Full Suspension....Yes it's possible

[peregrine16]

So many said "you can't put a motor on a full suspension bike.

Well I did and it runs great.
I started with a $30 bike, a motor kit and aluminum rods that you weld with a propane torch....and built a full suspension (go anywhere) trail tamer. There is a lot of modification but it can be done

check out the pictures.

Paul B

[peregrine16]

The trick is in the chain take-up.

I used the bottom part of an old derailleur to take the slack.

Works like a charm.

[peregrine16]

Another pic

[Cabinfever1977]

thats a cool bike that you built,good job.

[Goat Herder]

Well I never knew aluminum could be done like that with a propane torch Can't really make out the welds. Looks good cool job! I got a similar project That I scored the same rear triangle design in a steal version. Welcome to the forum! Is the tensile strength compromised any? I always figured tig was the stuff for aluminum. Looks like the angle for the spring will work. Close up picts if you will please. How does the chain on the China fair of with the sus?

[peregrine16]

The front frame is aluminum, the rear suspension is steel.

The aluminum welding is almost as strong as mild steel...so better than tig (my opinion).
Bike is experimental and took a while to work out the bugs.

Now that it's reliable, I will tear it down, clean it up and paint it.

No issues with the china chain...just keep it well lubed and it works fine. I use Rustcheck. keeps it lubed and rust free.

Check out these links for more info on aluminum welding:

YouTube - welding aluminium part 1
YouTube - Welding aluminium Part 2
YouTube - Welding Aluminium Part 3
YouTube - Durafix - 6
YouTube - Aluminum-Repair.wmv

peregrine16

[peregrine16]

Here are close-ups of the tensioner.

Simple and effective.

The aluminum welds are not pretty but I will clean them up before painting.

[Easy Rider]

Good Job Paul. You total redone the frame but it looks like you put a lot of thought into it. 5 star job Buddy!

[peregrine16]

Thanks for the complement.

I am already thinking about building another bike and your picture caught my eye.

Can you post a larger version.

[Ghost0]

Nice job, this is easier though, no welding, but I love the innovation. I will admit that these style frames are hard to find.