasar, Monty’s V50 Phasar, the VT500 Phasar, the Difazio White Eleffant, and Tim Brown riding his Tait-steered Gold Wing Phasar.
You can see the whole item, including the Intro, the UK FFs, the original Peraves Oekomobil in Switzerland, and the outro here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw-G50fjNXQ
There are over 40 still photos from that Top Gear item on bikeweb here: https://www.bikeweb.com/image/tid/102
4/ At 3.33” RyanF9 addresses the much-ignored issue of aerodynamics. He juxtaposes the 0.3 drag factor of a Tesla with the poor aerodynamics of a motorcycle, using a dummy sitting upright to illustrate the point. However, he quotes the figure of ‘only 0.4’ for a motorcycle which, as I’ve pointed out in one of my comments on the video, is ludicrously optimistic; 1.0 would be more accurate! Suzuki’s relatively slippery Hayabusa is only 0.56, whereas the original Peraves CH Monotracer was measured at 0.18. The open cockpit Monoliner was tested at 0.21, as you can see elsewhere on bikeweb, here: https://bikeweb.com/node/2952.
5/ At 4’20” RyanF9 actually shows a few seconds from the PeravesCZ promo for the new electric Monoracer. Unfortunately it’s spoilt because he’s chosen a bit in which the training wheels for learners were fitted, even though Peraves founder Arnold Wagner himself is driving it. However, a caption shows: ‘CdA 0.19; range 400kms’, and Ryan also mentions those impressive stats in his commentary. There are actually 9 short promo videos for the PeravesCZ Monoracer to choose from here: https://www.youtube.com/.../UCs0pB5FLYgdg8Zb1LLw.../featured
6/ At 4’39” There is some ancient and very grainy footage of Malcolm Newell riding a red Quasar, both going around a corner and on-board, which I suspect was shot by a cosy passenger shooting over Malcolm’s shoulder. The original 3 minute film, entitled ‘Living Tomorrow’, was made for the Central Office of Information (COI) and features Quasar co-designer Ken Leaman in the workshop with Malcolm and a staged crashing of the Quasar into a ditch to avoid a car pulling out. The crash sequence riding was actually done by Royce Creasey. You can see the whole film on IK's YouTube site here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEDlPruj3oQ
7/ At 4’46” we see a few seconds of Dan Gurney riding an Alligator up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2003. Ryan points out that “The Alligator made 230 [km/hr] from a single cylinder XR650 though!” I’m pretty sure the footage is from the official Goodwood video, but you can find it on IK’s YouTube site here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-huq32c_VQ.
Several of us had the pleasure of talking to Dan Gurney and his son Justin at the event. Several pix here: https://www.bikeweb.com/image/tid/127
8/ At 5.00 a posse of six Ecomobiles appears over the hill, then in line through a chicane, plus a few seconds of Jeremy Clarkson in the back of one, being driven by Franziska Wagner, wife of its creator, Arnold. It’s all taken from the Swiss episode of Clarkson’s World, broadcast (IIRC) in1992; FWIW I provided a lot of the contacts and background information for the programme. This is the 3minute Ecomobile section: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbdkZB9-Sd4
9/ The safety section of the video, which starts at 6.09, has some spectacular crash footage. The first is a horrendous real road accident in which a foolish guy rides straight into the back of a parked bike on the hard shoulder of a highway wearing only shorts, and his helmet comes off long before he hits the ground.
There’s footage of Honda’s innovative Gold Wing with an air bag going off and some ADAC footage of a dummy on a Suzuki crashing into the side of a BMW car. I liked RyanF9’s comment that “Putting airbags on riders is like putting lifejackets on cannonballs”. At 6’26” we see BMW’s roofed but not-quite-an-FF C1 scooter with a helmetless but seat-belted rider crashing spectacularly, with leg flailing. Ryan wisely comments, “Why not keep the rider in an engineered cocoon?”
At 6’31”we also see a shot of a bare C1 frame being pushed down by a massive weight, which is actually an illustration of one of the fundamental errors in the C1 design. BMW’s car engineers were convinced that the C1’s roof had to be strong enough to support the weight of a car on top of it whereas every motorcyclist knows that bikes don’t remain upright in a crash, so any roof on a motorcycle doesn’t have to support the weight of very much at all!
10/ At 6’33” we see the onboard footage of Ivan Diamond crashing his red Monotracer at Bedford Autodrome with EVO magazine journo John Barker in the passenger seat – and we hear Ivan saying “Oh fuck” as he turns it off while it’s lying on its side. The occasion was a demo ride organised by EVO magazine and I was standing on that very corner capturing the whole crash with my Canon EOS on motor drive as it happened – several of my photos were used in the subsequent article, along with my description of how to drive a Monotracer. I've put one of the crash photos up in the Peraves section here: https://www.bikeweb.com/node/3731
I also helped Ivan get his outriggers down after we’d picked the Monotracer back up. To his credit, Ivan not only finished the lap, despite tearing off one outrigger tyre, but he also gave someone else a ride around the track before driving home in the mildly scuffed machine. Three years later, I co-drove that Monotracer with Ivan from Istanbul to the Peraves HQ near Zurich. You can watch the 90 second crash video here, complete with several replies I made a year ago in answer to some of the ignorant comments made below it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es0y0y4cIrg
11/ Ryan says some strange things in the last minute of this FF video. At 6’47” he describes the FF seating position as “unthinkably weird” when he’s just spent five minutes demonstrating the precise opposite. Then he says “I don’t like it, but I don’t have to; the feet forward position implores itself.” Which, unless I’ve misheard him, makes no sense at all. Implores itself? Eh?
12/ At 6’55 we see a BMW C1 with a dummy rider on board and covered in test cables, crashing into the side of a car; it actually bounces off the car and remains on two wheels for the duration of the clip.
And that’s it! That’s the end of the video. No credits, no real conclusion, just music and the F9 logo!
No wonder several commentators have asked when RyanF9 is going to do a ‘Part 2’. In one of his replies he says that’s unlikely, and gives a few more thoughts about the pros and cons. I have commented on his reply, but I think this particular post is long enough already, so I may add that separately in due course. PNB