New in frame 4 stroke kit in development!

This thread is being started because of questions resulting from an announcement made in another thread http://motorbicycling.com/f3/firebelly-website-up-running-13419.html

transferred from other thread: Wanted to announce that in addition to continuing to develop the FBC "HardBox" all metal transmission for the Honda and Hua Sheng motors that Dan of Shelly Motorbike Co and I are working on a 4 stroke kit different from that currently available on the market. True to our convictions this kit will consist of as many domestically sourced componants as possible while maintaining a competitive value!
MaxPower asked: any price estimates on the 4 stroke kits and gear box?

Here starts the new thread:
We're excited w/ the initial cost estimates for sure, but I think it premature to be putting any real numbers out at this time.

The 4 stroke kits will be a very Competitive Value i.e. they will likely fall somewhere in the middle price range of what's currently on the market and will offer top of the line longevity w/ top of the line asthetics.

Dan and I agree that form and function are both extremely important in an industry where style and longevity are integral driving elements. We also agree that honesty, integrity, and transparency (w/o giving away our design info) are key to developing good customer relations. So feel free to contact Dan or I publicly or privately w/ questions, comments concerns etc.

So in the spirit of transparency a basic description follows. For customers who wish to take advantage of the best possible economy will be able to purchase the motor of their choice seperately from the supplier of their choice and those who wish to have a complete bolt on kit will be able to do so as well. The initial power plant available from us, at this time is set to be a 2.5 hp Lifan motor. The transmission is belt drive automatic. Final drive is chain. Since the objective is quality and value very few of the usual china kit parts will be utilized. High quality name brand chain, firebelly engine platform and tensioner kit, upgraded throttle and grips and many other uncompromized componants will make up the core of this kit. Though, in order that we may meet the veritable plethera of applications in the motorbicycling community we'll likely offer kits w/ subtle variations that should meet the particular needs and componant level of most builders w/o the need for further aftermarket upgrades. There will be a shift kit version available as well.

Dan and I will start rigorous testing of the kit shortly do to the infancy of the collaberation we can't really give hard numbers on time or price but the initial design is "in the can" and we're so excited about it that we couldn't wait to let the cat out of the bag.

So to sum it up, this project is in it's infancy and this thread will likely be slow moving at times, we're announcing the project now for the purpose of opening up discussion that will help us better understand the different needs of builders in order to build a kit of products that meets the needs of a wide range customers and give you the core of the mb community the opportunity communicate your ideas and needs. Of course we wish to foster excitement and anticipation but not hype, ambiguity or misinformation. Specific details are likely to change but the overall concept is unwavering.

Thanks for your interest! Evan FBC

So what you are saying is that you will continue on the previous plans with the "hardbox"?

Yes

And In addition you will be devoloping a new gearbox that is belt instead of chain?
Automatic? I assume you are talking about centrifical clutch.

Yes

Are you saying that you will be offering a shift kit for the hardbox as well as a shift kit for this new gear box?

Yes. Though the "HardBox" transmission will be redesigned before it is marketed again. The weakness of the chain in it's current design can be overcome, however, some specific dimensions are no longer optimal and will be changed. Overall the basic design is fine but at those engine speeds (7000+ rpm) and that small of front sprocket (10-12t) the #35 chain can't take it for long enough to be reliable.

2.5 hp Lifan motor
I am unfamilair with this motor
is it similar to hung shue or honda gxh 50?
Basically what I am getting at is will this new gearbox be compatable with my engine (gxh 50)?

There are a couple 2.5 hp Lifans that I know of and they are both much slower (rpm) than the Honda or Hua Sheng (I like Hung Shue but my favorite is Hua Sheng Machine). The 2.5hp 79cc Harbor Freight (Lifan) motor is the one that'll be used initially. Plans are to fit all common small engines including your Honda.

I am very interested in this new gearbox project.
Please be sure to keep us all up to date on the progress and how it is constructed (materials and what not and what connects what to what)

Will do Jared, prototypes should be running in the next couple weeks, pics and vids to follow!

Thanks
Evan FBC

Thanks glack,

It's been record cold around here fo sho. Warming up a little now but definately winter.

We are truly excited about this design. Can't wait to put it through it's rigors!

Should have pics of it in the coming weeks!

Prototype Pics Leaked!

Dan and I have completed the 1st phase of our belt drive system i.e. they are built and ready for testing. The prototype "ShellyBelly Whisper Drive" will begin testing just after the holidays!

The motor in the pic is a 2.5hp 98cc Lifan motor sold under the name "Power Pro". The 2.5 hp 79cc Lifan motor sold by Harbor Freight under the "Greyhound" moniker is the other that we speak of.

These motors are known to be of the highest quality available. They're very affordable and accessable to most everyone.

Thanks, Evan

GasolinePunk!

Harbor Freight 79cc GasolinePunk Motor W/ Whisper Drive!

The width at the clutch is 2 & 1/4" and right now the rest is 2 & 1/4" but will probably be taken down to 1 & 3/4". So narrower really! Yes there will be ratios available and for simplicity the drive sprocket can be changed up or down a tooth for 10% change. Dan and I have several designs we're working on including a 2 speed automatic. We want to go through and prove each design; all are designed to be simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The materials are pretty inexpensive even domestically sourced; if we keep manufacturing costs down we're confident we can offer an unparalleled value while falling somewhere in the middle price range of what's currently available.

Thanks, Evan FBC

A little more eye candy. Fotos w/ the air filter. Will have a matching crankcase breather too!

Thanks guys!

Likely to be available in spring; that's definately our goal.

Felton,

W/ this particular set up we're trying to find the best all around pulley reduction and then it's an easy 10% adj either way just by changing the the final drive sprocket i.e. we'll use a 10 tooth fd sprocket and changing to a 9 or 11 will change the final by 10% There will be some room to play w/ pulley size as well. Too early to give ratios 'cause we just won't know 'till we run'em, I'm running an 8.64:1 OA w/ 700x40c tyres to start for an estimated 35-40 mph top.

I should have mine up and running very soon, I've got the gas tank and motor mounted, the rear wheel built and mounted (don't like kit sprocket mts). Got to revise the exhaust arrangement and mount a throttle and wide cranks and whatever else tries to get in my way!