Drive shaft conversion for motorcycle engines?

[perceptionist]

Has anyone seen a universal unit that will allow me to replace the sprocket on a motorcycle engine with a right angle drive shaft?

I have searched ebay and lots on google. Maybe I am not using the right keywords?

I envision it to have like a splined sleeve that slides onto the motor's counter shaft and then sends the drive shaft rearward OR at least has a splined sleeve output that I can insert a splined shaft into.

I think a shaft drive for my project will eliminate a lot of anticipated issues with the current chain drive setup.

 

[modelengineer]

I think you would have to have a custom gearbox designed and machined to fit on the output shaft. On an actual motorbike it is quite complicated to change from chain to shaft drive so I don't think there would be any kits.

Surely there must be other ways to overcome these issues? What are the issues with the chain drive?

 

[perceptionist]

No issues at the moment because the drive line does not yet exist. I am still exploring my options. Definitely want independent suspension. But I was also kicking around other ideas as well such as dual swingarms. 1 motorcycle style swingarm per rear wheel. Not really sure which way I will be going yet but I have just heard bad stories about chain issues where up & down movement of the sprocket is concerned.

 

[modelengineer]

True, but if you are having independent suspension then the sprocket will, most likely, be in the centre and not move up and down at all.
If you have the pivot of the swingarm and the primary sprocket on the same axis then with a rudimentary chain tensioner it wont come off.

 

[Scout]

Google "midget sprint car", "legends racing", and "inex". I know the legends cars at least use motorcycle engines, not sure about the sprints though.

 

[ed1380]

check this out
lots of great stuff
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/theo44/

another link
http://www.git.com.au/~theedge/product_pircv.htm