Using a motorcycle engine and gears for power

Route 6x6 Discussion Board: Lets Build the Dream ATV: Tips and Tricks on How to Build the Ultimate ATV.: Using a motorcycle engine and gears for power
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By secretsong on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have two Attex and want to experiment with one. How about a Honda 750 and the gears for power? I figure I need to make a jackshaft to transfer the power forward to the T20 and replace the driven with a sprocket. I can mount the clutch lever on my left steering stick and run linkage to the front of the floorpan for shifting through the gears with my foot. Is this feasable? I'm a toolmaker by trade and can make whatever I need for this conversion if the great minds here don't see a problem with running direct to the T20 instead of using the torque converter...what do you think? Would this make a screamin' machine?

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By tropicjungleboy on Unrecorded Date: Edit

yeah!!! will be a perfect solution to easily break the # 40 chains!!!!....you must have to consider the follow issues:

* how to exchange motor heat build up ( if the 750 proposed engine is air cooled-whitout any cooling fan device from factory)..if your engine selection is a water cooled engine is just a matter of direct hot air outside of attex.
* how to handles the "direct drive"...( relation of clutch device)
* you must have to replace all #40 chains and sprocker by # 50 ( better #60) in order to handles the extra torque...
keep posted for result!!..happy bouncing

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By secretsong on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I was already intending on replacing the sprockets and chains anyway. The reason I want to try this is that I'm addicted to the awesome power I get from my 400 two stroke but it struggles on steep climbs. Also I'm a deer hunter and would like to use this machine to sneek into the woods before daylight. Between the 6500 rpm buzzsaw screaming of my two stroke and the trail of smoke behind me, it's not too good at sneeking.
I know if I went with a tame four stroke like the Vanguard it would be great for hill climbing and quiet enough for deer hunting but I would really miss the acceleration I crave from my two stroke. Having the motorcycle engine with a full set of gears could solve my problem for me. Thank you very much for your input. This Honda motor is air cooled so I will have to try something to keep it cooler...any suggestions?

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Sounds like a cool project. Probably wont need anything if its air cooled. I would imagine that the Honda is probably more efficient at air cooling than a Vanguard. Also the honda and tranny would probably weigh about the same.

BC

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By secretsong on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks BC...am I missing anything? The Attex already has #50 chains and sprockets. Should I use any gear reduction in the sprockets of the jackshaft or do you feel that I'm just going to find a comfortable gear to run in? That's my feeling...once I run for a bit I'll just find what works and stick with it. I'm really not expecting a lot of shifting, especially when I'm using this to sneak in the woods for hunting. Maybe when I have a steep hill to climb but mostly I'll be putting at a slow speed. If I did need extra cooling what do you think about an electric fan funneled off one of the vents for an extra shot of cool air?

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Well I am probably not the best guy to ask about Max performance. I am cutting my teeth on a 14 horse. But I have had lots of motorcycles and snowmachines over the years. I dont think you will need any fan. There is alot of open area in the back of a Max and with the big vents, I doubt there will be anyproblem. Its not like you go deer hunting when its 100F outside. I would just try it with the sprockets and chains that you have.

BC

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Woops, my mistake. You dont have a Max but an Attex. I dont know a thing about the cooling on them. Unless its really tight, I doubt there would be issues.

BC

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By liflod (Liflod) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I would try running the motorcycle engine through the torque converter. That way there would never be a need to shift gears or at least you would not have to very often. The motorcycle engine has a much broader RPM range than the 3600 RPM Briggs or Kohler engines so even if the transmission was in a gear lower than 1:1 , you would have the same or higher top speed with more grunt in the low end. I would keep a close eye on the engine temp if you are not going to fan cool it.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By secretsong on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks liflod...I didn't think about installing a temp gage but I will now. the torque converters(clutches) I have are for 6500 rpm snowmobile engines, not 3600 four stroke engines...I guess they engage at different rpm's. I'm not familiar with torque converters at all. You might be right...once I find a good gear I won't need to shift. Any other thoughts to make this work? Once I perfect this, I'll post every detail and pics to make it easier for others to try ( and prints of what I had to make).

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By tropicjungleboy on Unrecorded Date: Edit

about the cooling issue you must install an air circulator directly trhu the cylinder wall and head on the exaust port....but you have to check for charging system capacity to cover ventilator draw (amps).....are you sure about # 50 chains on axles??..the attex that i check cames with # 40.........

the idea of adapt the belt torque converter have sense!!....just put the "right" tranny selection to keep rev and torque on proper value and you are done!!
at the end...does this 750 motorcycle engine fits on reduced engine space inside attex????

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By secretsong on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You are right about the motor...it's too tall for the compartment...I'll have to modify the lid for clearance. Tha Attex I'm converting does have #50 chains and sprockets. I don't know if it was from the factory because it was set up for a 400cc two stroke or the previous owner converted it, but that's what I have. I think the motor will generate enough electricity for an electric fan and with the two top vents I don't think I'll have a heat problem. Re-routing the exhaust from four cylinders is another obstacle I will have to overcome but I think a muffler shop can deal with that one.


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