Building a Quadricycle

[Elliot]

I think I'm going with an American speedster, since I've heard great things about them from the folks i talked to on playa... Another disaster?

There are indeed quite a few American Speedster kits running around in BRC, and many of them work just fine. But this must be credited to savvy builders who spot the weaknesses and correct them.

I spent much of my 2013 burn in camp, but the one American Speedster I saw was being pushed, with the chain dragging on the ground.

The plastic sprinkler pipe idea is not terrible, but some builders insert steel pipe inside -- perhaps for a reason.

The big problem is the crank/chain-ring/chain-line. The crankshaft is fastened to the frame with a rather wobbly arrangement. Then the chain-ring (front sprocket) sits far out "in the breeze" at the long end of the crank, where it wobbles and bends like a drunkenly tossed frisbee. And it is difficult to assemble this arrangement so that the chain runs in a reasonably straight line to the rear wheel and whatever gearing stuff may be there. So the American Speedster is "Chain Derailment City" -- unless the builder understands all the weaknesses and corrects them. So... not for beginners.

I recommend tricycles. You can build it for six people if you wish, but you will be far ahead if you have only three wheels. This instantly eliminates all that extra rolling resistance (tire scuffing) of a not-quite-right four-wheeler.

[Ano]

I don't think I could build a tricycle. The advantage of the speedster, to me, is the awesome step-by-step videos someone has posted on YouTube about how to build them, along with the apparently detailed plans, and the ability to buy the parts all in a kit all at once. A tricycle? I know about as much about building a tricycle as an infant. My tinkering skills are terrible! I'm trying to take it slow... Then again, maybe building a giant quadricycle out of PVC is a bit above my ability too?

I've been thinking about buying an electric trike and being done with it, but my urge to build something calls. Wish I were 13 again, I'd steer myself towards welding and tinkering rather than... World of Warcraft...

[Wüstling]

The big problem is the crank/chain-ring/chain-line. ... So the American Speedster is "Chain Derailment City" -- unless the builder understands all the weaknesses and corrects them. So... not for beginners.

Damn, I wanted a quad-cycle and purchased the SideKick kit already. I understand what you're saying about the missing sturdyness leading to derailment, but I don't know how to fix that. I have googled to find other posts where people talk about this but found nothing but this thread.

Anyone on this list who could give me some more concrete advice?

Anyhow, I also contemplace adding an electrical motor and see what happens. I'll not install it when entering the city but only once in camp. I plan to have a shell around the cart (as a night art car). Unfortunately, I started with this idea too late to get it registered as a mutant vehicle.

There is, BTW, one part about the "2 or 3 wheels" law that makes me wonder if it helps the goal of getting it officially accepted with a <1hp motor:

On http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_b ... egulations, where it explains the federal law, it says:

However, such requirements do not apply to e-bikes assembled from parts or kits by an individual

Could there be made a - maybe somewhat debatable - argument from this that a Sidekick, being home-built, is not limited by these laws this way? All I need is a little doubt that I may be "legal".

Does anyone have stories about getting a motor-powered quad accepted, or were those all lucky that no cop bothered them at all?

[unjonharley]

The big problem is the crank/chain-ring/chain-line. ... So the American Speedster is "Chain Derailment City" -- unless the builder understands all the weaknesses and corrects them. So... not for beginners.

Damn, I wanted a quad-cycle and purchased the SideKick kit already. I understand what you're saying about the missing sturdyness leading to derailment, but I don't know how to fix that. I have googled to find other posts where people talk about this but found nothing but this thread.

Anyone on this list who could give me some more concrete advice?

Anyhow, I also contemplace adding an electrical motor and see what happens. I'll not install it when entering the city but only once in camp. I plan to have a shell around the cart (as a night art car). Unfortunately, I started with this idea too late to get it registered as a mutant vehicle.



There is, BTW, one part about the "2 or 3 wheels" law that makes me wonder if it helps the goal of getting it officially accepted with a <1hp motor:

On http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_b ... egulations, where it explains the federal law, it say

However, such requirements do not apply to e-bikes assembled from parts or kits by an individual

Could there be made a - maybe somewhat debatable - argument from this that a Sidekick, being home-built, is not limited by these laws this way? All I need is a little doubt that I may be "legal".

Does anyone have stories about getting a motor-powered quad accepted, or were those all lucky that no cop bothered them at all?

You may fuck up part of you burn getting around gate and breaking the rule.. Ranger read the board.. If your not registered as a MV.. You can be made to take it off playa.. That would be a bum fuck..

[mrchiff]

There is, BTW, one part about the "2 or 3 wheels" law that makes me wonder if it helps the goal of getting it officially accepted with a <1hp motor:

On http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_b ... egulations, where it explains the federal law, it says:

However, such requirements do not apply to e-bikes assembled from parts or kits by an individual

Could there be made a - maybe somewhat debatable - argument from this that a Sidekick, being home-built, is not limited by these laws this way? All I need is a little doubt that I may be "legal".

Does anyone have stories about getting a motor-powered quad accepted, or were those all lucky that no cop bothered them at all?

It is not a "bike". It has 4 wheels, not 2 or 3. Stop trying to convince yourself you are special and can go outside community guidelines.

##

[AntiM]

No matter whether it is homemade or not, four wheels plus a motor, even an electric one, means it is supposed to be licensed. We have a Rhoadescar and some years must show the Gate inspector that the battery is for lights only, that is is purely pedal powered.

I get highly pissed off when I see the four wheeled quads putting around with their little motors. Yeah, they simply got lucky no one has stopped them, confiscated their vehicle, or given them a ticket. Special little snowflakes think the rules are not meant for them and want to quibble? Fuck that, pedal your ass like the rest of us lowly fuckos.

If they are handicapped, they have a permit displayed. That's alright.

[Wüstling]

AntiM, I can understand the the "only 2 and 3 wheels" federal or state law needs to be enforced, but why do you get pissed about some 4-wheelers with motors getting by regardless? If they go the same speed and even occupy the same size, what enfuriates you about it? Is it that they get what you don't get or is there something that pisses you off about electrical vehicles altogether?
You sound you have a deep grudge against them, and I'm trying, being the considerable BM citizen that I truly am, to understand what you reason is.

Also, I've come to the conclusion that a 4-wheeled motorized bike won't do it, so I'm now looking into finding a 3-wheeled bike. Hard to find, though.

Has anyone tried converting a Sidekick (4 wheels) into a 3-wheeler for that purpose? Not only would it solve the motor issue, but it would also deal with the instability issue on the uneven playa, right?

Hmm, but that's getting off-topic. I better start a new thread on that.

[unjonharley]

She is fed up with you.. No one on this board can give permission to break the rules..
If I see you without a premitt I will turn you in.. Stop your whining and do it right..

[Wüstling]

Stop trying to convince yourself you are special and can go outside community guidelines.

I think you're missing my point here. It's not communal guidelines that force this rule, it's federal and state law, and BM has to accept that. I was asking for legal arguments, not to piss around with DMV.

But, as I've already stated, I've given up on that, so please stop all being so hostile. I asked questions, and didn't get personal at all, or did I? So, please give me the same courtesy.

[bm_cricket]

Stop trying to convince yourself you are special and can go outside community guidelines.

I think you're missing my point here. It's not communal guidelines that force this rule, it's federal and state law, and BM has to accept that. I was asking for legal arguments, not to piss around with DMV.

Then ask a lawyer. You will probably still need to fight it when some federal officer pulls you over. Or you could ask the BM DMV and take their "advice" (not legal council) and you will most likely be fine with what they say.... Which will be more or less the same thing everyone else here is saying.

There are battles that can be won and battles that will be lost and then there are beers. I choose beers.

[AntiM]

I get pissed because some of us follow the rules, and don't look for technicalities to let us do as we please. I also get incensed about MOOP, stow-aways, and unself-reliant mooches. And unbaffled generators and commerce. The hard and fast rule for the event is four wheels + motor = mutant vehicle requiring a license. It does not matter if it is state, federal or DMV, it is what is in place at that time in that place. If you are part of the community, why do the rules not apply to you? Answer that. Why do you feel being the exception is okay?

I'm going to have a beer. Well, maybe coffee, I don't care for beer.

[bm_cricket]

I get pissed because some of us follow the rules, and don't look for technicalities to let us do as we please. I also get incensed about MOOP, stow-aways, and unself-reliant mooches. And unbaffled generators and commerce. The hard and fast rule for the event is four wheels + motor = mutant vehicle requiring a license. It does not matter if it is state, federal or DMV, it is what is in place at that time in that place. If you are part of the community, why do the rules not apply to you? Answer that. Why do you feel being the exception is okay?

I'm going to have a beer. Well, maybe coffee, I don't care for beer.

Coffee is fine too.

qp5Ip (Small).jpg

[theCryptofishist]

AntiM, I can understand the the "only 2 and 3 wheels" federal or state law needs to be enforced, but why do you get pissed about some 4-wheelers with motors getting by regardless? If they go the same speed and even occupy the same size, what enfuriates you about it? Is it that they get what you don't get or is there something that pisses you off about electrical vehicles altogether?
You sound you have a deep grudge against them, and I'm trying, being the considerable BM citizen that I truly am, to understand what you reason is.

What sort of crappy bid for control and power through quasi-Freudian analysis is this? Why do you feel you can do this to people? Don't actually answer. I'm already reminded of Mary McCarthy and Lillian Hellman...

[Tiahaar]

I got a quad almost ready for the playa! Tandem pedal power only. No motor ...the umbrellas will not be up during windstorms either, no desire to be an out-of-control (and another rule...no fixed sails allowed) land sailer freak I even have brakes woohoo!

[Elliot]

Chop saw, welder, barbeque, bench grinder.... Yep, all the tools for a successful job. Or are you installing the BBQ on the machine?

[bm_cricket]

Or are you installing the BBQ on the machine?

Elliot,
I like the way you think!

[FIGJAM]

Or are you installing the BBQ on the machine?

Elliot,
I like the way you think!

How's yours coming along?

Any updates, photos?

[bm_cricket]

Or are you installing the BBQ on the machine?

Elliot,
I like the way you think!

How's yours coming along?

Any updates, photos?

I should take a few photos of the special mounting brackets for the wheel chair motors. I've managed to make the machine move but my old, used, lawn mower motors are getting in the way of forward motion (literally). I've tested the voltage drop on the batteries and one of them drops to about 8v, the other to about 3v when I try to drive the thing forward. I think I'm a couple of dual use marine/starter motors away from progress.

[unjonharley]

I got a quad almost ready for the playa! Tandem pedal power only. No motor ...the umbrellas will not be up during windstorms either, no desire to be an out-of-control (and another rule...no fixed sails allowed) land sailer freak I even have brakes woohoo!

Looking Good..

[Tiahaar]

tyty! will be rolling over to your neighborhood looking for your music trike =^.^=

[Chazel]

We bought a used surrey (aka quadricycle) and are decorating it up for this year's burn. The one we have originally came from these guys. It seems pretty well built but some folks have warned us that it will tend to sink into the soft playa due to it's weight. Anyway, we're giving it a try and can report back afterwards. Ping me after if you're interested in that.

Cheers! Kent

Howdy,
We just bought a surrey and are considering taking it on the playa. Any feedback on your experience? Little concerned it might topple over. I have only been once and recall the sand being pretty compacted.
Thanks!
Cathy

[AntiM]

We have a Rhoadescar quad, and it is quite heavy. For the most part, it does quite well on the playa. Now and then there are soft spots of deep dust, usually out in the open areas, where we really have to pedal hard. In 15 years, I think we only need to get off and push twice.

The surrey should be fine. I've seen some pretty tall quads out there. We have a canopy on our quad, it really gets going in the wind, IF we are going that direction. Can be a bitch to pedal against the wind though. Good for the legs, and the character.