cherokeemotorbikes
- Thread starter cherokeemotorbikes
- Start date
Realistically yes you can be sued over almost anything. That is not the issue the real issue is how well you do due dilligance to make things as safe as possible to current standards. If you make a hot rod today for someone and use drum brakes all around which was the industry standard for 1960 you can expect to be sued when a dumb a** doesnt understand the effect of rain on drums or heat related brake fade and crashes into a wall This is an undefendable position.... Where if you build a product with 4 wheel disc brakes that are to current industry standards you have a stance that is defendable if the user has an accident with your product. Fact is if you build this frame and simply braze it you WILL have some degree of failure. If you get sued once you will most likely go broke. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
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I braze all my frames, motorized and pedal and I haven't had a failure. My last motor bike was all filet brazed with a 2.5 hf zero problems.
I would still put those old lugged style frames especially with good steel a league ahead of anything from today's typical Target , Kmart, Toys are Us, Walmart, Chinese Specials I think.
Besides it will prolly be around 6 hp any way.
Besides it will prolly be around 6 hp any way.
A properly brazed frame is superior to a poorly welded frame.
Welding can easily crystalize the metal, which could crack at any time.
At least a braze has some flex to it.
Welding can easily crystalize the metal, which could crack at any time.
At least a braze has some flex to it.
I agree with you both to a degree but if you live in the real world and not the world of sunshine and smiles especially building a frame for myself then all is good, I will take my scrapes as they come and not whine about them. If I am going to place a frame out there to the public I will darn sure make it bullet proof and do my darndest to not get sued. Be that as it may lets see if this hot rod actually float and comes to productions before debating the minor problems. We have all seen the problems encountered by Cam on a V twin and if the frame is the predictor of the final design I predict it will be another let down.
Brazing is a fine art if the metal is made to hot it will crack next to the weld not at the weld. This is typically how all brazed frames crack. I believe the proper term is HSS temper that gets compromised. If a guy knows what he is doing a brazed frame can be very strong.
The art is truly with the experienced welder. That said I think tig welding trumps all forms of welding because the strength of the metal right near the weld is not compromised. I still have some faith in a lugged frame way more than today's department store stuff.
The art is truly with the experienced welder. That said I think tig welding trumps all forms of welding because the strength of the metal right near the weld is not compromised. I still have some faith in a lugged frame way more than today's department store stuff.
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Can we get back to the engine??????? I am really interested and would like to know the history of how this engine was made. The heads are the wrong way though, I know its for fitment but it needs air in the fins. Hoping to here more about this engine soon thanks.
Thanks for the chat. I am Jerry the designer and builder of the first of many Cherokee Motorbikes..... I am an inventor, Master Tool and Die Maker, Machinist, Artist and businessman.... (I have been working with metal for over 40 years) I am in the process of finishing the prototype motor. It is not really a V-Twin... It is 2 motors running indepentantly together. In other words... If you remove one of the plugs you can still travel on one motor. As far as the heads facing the wrong way. Not a problem.... done deal... As far as the choice on welding or brazing the frame... my choice is to braze.... As far as insurance on the product.... Not a problem either.... Once I finally mount the motor today... final design and mock-up will happen..... I have been faced many design issues with this project. All of them have been solved including some you have posted.... I want to thank all of you for your input... To have a product that is criticized is not a problem…
When those folks who do not know what they are talking about, come up with nothing but negatives. Shut them up by getting it done...
That engine is sold on new road motorcycles that are advertised as having a "cruise speed of 80mph". 
I think I will just save my pennies for this instead of having any more wet dreams of china girl v twins that seem to never make it to life... Wonder if I can find a big nuff shoe horn to cram it into a stretch??? There used to be a 125 cc V on ebay but I cant find it any more...
LIFAN 250CC V-TWIN HONDA ENGINE MOTOR MINI CHOPPER BIKE
I think it's awesome, and even if it is more replica than reproduction, it is delightful and should be celebrated. I like the fenders a lot!
Soo hows it going? Got your very cool bike going yet? Any new pics yet?
The Vanguard v2 is awesome. This one sounds like a Harley classic. Probably scary fast and heavy for a bicycle build! You will need some seriously heavy duty stuff. I think they are at least 18hp in stock form.
Briggs and Stratton the way it should be - YouTube
Briggs and Stratton the way it should be - YouTube
Beautiful work on this engine. Having been taught by an old school tradesman (my Dad) I can really appreciate the talent that's on display in these photographs.
Not wanting to stir the pot, but the comments about brazed frames being weaker or more prone to faults is no more than empty wobble-gobbing. The best motorcycles of yesteryear had brazed frames and the only reason the modern motorcycle industry bypassed it was that it was a more expensive process and you needed skilled tradespeople to do it.
(Well Ok I did stir the pot a little
)
Not wanting to stir the pot, but the comments about brazed frames being weaker or more prone to faults is no more than empty wobble-gobbing. The best motorcycles of yesteryear had brazed frames and the only reason the modern motorcycle industry bypassed it was that it was a more expensive process and you needed skilled tradespeople to do it.
(Well Ok I did stir the pot a little
)