Engine on Swingarm or frame?

[billlaws]

Independent rear suspension is probably out of my depth mainly due to cost. I think I'll probably end up going along the lines of Modelengineer's sidewinder, I'm currently waiting for a seat to arrive then I can start having a measure up.
I'm probably going to need a longer axle to make up for the extra weight out wide. I've only got a 44" and I plan on going sideways a fair bit...

cheers for all the replies guys!

 

[bajagokart]

so your saying independent suspension is like the front suspension on my go kart?

 

[JHen]

Unless you want live axle, you can make two swing arms in back. Have one arm that has engine and drive train and the other arm is just wheel. Independent rear suspension.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Jhen, if I may- This will clearly be a dedicated off-roader. He wants a live axle. A one-wheel-peeler off road is nearly useless.
Baja- short answer, yes. Long answer- Independent suspension exists when the action of a tire on an axle does not affect the action of the other tire on the same axle. When you hit a bump with your front left wheel, your front right is entirely unaffected. As your kart moves further forward and your rear left hits that bump, the axle is tipped up and down, altering the effective camber angle on your right rear. This changes the contact patch on the right rear, and has an effect on weight distribution and traction.

You have confused "Independent Suspension" with "Axle Articulation", which is when the suspension allows the axle to tip (roll) side-to side, instead of just up and down.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

its independent of my main frame, so it technically is independent of everything else

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Dude, that is FUNNY!!!

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

 

[JHen]

Well, if it is dedicated off road, then the easiest way is to run the engine back to a shaft, and this shaft will lead to CV joints. CV joints are about the only way you will get independent rear suspension. Next best would be 4 link suspension which can also work pretty darn good.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Look around, Dougthewelder did a neat (and cheap) articulating rearend.

 

[billlaws]

Modelengineer,
How wide was your engine? I have an old honda 250 road bike engine that weighs around 65kgs and is a little over 450mm wide, this is considerably wider than originally intended for the sidewinder I believe. I really think this is too much to be 'hanging' off the side of the kart. It would even protrude past the wheels.

All i can really think to do is massively offset the seat to one side (giving an uncomfortable driving position)

put the engine on the swingarm (would rather go without rear sus)

or simply ditch the rear suspension.

Have you or anybody else for that matter got any thoughts on the situation?

thanks

Will