- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
- Messages
- 336
Now that the DVLA are (foolishly) allowing us to make significant structural changes to our historic vehicles and still keep the original identity, I think it is time I upgraded the weedy C5 electric motor that I fitted to an Ariel 3 some 30 years ago.
Admittedly the Ariel 3 deserves a place in the “15 most dangerous motorcycles” list, as anyone who has ridden one and hit a pothole with one of the rear wheels will know, but it should be fun! Certainly a lot easier than fixing the transmission on my 15 Ton railway crane.
The original trike had the drive to one wheel and a brake on the other.
At this early stage I envisage a small quad bike type back axle with chain drive to the diff. And a disc brake on the transmission. There is a large number of electric motors available these days and I will be sensible, no more than 20 kW. The hardest parts will be fitting it within the original bodywork and keeping the weight down.
The front part of the frame will need to be cut open to insert suitable strengthening tubes. Haven’t given much thought to the front forks, wheel & brake yet, nor the battery location and the rest.
It will be a slow job as I still have a heritage railway to help get started.
Yes, I am quite mad.
Admittedly the Ariel 3 deserves a place in the “15 most dangerous motorcycles” list, as anyone who has ridden one and hit a pothole with one of the rear wheels will know, but it should be fun! Certainly a lot easier than fixing the transmission on my 15 Ton railway crane.
The original trike had the drive to one wheel and a brake on the other.
At this early stage I envisage a small quad bike type back axle with chain drive to the diff. And a disc brake on the transmission. There is a large number of electric motors available these days and I will be sensible, no more than 20 kW. The hardest parts will be fitting it within the original bodywork and keeping the weight down.
The front part of the frame will need to be cut open to insert suitable strengthening tubes. Haven’t given much thought to the front forks, wheel & brake yet, nor the battery location and the rest.
It will be a slow job as I still have a heritage railway to help get started.
Yes, I am quite mad.
