Project Low Rider

[Russell ATV]

Is 1" conduit pretty decent for a build? I'm planning on doing the mini-pocketbike from the plans, but want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff first.

Looking cool so far ......

I do quite a bit of unreinforced flat sections, and have not seen the pipe fail. I have had some poor welds, and some kinked bends, but no tube collapses or bends. However, my longest segments are no longer than 4 feet, and since I have a suspension on my designs, I am likely not putting the same level of stress as some rigid vehicles might. Tough to beat conduit for price, but ultimately, I will use thin wall chromoly for final builds. Unless you are protyping trying to get the right shape or design, get a better material if you are going to spend months on something.

By the way, I welded the frame up, mounted a seat, and was surprised to see how stable it appeared to roll. My main concern has been a tendancy for the well to want to follow the steering pin (like trying to keep a shopping cart front wheel in front of pin), but the steeply pitched kingpin appears to have handled it. At least as very low speeds.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

I demand an update!

 

[Ibnzmonkey]

awesome build, subscribed for updates!

 

[scott33]

this is cool, its very different, it reminds me of the batman bike. haha. please put up more pictures when you get more done.

 

[Russell ATV]

Ok, here is the latest.....

The frame is together, and I have fashioned some functional (although ugly) handle bars. Before I work out the details to mount the engine and brake caliper, I want to see if this thing is going to work.

My Driveway is slightly slanted downward, so I have tried riding it down. I may have discovered a problem with the design. I may be too low to balance it. More speed my be the answer, so I will have to wait till I have a buddy push me to see if it will work.

All this time, I have been concerned about high speed stability, while it may be the low speed balance issue. Maybe I need some training wheels on it.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[SpyGuy]

I DID mention outriggers a while back .......

 

[ed1380]

can we get some pics? vids? plz

 

[Russell ATV]

Latest update.

I had a friend push me to see if a little speed would help me balance the low rider. Unfortunately, it did not. The position of the rider is simply too low to afford enough leverage to balance the bike.

So, I could use out riggers (AKA training wheels) on it, but this would not change the ability to balance the vehicle. It might help you get going, but as speed, or trying to turn would be very unstable.

I am not giving up on a unique mini bike design, but I will have to surrender this design. Sorry guys......

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[scott33]

you should put two wheels on the back but really close to each other. it would help you balance and look cool

 

[EagleTalons]

Convert it into a trike.

 

[Do Work]

Hey Russel, doing a good job on your two wheel lowrider! Want to see some up to date pics.