Trike, bad idea?

[Superfuelgero]

Originally Posted by renault_megane_dci

I kind of don't get the purpose of the whole project.

You could re-purpose a race car and use it on the street ?

It's plain science - fiction for me since I am in France where it's very much impossible ...

What's the engine in the race car ?

What about EV power ?

Point, higher potential for mpg. The stock scooter is good for 130mpg. Adding a more aerodynamic body should make it capable of 200 under ideal conditions.

The third wheel could be completely shrouded, so it would have a lower cd than my vx, and a much smaller frontal area.

You can repurpose here. It would fall under motorcycle regulations with 3 wheels.

Its a race prepped air cooled vw, not great for mpg.

EV power won't have the range I would want.

May have to wait for a bit, the scooter sold. I'll keep an eye out for a wrecked grom. I may have to settle for a cbr250, i the building bug hits hard enough.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

If you would eventually be using a CBR engine, or any other motorcycle engine, have you never lurked about making it a hybrid with an electric motor to drive the front wheels? I don't remember which ones (AC or DC) are reversible, but that may be a good way to also provide reverse gear.

[Michael Moore]

I think Gold Wings are set up to run the starter motor in reverse to help back them up. You might just add an external starter motor that will engage the drive chain but spin in the opposite direction.

cheers,
Michael

[sendler]

Most states have minimum seat height regulations. 20 inches? Your race chassis won't pass inspection even as a motorcycle. The PCX125 is redline AND horsepower limited to 62 mph. It gets 105 mpgUS at best. Not 130. I get 90 mpgUS on my CBR250R. And 98 mpgUS on the PCX150. The PCX150 will hit the higher redline at 66. Still too slow. There are parts available to increase the final gearing but you would have to stack two different kits to make any real change. You might get 15% longer gearing but the 125 doesn't make enough power to take advantage of it.
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The Honda PCX / Honda Forza Forums • View topic - Gears for higher top speed
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Go with a CBR250R drive train if you want to cruise at 70 mph.

[renault_megane_dci]

Target speed ?
Target weight ?
Target range ?

Vehicle width and current eight (of the driver if it's the current highest point).

I find it awesome the freedom you guys get for projects to hit the street ...