Motorized Rocky Mountain RM7-Super Motard-

[lowracer]

Hi,
I finally got my winter project ready to ride...I decided on a Subaru-Robin 4 stroke 35cc & Front belt drive powertrain providing 2 wheel drive (since I am an avid cyclist & enjoy pedaling). The front drive is a rim hoop JB welded to the front rim & an automotive standard notched 78" V-Belt with a skateboard wheel tensioner & a 1 1/2" front pulley from McMaster Carr. The gear ratio is similar to a friction drive without the need for jackshafts or further reduction.The mount is just some steel bar & 'L' brackets found at the local Lowe's Home Improvement store. I wanted to keep this project cheap & under the price of any kit available such as Friction/Gebe/BMP/Staton & with no welding. I am good at hacksawing & drilling but nothing more hi tech than that...lol. I got the new Subaru engine/clutch housing from Staton off eBay w/Bing discount for $248 & the rest was under $50. The throttle is a bicycle brake lever mounted to the left side handlebar above the front disc brake lever. The 7" front suspension still works perfectly & well matched to the 7" travel suspension in the rear...
-Lowracer-

[corgi1]

Nice looking set-up,

[Cannonfish]

So how does it perform? You picked a nice bike to motorize!

The only other front-wheel-driven MBs I've ever seen pictures of have used a friction-drive, directly on the tire. Do you like the belt drive better?

[lowracer]

Thanks...It performs great. I really like front wheel drive even though fwd has a few drawbacks (noise out front, exhaust (not bad on clean 4 strokes), parking issues (lopsided which turns the handlbars). Isolating the 2 powertrains (engine drive & pedal drive) has advantages & traction benefits. I really like belt drive. Tires & friction drive rollers wear out pretty quickly & create maintenance fees. This belt should last a real long time as they do in automobile applications & @ $15.59 is relatively inexpensive & throws no grease/oil (chain).
Does anyone sell those cafe style motorcycle fiberglass body panels that could be attached to a bicycle? I think there are many aero/styling benefits yet to be explored?

[wheelbender6]

That's probably the only RM7 that is fun to ride uphill.
All the RM7s are fun to ride downhill.

[Stoney]

How is the torque and speed? And will this set up fit standard forks? Very good job!

[lowracer]

Stoney,
I havent hooked up the speedo yet, but these little Subaru-Robin engines are strong & the speed is more than adequate on engine power alone. Not sure how large the clearance is on a 'standard' fork? Just gotta get out the tape measure & see how much clearance you have & how wide a suitable rim hoop is to attach to the wheel.
I replaced the bashring with a 44 tooth chainring (largest I could find to fit the 4 bolt pattern) so I can assist with the engine at most speeds. Everyone who gets into MotoredBicycling has a different reason. Some have lost their drivers licenses & need a means of transportation, others wish to save money on gasoline & ride in lieu of driving the car. I am an avid cyclist & my normal training rides are in the 60 mile range without a gas powered engine. I built this more as a toy than a means of transportation. I love hearing how people use their MB's & the DIY'r creativity is nothing short of amazing...
-Lowracer-

[the new ausped]

are you using the 54 or 72mm clutch?

[lowracer]

the new ausped,
The Subaru-Robin EH035 comes with the 76mm clutch. The clutch housing I bought from Staton & it allowed me to mount the engine V-Belt pulley on to the 1/2" shaft.
-Lowracer-