12-01-2015, 12:13 AM
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#71 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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The motorcycle frame isn't that unique (I presume) but it sounds like an interesting piece. If it's running it could be the nucleus of an interesting project. IIRC Wankel don't wear, except for the three rotor tip seals.
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12-06-2015, 04:19 AM
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#72 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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The question is "why would you want to?". I had a co-worker who rode (occasionally) a Boss Hoss motorcycle, powered by a Chevy engine. It always seemed to me the excess heat from that engine would just roast the rider out of the seat. That and the weight just seemed very impractical IMHO.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Hal For This Useful Post:
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12-14-2015, 01:25 AM
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#73 (permalink)
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It's all about Diesel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
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Interesting, but I'd be kinda scared about the lack of ground clearance and the risk of damage to the lower cylinders. You never know when something can go wrong in my country...
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12-15-2015, 07:52 AM
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#74 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Suzuki and Norton both built Wankel engine powered bikes back in the 1970s. I'm not sure if the Nortons made it to market, but there were Suzuki models in the showroom and on the roads. From personal experience with Mazda - the pickup in my case - the rotor tip seals didn't make it to 100,ooo miles and by that point it was very smoky. Wankel engines have the same problem as two strokes in that the intake and exhaust ports are open simultaneously causing some loss of the incoming charge, hence less than optimal fuel efficiency and emissions.
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12-15-2015, 07:55 AM
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#75 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Looks cool - but I won't be riding one...
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12-15-2015, 11:29 AM
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#76 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hal
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That's off topic, this thread is for CAR engined bikes, not AIRPLANE engined bikes!
 
__________________
I'm not coasting, I'm shifting slowly.
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12-15-2015, 01:02 PM
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#77 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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The problem with the Wankel was that there were two tip seal materials. The affordable one wore excessively, but the unobtainium one lasted forever.
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12-15-2015, 06:22 PM
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#78 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UFO
That's off topic, this thread is for CAR engined bikes, not AIRPLANE engined bikes!
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It's the same kind of ridiculousness. The average motorcycle engine nowdays is compact, lightweight, powerful, efficient... Why would you want to give up all of that? |
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12-19-2015, 11:34 AM
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#79 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
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Hal, the Norton rotary was sold in police/military trim, but not to the general public
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norton_Interpol_2
cheers,
Michael |
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12-19-2015, 03:13 PM
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#80 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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The key to any project is to analyze the cost versus benefit ratio. The question a builder must ask is whether this an art project or an engineering exercise. A three cylinder 1.0L engine is usable on a large motorcycle. There is an optimal power to weight ratio for a car or motorcycle in the range of 36 lb GVW per horsepower. Polaris is using a 2.4L car engine in its trike.
The Curtiss-Wright rotary engines were licensed from Sachs. Singe rotor air cooled versions were used in snowmobiles. Larger multi rotor designs were developed for aircraft. C-W did work on stratified charge induction to improve fuel efficiency. Mazda uses side ports for their car engines. Some industrial rotary engines are being developed. For rotary engine motor vehicle manufacturers specialized tooling and emissions testing are required. Price vs volume competition can be fierce.
Last edited by Grant-53; 12-19-2015 at 03:28 PM..
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