Recumbent Honda 90

[Stubby79]

Just tested mine with a timing light...the timing mark barely moved as I revved it up. Disappointing, and a bit inconclusive. Might have gained like 5 degrees, between idle and probably 6 to 8k rpm.

On the other hand, I also had my tach light out, which I used to set the idle yesterday...hit 11,500 rpm quickly, before I chickened out. That's good...wasn't sure it would do much past the 8k limit the old CDI box.

Self-advancing timing would be nice...lack there of might explain the need for 1500rpm idle?

Edit: I take that back; after thinking about it, I think it appeared to be retarding slightly, which I attribute to the timing light having trouble keeping up. Meaning it is fixed.

[Ironside]

Thanks for taking the time to check.
I made a half hearted attempt to remove the Lifan rotor today, the lack of a flywheel holding tool prevented further progress, but both rotors look identical.

I'm waiting on a clutch cable to make the bike rideable then I'll be able to swap the parts over and make a direct comparison of performance.

I'll keep you informed on progress, it would be useful to know whether it makes a worthwhile difference. The Honda engine has a mechanical advance/retard and will tick over nicely at 1100 rpm, if I can achieve that with the Lifan I'll be happy.

11,500 rpm. is impressive, please be careful, I don't want you throwing a rod an my account. A tiny-tach is now on my shopping list!.

Regards
Pete.

[Stubby79]

I wouldn't want to run it that high for more than a moment, but I doubt it'll bother the rod. Now the rings, on the other hand...I figure they're what was wrong with the motor that came in the bike that this one is going in to. The 2-speed auto means it was absolutely screaming much over 50km/hr. Seemed to run fine once you got it wound up, but sucked in low and mid range. And the oil got dirty in a hurry. I assumed low compression. Could be a burnt valve, but that wouldn't get the oil dirty in a hurry. Anyway, for that reason, I won't be making this one scream needlessly.

Tach sounds like a great idea! (Or just running the stock CDI with its 8k limit)

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by Ironside

The wee beastie is almost finished. I say 'almost' because I don't think it will ever be completely finished, projects like this tend to continually evolve.

I'm wondering if the recumbent position affects your body input to steering. You sit far lower, and it would seem that you would need to body lean far more to achieve the same effect on the bike.

[Ironside]

I'm wondering if the recumbent position affects your body input to steering. You sit far lower, and it would seem that you would need to body lean far more to achieve the same effect on the bike.

Body lean doesn't really come into it, I could be strapped in bucket seat and it wouldn't make a difference. It's all done with counter steering, every biker uses it whether they are aware of it or not. Hanging off the bike is useful at extreme angles of lean on a racetrack, but makes little difference in normal day to day riding.

Having said that, I do tend to sit upright rather than 'laid back' at very low speeds, body lean under these circumstances makes for good balance and better maneuverability.

Pete.

[C90MG]

Ironside, any updates or changes to the beast or failing that just some more c90 porn ;-) , any outings planned to southern scotland or has the chinese plague put the dampeners on any long trips out?
M

[Ironside]

Originally Posted by C90MG

Ironside, any updates or changes to the beast or failing that just some more c90 porn ;-) , any outings planned to southern scotland or has the chinese plague put the dampeners on any long trips out?
M

Hi, I assume you've seen c90club.co.uk or cubchat for more c90 porn. Only 3 weekend trips through mid Wales this year 'cause of lockdowns and various restrictions. We've been talking about a triple Scotland for a while, keep an eye on the above sites for news. A few photos from a recent trip -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3697...0659721484899/

[C90MG]

I have a look on there once in a while, but don't see much, tis where I first saw a photo of your stead, in the matlock thread I think it was.....will keep an eye out. cheers

m

[C90MG]

-Do you have a thread on the c90 forum anywhere?
-the windscreen lexan, where can I get some in the uk? the small half moon ones I've made from polycarb stuff from homebase is no good.....
-would your dustbin fairing work well on an unmodified (seat cut out wise) c90 you think?

[Ironside]

Originally Posted by C90MG

-Do you have a thread on the c90 forum anywhere?
-the windscreen lexan, where can I get some in the uk? the small half moon ones I've made from polycarb stuff from homebase is no good.....
-would your dustbin fairing work well on an unmodified (seat cut out wise) c90 you think?

There's more info here than on the c90 board, if you need more detail I'm happy to help in any way I can.
The lexan came mail order from some UK plastics supplier, can't remember the name.
The dustbin fairing could work with pretty much any bike, the lack of a downtube and position of the air filter on the Cub means that positioning custom made mountings requires a little thought.
If you're serious about going ahead and need a fairing, I may be able to help.
Pete.