Always loved the Morgans! Quirky good looks and lightweight, glorious motorcycle type engines and such great performance. With my retirement looming and the cost of participating in the "Classic Motorsports" getting progressively further out of reach, the idea of "spirited demonstrations" in a home-built Cyclekart has a lot of appeal. I have been watching the development of the 'sport' since the early Stevenson days in the USA and I am looking forward to applying some of a lifetime of knowledge and basic skills to this project. If past performance is any guide....this may not be a fast process, but I will document it here, to the end. Cheers, Daryl.
This one was posted in the US CycleKart club site way back in 2017.
The new owner promised to show how the driveline was done, but looks like nothing more was ever posted.
B&S engine not a GX200, Bodywork will be done differently, but still quite close to my vision.
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In an earlier post I described the challenges I encountered in creating a simple, rear engined trike.
My kart uses a Morgan for inspiration, so a front mounted engine actually seems more appropriate.
Where can you find any relevant info on how to achieve this?....Not very much out there in the Cyclekart, Gokart and Buggy worlds. I did eventually find a sport which gave some clues.......Thai long tail boat racing!
These guys use every thing from worked over 2 stroke moped engines to V8's. The 6.5 Hp GX type engine is also a popular class.
GX200 powered ones are also becoming more common in the USA as 'mud boats' for fishing and hunting in shallow water
So what can be learned? A long straight drive shaft is not a problem. A flexible or splined coupling at the drive end is sufficient. Bushes or bearings in the drive outer tube are used to prevent the shaft from whipping about.
A prop shaft needs a thrust bearing to resist propeller drive thrust loads. This is the point where my Cyclekart differs. There is a small thrust load produced by the torque converter drive pulley, but nothing like prop load....cool!
This is the wayward path I have chosen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWBcpUhfwug
Type / for commands...
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Some bits for the Morgan(ish) Kart arrived today.
I decided that a 300mm Chinese steering rack would save some time and experimentation, despite the extra weight and complexity. I found one for $42 Aud (including gst & free delivery) so I jumped in and bought it.
Comments: No too bad for the price. It does have a plastic body and no mounting lugs. I will use U-bolts to secure it. There are some Alloy ones with lugs available, but they were too long for the front of my chassis.
It was at this point that I realised that buying a full kit might have been more convenient & economical. I still needed a splined shaft and a steering wheel coupling.
Back into Aliexpress, I found a cardan shaft of the correct length for $33 and a splined coupling for $16, both with the essential free shipping.
With these bits available I have now found a distraction from the formidable task of completing the rear wheel final drive.
I will post pics when the option becomes available
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