Weight & C/G

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XLerate
I luv the smell of Diesel...
Posts: 280
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:58 pm
Location: California

Weight & C/G

Post by XLerate »

Just curious to here what you guy's thoughts are on weight, related to trikes.

We know that with a 2 wheeler there's issues with the center of gravity & location of same, as weight's effect on lean angles & recovery. The weight of drivetrain effects handling in almost every way, plus it's a negative for the obvious of acceleration & fuel mileage.

Seems to me weight of drivetrain should have very little effect on a tike. A heavier engine wouldn't seem to change the handling overall except by where it's located fore & aft. Too much on the forks presents a problem I suppose, but then we can add rake to lighten steering. That doesn't cure a front end from plowing in of course. Too much weight too far aft or to rear could cause the front end to seem too light.

Other than those issues, what effect would the heavier weight of some hefty diesel engines have on a trike's handling & ride? Any?

As some know, I'm 'working on' a trike build. For some strange reason I have this belief that 'There's no replacement for displacement'. :D
Sibbo
I luv the smell of Diesel...
Posts: 94
Joined: Sun May 22, 2011 12:01 pm
Location: Northern NSW

Re: Weight & C/G

Post by Sibbo »

Here's a tool that illustrated the effect of weight , rolling resistance and my favourite , aerodynamic drag.As you suspect , weight isn't that important .http://ecomodder.com/forum/tool-aero-ro ... stance.php
XLerate
I luv the smell of Diesel...
Posts: 280
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:58 pm
Location: California

Re: Weight & C/G

Post by XLerate »

Thanks, Sibbo, plenty to keep a guy busy there!
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