I want a hybrid side by side!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Since you're going to use motorcycle suspensions, have you never even lurked about hub-motors?

[CFECO]

Hub Motors...Yes, but the bicycle ones are fairly low Wattage, and increase the unsprung weight, but they are not "out of the question". They may be used to make my buggy four wheel drive if needed, though all the dirt-bikes I have had, did not need the front wheels powered, they went anywhere I wanted just fine.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by CFECO

though all the dirt-bikes I have had, did not need the front wheels powered

But the dynamics on a motorcycle are much different, as the rider has more freedom to set either a little forward or back, and this affects the weight bias which in turn can enhance the traction in slippy terrain when more weight is set backward.

[CFECO]

Very true! I do not imagine we'll be going on trails that require AWD

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

So, if you're approaching the hybrid route, try to set most of the weight around the rear axle. Just like a hi-tech sandrail

[CFECO]

Yep, thats the plan. I have a lot of flexibility on component placement right now. If I use one motor with a differential driving the two rear wheels, I can face the motor to the rear between the rear wheels. If I use two motors, one driving each wheel, the battery pack can go between the wheels, where it could go anyway. If I set it up with the generator ( Hybrid configuration) the battery would probably go between our legs in front, with the Gen. out back.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I assume you're not neglecting safety features of this project, such as making the battery bays watertight enough to get some decent water-crossing capability. Then, if you would also keep the generator mounted at a higher position in order to avoid the need for a snorkel and a raised exhaust pipe, could still get more batteries closer to the rear-end.

[CFECO]

Yes, the motor is what I'm worried about the most, being out of the passenger compartment and between the MC swing arms. I have considered making a housing to surround air cooled motors, with a fan to provide forced cooling air to the, which is starting to get on the complicated side. Another option is a motor which is water cooled, complicated again, needing a radiator, but since the Li-ion battery pack I'm looking at requires cooling also, perhaps they could be on the same system. Radiator-pump- battery- motor- radiator?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by CFECO

Another option is a motor which is water cooled, complicated again, needing a radiator, but since the Li-ion battery pack I'm looking at requires cooling also, perhaps they could be on the same system.

Makes sense. It would probably be not so complicated as figuring out that forced air cooling setup.

[CFECO]

My " Issue" right now, among others, is how to line the motors if using two, or the diff. output shafts if only one motor, to the swing arm pivots, so the chains to the rear wheels stay properly tensioned. I'd like to pivot the swing arms on the drive shaft from the motors-diff. to the drive sprocket, keeping the chains on the outside of the machine, for service proposes. This seems to require either four bearings per swing arm, or some kind of double bearings, which will let the swing arm pivot up and down, but the driveshaft can go through the center at several thousand rpms. Drawings to come.