Wardog's Balloon Tire Scratch Build - Anything Goes

[chipper]

Great thinking on the tire !!

 

[RustyRedneck]

I'm jealous of the tires. I might have to figure out a build to do with similar ones.

 

[wardog]

Made a little progress on the front fork. Definitely needs a brace and some gusseting....... I'm constantly torn between strength and light weight.

 

[FOMOGO]

Made a little progress on the front fork. Definitely needs a brace and some gusseting....... I'm constantly torn between strength and light weight.

If it were me I would run a conventional style fork do to the leverage of the wide wheel and weight of the tire.

That said if I had to run it as a single side fork I would bend the down tube and run it as far into the wheel as possible. The closer you can get the fork leg to the center of the wheel and the shorter the bolt, the less the leverage will influence the bolt. It shouldn't be any heavier either way. Just stronger.

Doug

 

[firemarshal71]

That's an interesting concept and something I will subscribe to. If this was something I was attempting, I might try and get that front fork to bend inside the wheel and double as an axle or have a hub mounted directly to the fork. There are bearings that will accept 1 inch tube but looks like your using 3/4 pipe which would be slightly oversized. Keep up the great work!:thumbsup:

 

[wardog]

I am gusseting the hell out of the axles to strengthen them later..... everything is just tacked in place for now.

Here is my progress:

 

[owend]

I don't know what to say? That is some serious planning on your part, I like it a lot:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[wardog]

Thanks. I've been playing with different tanks..... tough decisions. I might order a little teardrop tank for bicycle conversions. And I'm leaning towards a WW2 Luftwaffe grey paint scheme.

 

[danford1]

My vote would be Not to use the Honda tank...
JMO Danfor1

 

[Sport King Eric]

Awesome start I agree, the Honda Tank doesn't do the Frame Justice! What engine are you planning on using?

 

[FOMOGO]

Why not make the frame the tank??? You would have to run a fuel pump to pull it from the bottom but that shouldn't be an issue. It would keep it clean.

Doug

 

[jeep2003]

I like the fat honda tank like the one on your other bike. It could be a little smaller or use a bigger seat. Small tanks will look funny i think but its hard to tell without the engine and everything on it

 

[wardog]

Why not make the frame the tank??? You would have to run a fuel pump to pull it from the bottom but that shouldn't be an issue. It would keep it clean.

Doug

Awesome idea! I would totally do it..... already have a fuel pump, but I did a little math and the capacity is less than .25 gal. It would make a sweet reserve tank though.

I like the fat honda tank like the one on your other bike. It could be a little smaller or use a bigger seat. Small tanks will look funny i think but its hard to tell without the engine and everything on it

I'm not sure what tank I will end up using, just throwing around ideas at this point.

 

[Hangarbrat]

Nice and simple looks great, in my eyes you've already won.

 

[T-Town Mini]

I like the big tank to go along with those big tires. It keeps the look of the bike in proportion. :thumbsup:
Maybe mount it a tad bit higher where the bottom edge of the tank is in line with the bottom edge of the frame.

 

[red baron]

I just caught up on this build, wow that's awesome! I vote for the fat tank. Big tires, big frame you cant put a little tank on it. Your going to have to seriously gear that motor down. I put one on my mini bike and I had to duck paddle it to take off.

 

[wardog]

I finally figured out a tank that fits the look Im going for.

 

[chipper]

Well I think you nailed it with that TANK !!

 

[dragracertpp]

The bike is way too cool and the tank is amazing! I love it!!


Sent from my iPad using OldMiniBikes

 

[t555trailblazer]

That design layout is just really cool! Very clever with the gas tank!