Diesel motorcycles. Me want, me shall have.

[NachtRitter]

Pic link for the KLR650 didn't work for me, so I searched and found...
M1030-M2 MOTORCYCLE | HAYES-DT

400+ miles on one tank with a motorcycle...

Cool stuff!

[redneck]

Originally Posted by Christ

I was thinking that I would gear it so that at 60 mph, it's running about 2500rpm... That will give me enough "overhead" to accelerate and overtake if necessary, while still keeping me in that really efficient area.

Torque 'curve'... Lol.

You will be lucky to see mid 50's for a top speed and the acceleration will be somewhat slow.

Not trying to discourage you.

Look at the site I posted earlier. It's already been done several times and the results are known.



>

[dcb]

I assure you that Christ knows the limitations of a 10hp motor

But the cool thing is all the stuff it can run on, and 250g/kwh is pretty good bsfc for a little engine so it should be real efficient at cruising. The more he streamlines/gears up the faster he can go at 250g/kwh

[Christ]

Here's the cool part: look up the hp figures for a honda twinstar motorcycle... Then the top speed, etc.

, Hell even a 97 Ninja 250 only has 14hp, iirc, and it's VERY capable of speeds that I just don't condone the sight of.

Weight and size (frontal area) play a large factor in whether you "go or no go".

[dcb]

Originally Posted by Christ

, Hell even a 97 Ninja 250 only has 14hp, iirc,

Now I'm not so assured I'm thinking more like 35hp for a ninja 250. My 250gs is rated at 25hp. You need to understand that this 10hp diesel is going to take a while to reach top speed and will thus take more finesse/planning than your typical bike, but the fuel options and amazing mpg, and the fact that it CAN reach hiway speeds is what makes it very cool.


"This Diesel powered KLR, with its good looks and neat build it is proving to be something of an inspiration to other builders located on our forum.


This motorcycle was built from a KLR by David Sparks of Little Elm, Texas. He states: "I'm using a Yanmar clone 418cc diesel engine, with a Comet 40 series convert/drive. It's both electric and pull start. At this moment, it only has 375 miles on it and still in the break in period. The top speed is about 65MPH with an average of 130MPG. I've run it on bio diesel and regular diesel. Both seem to suit it just fine. David has recently (2010/2011) sold the bike to Guy Compton. "

I don't know about the 65mph part, but you could probably make 55 without aero. Maybe he just tucks in to make 65

[Christ]

you're right dave that should have said 34... not so easy to proofread on an android phone!

[dcb]

sidetrack, maybe look into "tethering" or otherwise using your android as an internet connection for a computer/laptop via usb or bluetooth if it is your only internet.

My old samsung acts as a gsm modem for my laptop with a $5 usb cable when I'm away from regular wifi.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by dcb

gawd, love that torque "curve" It's like an electric motor that runs on chicken renderings.


If you can target your averages cruise load/speed for that 3000 rpm mark, that will be about as good as it gets efficiency wise.

The BSFC curve is for a fully loaded engine at that RPM. Assuming you won't be P&G, you'll want it geared so that your typical cruising RPM is just high enough to overcome aerodynamic drag. I downshift for hills on the interstate, and I wouldn't have it any other way. And if you don't want to downshift, you could always pull a Rollie Free.

[Christ]

Gears are cheap, guys... I can play with gearing to find the "sweet spot" for a given situation, and compensate that way.

Efficiency issues: how to couple the engine, trans... Double roller chain? Toothed belt? Serpentine?

[Frank Lee]

It is my understanding that the belt drive torque converters are at best 80% efficient... think what that KLR could do with a proper transmission.

Belt or chain should be good. Don't see why a double roller though- just use standard motorcycle sizes.

I've been wondering lately how much power can be put through those skinny serpentine belts, but haven't looked into that yet...