Hello!
Been a fan of diesel bikes since i read about a Robin Enfield in a british bike magazine, well over 10 years ago.
And after saving up some courage i desided to have a go myself.
So i have just bought a Honda VF 750 F -83 with a trashed engine.
My plan is to fit an Yanmar L100 together with a Comet variator.
I have promised myself to keep it as simple as possible.
I have tracked down an secondhand 10 hp Yanmar with electric starter for around 500 euros.
Is that okay for an engine with few hours on it?
Been lurking around here for a while and i must say that this must be the most friendly and happy forum i have ever visited.
New member & new project.
Moderators: Dan J, Diesel Dave, Crazymanneil, Stuart
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Stuart
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Hi Nibbler and welcome to the forum 
Wish you well with your project - you are right to keep it simple. Must agree - If you're not careful it's possible to value the build itself over the finished product. Some guys take years and even then the finished project doesn't live up to expectations.
Currently I favour the large twin engines such as the 850cc Ruggerini. The extra pulling power beats the singles any day
Wish you well with your project - you are right to keep it simple. Must agree - If you're not careful it's possible to value the build itself over the finished product. Some guys take years and even then the finished project doesn't live up to expectations. Currently I favour the large twin engines such as the 850cc Ruggerini. The extra pulling power beats the singles any day
Stuart. M1030M1, Honda NC700S, Grom!, Toyota Corolla 1.4 Turbo Diesel. Favouring MPG over MPH.
Hi,
There are chinese yanmar clones out there, with a little more power (418cc) for less then what you have to pay for a secondhand yanmar.
untill now they seem of reasonable quality.
However, a original yanmar will be of siuperior quality. If the engine is in good condition, if thinkis is worth the money!
There are chinese yanmar clones out there, with a little more power (418cc) for less then what you have to pay for a secondhand yanmar.
untill now they seem of reasonable quality.
However, a original yanmar will be of siuperior quality. If the engine is in good condition, if thinkis is worth the money!
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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Nibbler:
I bought a used gen-u-ine Yanmar L100AE-DE (the model you probably want: 'straight' shaft and elec start with the Comet) on ebay here in the US for $650, which I think is about E520.
It alledgedly has 1000 hours on it and was used on a ditchpump. I've taken it apart and believe that to be true. Hardly any signs of wear.
New, they are about $2000 (E1600), with the clones around $460 (E370) range.
If I hadn't come across a good used one, I would have bought a clone. (Yanmar parts are inexpensive, too. You should be able to fit them to a clone.)
That VFR would be a good candidate for a bigger engine, though. Lots of free room in the frame loops. The L100 is a nice fit in an Enfield and the low performance matches the bike better.
I bought a used gen-u-ine Yanmar L100AE-DE (the model you probably want: 'straight' shaft and elec start with the Comet) on ebay here in the US for $650, which I think is about E520.
It alledgedly has 1000 hours on it and was used on a ditchpump. I've taken it apart and believe that to be true. Hardly any signs of wear.
New, they are about $2000 (E1600), with the clones around $460 (E370) range.
If I hadn't come across a good used one, I would have bought a clone. (Yanmar parts are inexpensive, too. You should be able to fit them to a clone.)
That VFR would be a good candidate for a bigger engine, though. Lots of free room in the frame loops. The L100 is a nice fit in an Enfield and the low performance matches the bike better.
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Diesel Dave
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Big Bike - Little Motor
Sounds like a nice project - it's a big bike to push along with a small motor but so long as you keep realsistic expectations.....
It's easy to get drawn into arguements about 10Hp = 60 mph but there's much more to this than meets the eye, especially when it comes to weight and rolling resistance.
Be prepared to experiment with the gearing to get it right so I'd start gearing for 55-60 at 3600 and comet on full streach, the biggest problem with heavy bikes is getting a reasonbly quick take up when pulling away.
Just make sure the brakes arn't binding for a start
and you might like to up the tyre pressures a bit to reduce the rolling resistance.
The one thing you will notice is that any top speed is purely theoretical, any slight incline will have an effect as will headwinds - a good example of this was yesterday. Old Sluggy and I were battling into a nasty headwind on the motorway on the return leg from the memorial service at a local aircraft museum - we were down to almost 40mph. Pulling off the motorway onto more suitable back roads and speeds were back up to 50+ and I was leaving my riding buddies behind by following the diesel biking mantra - "use no brakes and maintain momentum at all costs."
Enjoy the build but even more enjoy riding the beastie!
Cheers
Dave
It's easy to get drawn into arguements about 10Hp = 60 mph but there's much more to this than meets the eye, especially when it comes to weight and rolling resistance.
Be prepared to experiment with the gearing to get it right so I'd start gearing for 55-60 at 3600 and comet on full streach, the biggest problem with heavy bikes is getting a reasonbly quick take up when pulling away.
Just make sure the brakes arn't binding for a start
and you might like to up the tyre pressures a bit to reduce the rolling resistance.The one thing you will notice is that any top speed is purely theoretical, any slight incline will have an effect as will headwinds - a good example of this was yesterday. Old Sluggy and I were battling into a nasty headwind on the motorway on the return leg from the memorial service at a local aircraft museum - we were down to almost 40mph. Pulling off the motorway onto more suitable back roads and speeds were back up to 50+ and I was leaving my riding buddies behind by following the diesel biking mantra - "use no brakes and maintain momentum at all costs."
Enjoy the build but even more enjoy riding the beastie!
Cheers
Dave
Engine is home and with it came the first snow!
Bought a secondhand Yanmar L100 for 400 Euros.
All the other bikes watched suspiously as i dragged the Yanmar through the door.
Spend a coulpe of hours in the shed, trying to figure out what mods i have to do with the frame on the VF.
I have realistic expactations. I have other bikes if i want to go faster.
I´m not even shure if i can get it legal for road use in Sweden. But my thoughts are now mostly revolving around the charging unit of the Yanmar, 15 amps or the nighmare 3 or 1 amp.
Bought a secondhand Yanmar L100 for 400 Euros.
All the other bikes watched suspiously as i dragged the Yanmar through the door.
Spend a coulpe of hours in the shed, trying to figure out what mods i have to do with the frame on the VF.
I have realistic expactations. I have other bikes if i want to go faster.
I´m not even shure if i can get it legal for road use in Sweden. But my thoughts are now mostly revolving around the charging unit of the Yanmar, 15 amps or the nighmare 3 or 1 amp.
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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That's the stage I'm in, also. The 15A alternators seem to be a rare and expensive (E120 for just the coil) find, so I'm trying to figure out Herr Altmann's "Darlington transistor" schematic for use with the stocker.Nibbler wrote:... But my thoughts are now mostly revolving around the charging unit of the Yanmar, 15 amps or the nighmare 3 or 1 amp...
-Charlie
PS- As you probably know, we call your elk a moose here. Locally, they are also known as a swamp donkeys, for their remarkable intelligence.
For a short amount of time a thought that i would be unique with a Diesel VF, that changed!
Nice bike you have Sbrumby!
Went down to the local bike breaker and they actually gave me a VF frame for free, that will come handy! And one of the guys happily told me about when he lost one of his fingers while starting an Hatz diesel...
Nice bike you have Sbrumby!
Went down to the local bike breaker and they actually gave me a VF frame for free, that will come handy! And one of the guys happily told me about when he lost one of his fingers while starting an Hatz diesel...
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Sphere
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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Does your bike also do 1:50 (2l/100km) or better? I don't know how to convert this to gallons since you imperial system people can't seem to decide what a bloody unit is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallon
sbrumby wrote:http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3356 ... wl7.th.jpg[/img][/URL]good choise , its got good wheels good brakes good suspension and contray to what has been said is no bigger or heavier than the enfield, mine only weighs 250 kg with a 950 twin & a yam 350 used as a gearbox. Also its 40 years further on than the enfield.
'92 Enfield + Hatz 1B40: street legal, weld up stainless exhaust, check engine rpm and change final drive sprocket.
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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Sphere
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Cheers!
US: 118 mpg (2l/100km)
UK: 141 mpg (2l/100km)
US: 118 mpg (2l/100km)
UK: 141 mpg (2l/100km)
taildraggin wrote:http://www.convertunit.com/fuel-consump ... ulator.php
'92 Enfield + Hatz 1B40: street legal, weld up stainless exhaust, check engine rpm and change final drive sprocket.
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Sphere
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So, around 2.5ishl/100km or 1:40 l/km. Pretty decent still. Probably a bit less because of higher weight and bigger ccm engine. And probably your bike does not struggle to reach 70mph? Big advantage.
'92 Enfield + Hatz 1B40: street legal, weld up stainless exhaust, check engine rpm and change final drive sprocket.
Over here, we don't have any moose or elchtaildraggin wrote:That's the stage I'm in, also. The 15A alternators seem to be a rare and expensive (E120 for just the coil) find, so I'm trying to figure out Herr Altmann's "Darlington transistor" schematic for use with the stocker.Nibbler wrote:... But my thoughts are now mostly revolving around the charging unit of the Yanmar, 15 amps or the nighmare 3 or 1 amp...
-Charlie
PS- As you probably know, we call your elk a moose here. Locally, they are also known as a swamp donkeys, for their remarkable intelligence.
The largest herbivore in the wild it a roe deer, But when we were in sweden, it was reverred to as elch, also the swedisch word was Elch or something?(how do they taste?)
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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OT
Yes, I'm referring to the scandanavian version, similar to this "Bullwinkle" romancing a statue:
They are the largest deer and have a 'strong' deer flavor, making it good for stews. I believe deer elevates chili to haute cuisine, in the right hands. As with your Roe deer, take care cooking the lean steaks and serve with a robust sauce and side dishes. From the best cuts, we saute medallion steaks, served with a carrot/tomato/orange sauce my wife conjures.
The problem is that they are like tomatoes in August. If you whack one, your friends will avoid you. You'll have several freezers filled with moose - the big ones weigh 1200lbs (600kg) - and you'll wander the earth offering it to everyone.
Yes, I'm referring to the scandanavian version, similar to this "Bullwinkle" romancing a statue:
They are the largest deer and have a 'strong' deer flavor, making it good for stews. I believe deer elevates chili to haute cuisine, in the right hands. As with your Roe deer, take care cooking the lean steaks and serve with a robust sauce and side dishes. From the best cuts, we saute medallion steaks, served with a carrot/tomato/orange sauce my wife conjures.
The problem is that they are like tomatoes in August. If you whack one, your friends will avoid you. You'll have several freezers filled with moose - the big ones weigh 1200lbs (600kg) - and you'll wander the earth offering it to everyone.
In Sweden vi call an moose ÄLG which is closer to the word Elk.
I got three of them infront of me while driving my bike at 100 km/h.
Since then i´m scared stiff just thinking about crashing into one of thoose creatures.
Arnaud this is slightly of topic, but i must ask you. What parts of Sweden did you visit???
I got three of them infront of me while driving my bike at 100 km/h.
Since then i´m scared stiff just thinking about crashing into one of thoose creatures.
Arnaud this is slightly of topic, but i must ask you. What parts of Sweden did you visit???
Hi Nib, can you dug and drive underneath the Elch?
Well, we visited the lower half. last summer holidays were filled with bad weather and someone told us south sweden is always good weather. the first day above Helsingborg, we were told it was very good weather for the last 2 months. that very day a rainstorm arrived and destroyed our tent.
The next 14 days we suffered a lot of rain..
Luckily most swedisch campings have 'stugor'. Jonkoping was the highest point. Slow cruising speed, time and bad weather put down our moral. There was a rumour the very south-east was better weather. But not when we got there..so we travelled the west- and eastcoast and some green stuff between them. The road signs are a disaster! the places on the maps are not on the road signs, and vice versa! So many times we wandered around. When weather is reasonable and the fueltank is filled it is good cruising over the small roads.
Storming up-hill in 3rd gear and finding out that 2 meter after the top the road suddenly turns to mud and gravel is a scary experience..
We expected to see more classic bikes over there, because we know someone who knows someone of the BSA klubben and told me there were many...
And the skane tierpark can offer a good example to many european animal parks how to keep animals properly. many hiding places and very big terrains for all the animals.!
We will visit sweden again.. when the weather will be better.
Ohyes, we pity you for the lack of good belgian and dutch beers
Well, we visited the lower half. last summer holidays were filled with bad weather and someone told us south sweden is always good weather. the first day above Helsingborg, we were told it was very good weather for the last 2 months. that very day a rainstorm arrived and destroyed our tent.
The next 14 days we suffered a lot of rain..
Luckily most swedisch campings have 'stugor'. Jonkoping was the highest point. Slow cruising speed, time and bad weather put down our moral. There was a rumour the very south-east was better weather. But not when we got there..so we travelled the west- and eastcoast and some green stuff between them. The road signs are a disaster! the places on the maps are not on the road signs, and vice versa! So many times we wandered around. When weather is reasonable and the fueltank is filled it is good cruising over the small roads.
Storming up-hill in 3rd gear and finding out that 2 meter after the top the road suddenly turns to mud and gravel is a scary experience..
We expected to see more classic bikes over there, because we know someone who knows someone of the BSA klubben and told me there were many...
And the skane tierpark can offer a good example to many european animal parks how to keep animals properly. many hiding places and very big terrains for all the animals.!
We will visit sweden again.. when the weather will be better.
Ohyes, we pity you for the lack of good belgian and dutch beers
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korup
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Hi Nibbler
I've build a Changfa186 ( YanmarL100 clone ) in a MZ ETZ 251 Saxon Tour frame, using a comet 44 series torque converter bought from Duells in Finland. It runs very well, but holds only an avarage of 70 km/h. Fuel economy is around 43km/l. I use it quite often. Has now given me over 2000 km "big smile riding joy"
I can supply pictures and more info if you like.
I have some brand new Daihatsu D950 engines on hand ( interested i one ? ), and will now begin a project using this. I think the 10 hp one cylinder engine has a great sound but unfortunately not power enough ( 55 km/h up hill )
BTW ... I live in Denmark so it's not so far away ...
Regards
Allan
I've build a Changfa186 ( YanmarL100 clone ) in a MZ ETZ 251 Saxon Tour frame, using a comet 44 series torque converter bought from Duells in Finland. It runs very well, but holds only an avarage of 70 km/h. Fuel economy is around 43km/l. I use it quite often. Has now given me over 2000 km "big smile riding joy"
I can supply pictures and more info if you like.
I have some brand new Daihatsu D950 engines on hand ( interested i one ? ), and will now begin a project using this. I think the 10 hp one cylinder engine has a great sound but unfortunately not power enough ( 55 km/h up hill
)BTW ... I live in Denmark so it's not so far away ...
Regards
Allan
Have a look at www.treskelgaard.com/bikes for various diesel bike pics from Hamm 2005
Arnaud wrote: Hi Nib, can you dug and drive underneath the Elch?
No idea, i will try it next time i see one.
Arnaud wrote: Well, we visited the lower half. last summer holidays were filled with bad weather and someone told us south sweden is always good weather. the first day above Helsingborg, we were told it was very good weather for the last 2 months. that very day a rainstorm arrived and destroyed our tent. The next 14 days we suffered a lot of rain..
Somebody told you a lie. Sound like a perfectly normal Swedish summer to me. Sometimes we can have extreme heat but it usually only lasts for a couple of weeks. I´m from the south-east part of Sweden. Maybe you visited Kalmar or Öland? Hope you get better luck next time. If you the next time are equipped with a bigger bike or more time i recommend the north of Sweden. Take the E45 through the northern inland, it´s fantastic.
The landscape is amazing with long desolate roads that goes forever.
Arnaud wrote: Storming up-hill in 3rd gear and finding out that 2 meter after the top the road suddenly turns to mud and gravel is a scary experience..
Around 75% of all roads in Sweden are gravel roads, so anyone with a off-road bike will find Sweden perfect. It´is a scary experience, but when you master it, it´s the most fun you can have with your clothes on...
Arnaud wrote: We expected to see more classic bikes over there, because we know someone who knows someone of the BSA klubben and told me there were many...
There are many but the owners don´t drive them...
Bikes from the 80´s are still very common and often in very good condition.
No idea, i will try it next time i see one.
Arnaud wrote: Well, we visited the lower half. last summer holidays were filled with bad weather and someone told us south sweden is always good weather. the first day above Helsingborg, we were told it was very good weather for the last 2 months. that very day a rainstorm arrived and destroyed our tent. The next 14 days we suffered a lot of rain..
Somebody told you a lie. Sound like a perfectly normal Swedish summer to me. Sometimes we can have extreme heat but it usually only lasts for a couple of weeks. I´m from the south-east part of Sweden. Maybe you visited Kalmar or Öland? Hope you get better luck next time. If you the next time are equipped with a bigger bike or more time i recommend the north of Sweden. Take the E45 through the northern inland, it´s fantastic.
The landscape is amazing with long desolate roads that goes forever.
Arnaud wrote: Storming up-hill in 3rd gear and finding out that 2 meter after the top the road suddenly turns to mud and gravel is a scary experience..
Around 75% of all roads in Sweden are gravel roads, so anyone with a off-road bike will find Sweden perfect. It´is a scary experience, but when you master it, it´s the most fun you can have with your clothes on...
Arnaud wrote: We expected to see more classic bikes over there, because we know someone who knows someone of the BSA klubben and told me there were many...
There are many but the owners don´t drive them...
Bikes from the 80´s are still very common and often in very good condition.
Thanks for the tips of Duell Finland.korup wrote:Hi Nibbler
I've build a Changfa186 ( YanmarL100 clone ) in a MZ ETZ 251 Saxon Tour frame, using a comet 44 series torque converter bought from Duells in Finland. It runs very well, but holds only an avarage of 70 km/h. Fuel economy is around 43km/l. I use it quite often. Has now given me over 2000 km "big smile riding joy"
I can supply pictures and more info if you like.
I have some brand new Daihatsu D950 engines on hand ( interested i one ? ), and will now begin a project using this. I think the 10 hp one cylinder engine has a great sound but unfortunately not power enough ( 55 km/h up hill
BTW ... I live in Denmark so it's not so far away ...
Regards
Allan
Any pics of the Comet setup would be great. Close up if posible.
News on my project. Frame is tacked together, will have a pro doing the final welding. Engine is test started and was running fine, but blue smoking quite heavy. It settled down after a while on lower revs but still smoking on high revs. Plans for the charging system are drawn up. Will use a car alternator with the power taken from the fan side of the engine.
Does the flywhell/ fan bolt have a millimeter thread???
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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- Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:11 am
- Location: Suffolk, New York USA
[quote="korup"]Hi Nibbler
I've build a Changfa186 ( YanmarL100 clone ) in a MZ ETZ 251 Saxon Tour frame, using a comet 44 series torque converter bought from Duells in Finland. It runs very well, but holds only an avarage of 70 km/h. Fuel economy is around 43km/l. I use it quite often. Has now given me over 2000 km "big smile riding joy"
I can supply pictures and more info if you like.
I have some brand new Daihatsu D950 engines on hand ( interested i one ? ), and will now begin a project using this. I think the 10 hp one cylinder engine has a great sound but unfortunately not power enough ( 55 km/h up hill )
Altough your figures dissapoint me a little (maybe the comet converter takes more power then a manual transmission?) you have to be patient.
Ofcourse you already tried tinkering with the fuel limit adjusting screw
But your engine is not run in yet! give it 10 K. and you will notice an increase in power especially in the top half of the rpm-range (mine got really better after 15K.)(
I've build a Changfa186 ( YanmarL100 clone ) in a MZ ETZ 251 Saxon Tour frame, using a comet 44 series torque converter bought from Duells in Finland. It runs very well, but holds only an avarage of 70 km/h. Fuel economy is around 43km/l. I use it quite often. Has now given me over 2000 km "big smile riding joy"
I can supply pictures and more info if you like.
I have some brand new Daihatsu D950 engines on hand ( interested i one ? ), and will now begin a project using this. I think the 10 hp one cylinder engine has a great sound but unfortunately not power enough ( 55 km/h up hill
)Altough your figures dissapoint me a little (maybe the comet converter takes more power then a manual transmission?) you have to be patient.
Ofcourse you already tried tinkering with the fuel limit adjusting screw
But your engine is not run in yet! give it 10 K. and you will notice an increase in power especially in the top half of the rpm-range (mine got really better after 15K.)(
A short update, this picture shows not only my girlfriend with a strange grin on her lips but also the frame of the Honda VF. The status is that the bike is awaiting being welded together by a proffessional.
Anyway it´s far too cold outside to work on the bike for any longer moment (no heat in the garage) -12 (celsius) outside... but atleast i have done the engine mounts and are currently modifying the instrument cluster slightly.
Still many thoughts about the alternator, is there a way to see what alternator the Yanmar is equipped with?
Anyway it´s far too cold outside to work on the bike for any longer moment (no heat in the garage) -12 (celsius) outside... but atleast i have done the engine mounts and are currently modifying the instrument cluster slightly.
Still many thoughts about the alternator, is there a way to see what alternator the Yanmar is equipped with?
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taildraggin
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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- Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:11 am
- Location: Suffolk, New York USA
Yanmar manuals are here: http://dawinfo.com/
The one you want is an L100AE (or similar clone). As mentioned above, they have various straight and tapered crankshaft models.
The come with 3 amp alternators (see manuals), with an optional 15amp available.
The one you want is an L100AE (or similar clone). As mentioned above, they have various straight and tapered crankshaft models.
The come with 3 amp alternators (see manuals), with an optional 15amp available.
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smokyjoe
- I luv the smell of Diesel...
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Hi Nibbler,
I had lots of blue smoke and a leaking main crankshaft seal on my Hatz E79. I finally noticed that the engine's crankcase breather tube was "clean" and further inspection revealed that the breather was clogged with crud aand the valve was stuck. Cleaning out the breather valve fixed both the leak and the smoke! Maybe you'll be as lucky.
Looks like a nice job on the Honda frame, but I think that your girlfriend has already claimed that bike! You'll have to build another for yourself to ride.
Have fun
I had lots of blue smoke and a leaking main crankshaft seal on my Hatz E79. I finally noticed that the engine's crankcase breather tube was "clean" and further inspection revealed that the breather was clogged with crud aand the valve was stuck. Cleaning out the breather valve fixed both the leak and the smoke! Maybe you'll be as lucky.
Looks like a nice job on the Honda frame, but I think that your girlfriend has already claimed that bike! You'll have to build another for yourself to ride.
Have fun