Update 018
So I’ve just completed the basic prep list before my next test run, and I had a quick spin around the block on the machine to ensure I didn’t waste time and money on a venue hire fee, and hit problems.
Its been almost a year since I last drove it and today’s drive was like a fresh experience. So some aspects of the vehicle were quite a surprise – notably the weight and its effect on ground handling.
By “ground handling” I mean the time when the vehicle is not being moved under its own power. From the seated position, keeping the vehicle upright is no problem but it needs a parking brake since the force vector from the supporting leg tends to push the machine backwards.
The vehicle feels much heavier than I remember and it is extremely awkward to manhandle without a helper. This would be remedied by fitting a easily deployable stand and some handles or body features that enable easy holding, the smooth bodywork gives you nothing to work with.
Anyway, since I’ve been adding weight with everything that I’ve made, I thought it wise to check what it is now. So here’s a photo of the vehicle on cornerweight scales.
The results are –
Total weight (empty vehicle) : 205kg Front wheel : 85 Rear wheel :120
Total weight (me seated inside):274kg Front wheel :112 Rear wheel: 162
So it’s put on some weight and needs a diet. I’ve been making things in steel, for speed and simplicity and I knew things were heavier than ideal but it was still a shock to be over my target at this stage.