Diesel Bicycles by Glen

[Stuart]

I received this email from Glen earlier today who is making some diesel powered bicycles!

Hi.

I built this, building more vintage style diesels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFx5wtFNg4E

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1ZAlojfzlA

This is a test bed, works great. Just a bit of fun for now.

Anyone wants one i am on this mail.

Cheers
Glenn

I won't post his email for obvious reasons but if anyone wants one of these then PM for his mail or contact via YouTube.

[alexanderfoti]

Wow, now thats something different!

[coachgeo]

That's pretty damn cool.

[Stuart]

Follow up from Glen:

"cool responses, I have been hiding in the shed with it for ages.

Just trying to come up with the most simple and effective transmision/clutch/belt-drive system i can, that way its easy to make from what people throw away. Its about the fun for me as an engineer, but this brief was to make things from scrap, lawnmowers, bicycles and old diesel engines, sort of back to first principles, limitations can be a good way to get problems solved outside the box.

I plan to make more this year. I think i may well have a go at re-inventing the Indian Camel or thereabouts, diesel, long throw crank and keeping the revs down. At the moment this bike fires every lamp post!. I am adjusting the gearing as it does 80 mph downhill and pulls 50 on the flat, but i would prefer it to rev a little more as diesels are great for tourque when wound-up a bit, as you know. It would just suit the arrangement better for a more useable idiot-proof public version for sale. (if I crack it properly)"

[alexanderfoti]

I would defo buy one in kit form! If it came to it!

[gilburton]

I take it from the video that this is in the US??
Unfortunately it would be illegal in the UK unless registered as a motorcycle.

[alexanderfoti]

Would be okay to wach a plate on the back and get it SVA'd

[gilburton]

Sorry to dent your enthusiasm it is possible but difficult as it would have to meet all NEW motorcycle standards re brakes lights etc. Much easier to convert an existing REGISTERED bike or moped.
I know this isn't diesel but....
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattl ... rc0497.htm
Remember this was 2004 so all the regulations have changed for the worse

[alexanderfoti]

it can't be that hard?

[gilburton]

It's harder. That one came under the "low power regs" i.e. 16mph and 1kw power and it's only 25cc so it's not even a moped and you have to get it registered etc.. You have to remember it's classed as a "new" bike as it's not been registered before and as it's based on a cycle it has no proof of age etc. therefore anything larger will have to conform to lots more regs than this one did. Ask the kit car boys it's not as easy as it used to be.
It's hard enough sticking a diesel non standard engine in a bike these days and the insurance companies are difficult to deal with as well so stick to something with a v5

[alexanderfoti]

Hmm I see what you mean.I had a real nightmare finding an insurance company fur my diesel bike. I suppose it would be good if you live in America

[Stuart]

This bicycle build is in the UK.

[gilburton]

Ah yes my fault I looked at another video afterwards and I mixed up the two.
Nice build though!

[coachgeo]

Hmm I see what you mean.I had a real nightmare finding an insurance company fur my diesel bike. I suppose it would be good if you live in America

Not a chance in hell in getting something like that registered in USA

[Stuart]

Aren't all our bikes in preparation for the 'Mad Max era' when rules & regulations will be the last thing on our minds?! I'd like to see those with electric bikes, plug in & ride about when there's no power stations working
That's why these shed bikes are so good. If the balloon goes up (to use an expression), what we've learned here will be invaluable wont it?

[alexanderfoti]

Hmm I see what you mean.I had a real nightmare finding an insurance company fur my diesel bike. I suppose it would be good if you live in America

Not a chance in hell in getting something like that registered in USA

You wouldnt need to, it has pedals, so is classified as a moped, and you can ride about on them under certain cc for nothing!

[gilburton]

It has to be 50cc or less and restricted to 30mph in the UK to be a moped. The pedals aren't needed(used to be but not now)
Anyway I don't know what the engine cc is on Glens bike but it's certainly way over 50cc and exceeds 30mph.
All these chinese motorised bicycle kits you see on ebay are illegal in the UK.
As soon as you add an engine of any size(even a model aircraft engine) it becomes a motorised vehicle and needs tax/MOT/insurance etc. as well as all the technical regulations to allow it on the UK roads.
That's the law.

[alexanderfoti]

I am aware of this (got 6 points and a fine for riding the ver such thing!), however I was talking about in america

[gilburton]

Aren't all our bikes in preparation for the 'Mad Max era' when rules & regulations will be the last thing on our minds?! I'd like to see those with electric bikes, plug in & ride about when there's no power stations working
That's why these shed bikes are so good. If the balloon goes up (to use an expression), what we've learned here will be invaluable wont it?

I've seen a 1000w (250w legal max)electric cycle conversion in action so IF I wanted to"be under the radar" lol I would get one of these.
No tax/insurance/registration/helmet etc. Ridden sensibly i.e. around town or public places I shouldn't think the police would take an interest. Not that I would ever do such a thing
Just to add if electricity was in short supply there is always a small wind turbine or solar to charge the small batteries
and use veg oil or whatever is available in the diesel bike for longer journeys.

[gilburton]

I am aware of this (got 6 points and a fine for riding the ver such thing!), however I was talking about in america

Ah ok. No doubt someone over there will comment but I don't think all the state laws are the same when it comes to mopeds??

[alexanderfoti]

Its all very confusing!

[alexanderfoti]

Aren't all our bikes in preparation for the 'Mad Max era' when rules & regulations will be the last thing on our minds?! I'd like to see those with electric bikes, plug in & ride about when there's no power stations working
That's why these shed bikes are so good. If the balloon goes up (to use an expression), what we've learned here will be invaluable wont it?

I've seen a 1000w cycle conversion in action so IF I wanted to"be under the radar" lol I would get one of these. No tax/insurance/registration/helmet etc. Ridden sensibly i.e. around town or public places I shouldn't think the police would take an interest. Not that I would ever do such a thing
Just to add if electricity was in short supply there is always a small wind turbine or solar to charge the small batteries
and use veg oil or whatever is available in the diesel bike for longer journeys.

Thats what I did, but a 600w electric bike, did 25 mph and about 35 miles range, pretty good, and didnt get asked about it