Twin Bike Sports Runabout

[Angel And The Wolf]

Uh! yeah, I spelt it wrong.

[Frank Lee]

Without a direct mechanical coupling the second engine using spark timing from the primary engine would rarely, if ever, run.

I know! Use a multi-cylinder engine!

[Angel And The Wolf]

I believe you are right. I moved both engines behind the driver, placed an idler shaft behind them, and put a sprocket on the shaft for each to drive. Then added a third sprocket to run the final drive chain to a single rear wheel.(Yes, it's now a reverse trike - see permalink 8 in this thread). The Idler should provide the direct mechanical coupling you speak of.

[Angel And The Wolf]

I envision four pedals, two right for throttle and brakes, and two left, one for the clutches and up shift, and the other for clutches and down shift. Hands free for the steering wheel (legal on motorcycle trikes in Texas).

[samwichse]

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

There were some twin-engined GM Coach buses which resorted to a pair of Detroit Diesel 4-71 engines before the release of the 8V-71. IIRC it resorted to a special gearbox that took the output from both engines and sent it to the transmission through a single output shaft.

[Angel And The Wolf]

Yes, like my two chains driving one intermediate shaft. Not sure if I can keep them in perfect sync, with chains wearing, but gears are too difficult.

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by Angel And The Wolf

I envision four pedals, two right for throttle and brakes, and two left, one for the clutches and up shift, and the other for clutches and down shift. Hands free for the steering wheel (legal on motorcycle trikes in Texas).

Here's the idea on the Clutch/Shifter pedals:

[Angel And The Wolf]

Actually, since I'm using solenoids and switches, I may as well just use one pedal with both up- and down- shift switches on the pedal

[Angel And The Wolf]

There is the possibility that one engine might shift, and the other might not complete it's shift. This could be very bad, unless motorcycle engine/transmissions are used that have gear indication lights on the instrument pods. The clutches could be equipped with servo lock outs that would hold the clutches disengaged unless both indicator lights match.
In the case of a missed shift on one one of the engines, the trike would coast until the pilot could manually correct the mismatch.