r97's NX 250 mini buggy build!!!!!

[r97]

Finally I'm going to get to build a mini buggy! LOL, I have been planning this for quite a while now, hopefully I should be moving into the building stage soon!

Engine will be from an 88' Honda NX 250, hopefully I should be getting the whole bike for $300 in a few days . http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_nx_250_1988.php

General specs:

-Buggy should have 66" wheel base, 48" width (Should be able to get through the AV trails).
-Hoping for 8" or more suspension travel all around, will depend on the shocks I can find.
-Top speed should be 40-50mph, geared low for torque (ratios may be a bi close....)
-Tires and rims were all bought for a total of $100, almost new. 23x7-10 fronts, and 22x10-10 rear.
-39" seat back to pedals

Steering geometry/suspension angles:

10* KPI
3/4" scrub radius
-3* camber
6* castor
6* rake
upper arm will be about 1" shorter than lower (camber change while cornering).

Here are some pictures! A bit rough, but that's ok (will probably add brush bars on the side).

Can't wait to really get started!

EDIT: I know the engine will hit the back of the seat in its current setup, I will fix that when I get the engine dimensions.

 

[tomas02]

very cool drawings in sketchup
design looks good
and sure youll have alot of fun building it
look forward to following build

 

[r97]

Thanks!

and sure youll have alot of fun building it

You can say that again!

 

[tomas02]

Since this is a water cooled engine, where are you planning on mounting the radiator?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Looks like you have an awesome project ahead of you!

 

[r97]

Since this is a water cooled engine, where are you planning on mounting the radiator?

Planning to put it about where it is in this picture, but a bit more protected in the frame. That said I may change my mind, I really just want it somewhere where it gets good air flow, but isn't going to get impaled by a branch.... LOL. DO you think the coolant pump will have any trouble pushing the coolant up there?

Looks like you have an awesome project ahead of you!

I sure do! can't wait to get going. First I need to build myself a good welding table, but that shouldn't be too tough.

Are you going to be getting to work on your 250 kart soon?

 

[tomas02]

my radiator is in a similar position behind the seat but high enough to get air. and the pump seems to be handling fine and engine remains at a very steady temperature around 90 celcius

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Are you going to be getting to work on your 250 kart soon?

I do hope so. Things are starting to settle down again, slowly. I did some project brainstorming this evening, and I think I have finally worked out a solution to a problem I was facing with the driveline.

 

[tomas02]

What are plans for your 250 toystory?
do you have a build thread?

 

[r97]

my radiator is in a similar position behind the seat but high enough to get air. and the pump seems to be handling fine and engine remains at a very steady temperature around 90 celcius

Ok, thanks for the info!

I do hope so. Things are starting to settle down again, slowly. I did some project brainstorming this evening, and I think I have finally worked out a solution to a problem I was facing with the driveline.

What problem were you facing? Even if you already figured it out I really like tossing around transmission concepts

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I touched on the problem briefly here, starting with post #14- http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11345

I've just come up with a workable solution but have hit a snag. I'll probably update the thread or start a new one detailing things.

 

[r97]

Well apparently I spoke too soon.....

The seller sold the bike behind my back yesterday after we agreed on $300, and he told me he would arrange to drop it off over the weekend.....

So unless I find another bike (locally this is all I have found in 8 months) this project is screwed. My only option aside from dumping the idea now is to drive 3 hrs to try to look at this, much cheaper, but doesn't look promising.....
http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/2683237648.html

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Don't lose heart and give up too soon. Sometimes it takes quite a bit of time for the right deal to come along, but it will.

Don't overlook the possibility of putting up want ads, either.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

^^ i agree^^ i put up a wanted ad and got that free magna.

 

[r97]

I haven't given up yet, although the pace of my progress is probably going to be seriously slowed down. Will probably put up a wanted add, if only it wasn't so hard to find stuff like this locally. 250cc, liquid cooled, 4 stroke, single cylinder, powerful, reliable, cheep, running, bikes are not easy to come across on an island full of elderly people.....

EDIT: that guy in Maine sent me a message back, it read "you are a moron", needless to say I was laughing pretty good after reading that.

 

[treyfus]

Designs look good! you should sell them haha.

 

[HellSpawn]

Its too bad you don't live near me. I have a spare 400cc motor for my CM400 streetbike. I dunno if your plans are based around a 250cc engine, but this 400cc would kick *** in a buggy.

I kinda have other plans for it right now though aswell. But I dunno if i'll ever get to doing what I want to do with it.

 

[r97]

Designs look good! you should sell them haha.

Thought about it, but that's another huge project. I decided the possible revenue it would give me just wasn't worth the time, and liability. although maybe once I'm finished with this build I will change my mind.

Its too bad you don't live near me. I have a spare 400cc motor for my CM400 streetbike. I dunno if your plans are based around a 250cc engine, but this 400cc would kick *** in a buggy.

I kinda have other plans for it right now though aswell. But I dunno if i'll ever get to doing what I want to do with it.

Thanks for the offer, I will keep it in mind if I get nothing from my wanted add(s). That engine isn't perfect, although I could make it work .

 

[r97]

Anyone interested? Here's my "wishlist",
http://capecod.craigslist.org/wan/2734967888.html

I got my fingers crossed!

EDIT: My god I have 3,101 posts!? LOL, toystory has got me beat big time!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

haha, i have more than that now! EDIT: 4376... oh god

good luck with the ad