[Christ]

Originally Posted by Smurf

I wouldn't worry about using both the motorcycle engine and the CRX engine. That would create extra chain drag or driveline drag when the other isn't engaged. And besides, burning gas is still burning gas. A bike pushing around a CRX&motor wouldn't do much for mileage.

However, if you consider adapting a golf cart motor into the motorcycle frame, adding some batteries strategically for weight distribution, and jackshaft it appropriately, you could use the electric drive for up to ~25mph, then CRX on long drives. When the electric is engaged, keep the CRX idling to keep power brakes, etc and to charge batteries. There's the box, then there's thinking outside of it..

Bad idea. You don't need power brakes on a CRX as it is, and they already don't (mostly) have power steering.

The net effect won't be a weight reduction, but it will be less brakes overall, and less tire contact surface, which means you want less leveraged force on the brakes to compensate.

Plus, burning a bunch of fuel to recharge the batteries is probably one of the least efficient ways to do that. If you're only using it for speeds up to 25MPH, you're probably also using it only around town... in the event that your (deep cycle) batteries get low, you can always start the engine and let it charge the batteries to get you home, or better yet, keep them out of that circuit altogether and drive home on gas, then grid charge the batteries like you should.