Ludwig's 300 lb Commando thread

[B+Bogus]

What I like about this forum is there's not too many pi$$ing contests. Yes, ludwig's bike is a thing to behold.

+1

 

[CanukNortonNut]

There are many gems and gold nuggets that Ludwig has shared with us. As a gift. I will say it again, as I did in a PM that I encourage you to come back. No forum is perfect. But let us strive towards it.
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN

 

[aceaceca]

Reducing the weight of a vehicle yields the same results in performance as increasing engine horsepower. The accepted rule is that it requires an additional horsepower for each 7 lbs of weight that is added. Muscle cars of the era predominantly never got much faster as years progressed because each year weight increased as horsepower was added. The cars went from spartan to more luxurious which added more weight. The Swiss Cheese Pontiacs of 1962 and 1963 went on a weight cutting regime at the factory. Read what all they did to a 3730 lb car to bring it down to 3300 lbs. A reduction of only 430 lbs or 11.5%.


So what, we are dealing with Norton motorcycles! Yes but the same intended goal was undertaken by Ludwig on a 400 lb motorcycle. Ludwig shaved a 100 lbs from his bike for a 25% weight reduction. THIS IS SIMPLY AN AMAZING FEAT! He can now carry a 100 lbs of gear and be back to the performance potential of the original bike. Without the gear he can go much quicker and use less fuel than his heavyweight stock bike did. Ludwig is to his Norton as Charles Lindbergh was to the Spirit of St. Luis. Every lb is important.

 

[worntorn]

Probably closer to 130 pounds removed as the bike started life as a 1974 850, right around 430 lbs without fuel, give or take.

Glen

 

[cjandme]

Probably closer to 130 pounds removed as the bike started life as a 1974 850, right around 430 lbs without fuel, give or take.

Glen

Some of the things that I remember about all of it were: home made custom (fiberglass/composite) 1. seat pan molded to fit his own derriere, 2. combination headlight shell / fly screen / mount for mountain bike speedo/electronic tach, 3. front fender, 4. primary cover- narrowed. Gus Khun or other period aftermarket aluminum gas tank which was later modified. Redesigned custom headsteady. engine mounts relocated lower and farther forward for improved weight distribution enhancement. Home made exhaust mufflers / peashooters which are shorter and made from stainless steel. Oil tank completely redesigned and made to double as a side cover. I think he used a belt drive to go along with the slimmed down or narrowed primary. Motorcross bike wheel hubs and rims and brakes. Removal of the iconic "Z" plates and replaced with custom made and attached foot pegs. I'm probably forgetting a bunch of other stuff, but that is what comes to mind. Cj

 

[cjandme]

2

 

[lynxnsu]

Probably closer to 130 pounds removed as the bike started life as a 1974 850, right around 430 lbs without fuel, give or take.

Glen

his bike stands at 130kg i believe,no fuel
i remember because mine stands at 160kg and i am working towards 150kg,again no fuel

 

[worntorn]

From Ludwig's thread, the bike was at 130 kg or 291 pounds sans fuel for awhile but some items proved to be too skimpy and let go.
When the thread was posted he had redesigned those items and the bike was at 302 lbs, no fuel.

Glen

 

[aceaceca]

Even more amazing if start weight was 430 and cut down to 300. That is a 30% weight reduction. That took some clever solutions and modifications.