engine placement

[razorback]

I am building my kids a little buggy, and I am using all the suspension parts off of a yamaha blaster, I have however run into a little snag about where I should place the engine. I was initially going to place the engine to the right of the drive like the Edge Sidewinder, however I think that is kinda hokey. So my plan is now to build a cradle to place the engine in above the swingarm and run a drive chain forward to a jack shaft and then run that back to the drive sprocket. However I am also thinking of just putting the motor on the swingarm and calling it good, what do you guys think. I dont really want to do the first or the last, however I am not sure on how well the forward drive chain will work. Tell me what you think. I know someone is going to say go with independant rear, I would like too, however this is my first build and the funds for the build are very very small so I dont want this project to turn into a several years long thing.

[nutz4sand]

Go with independant rear.

Ok now that thats out of the way... :]

You using the blaster motor too? Or something with more snort?

Motors on the swingarm really run crappy when the carb is being shaken to heck with bumps. Four strokes can have oiling issues too.

The Jackshaft forward can work. Sprockets gotta be dead on straight.

[razorback]

well I am glad we got the I.R.S. outta our system, lol right now for the engine I am not sure, since it is for my kids I think I am going to be running maybe a honda xl 75 motor, but I am going to leave plenty of room so that I can swap it out later for maybe a cr 250 or cr500.

[nutz4sand]

Food for thought. A kickstart with a clutch is no fun when it gets stalled and you gotta get out to get it going again. Especially if the buggys got a cage adn a harness you gotta take off and crawl out of then get BACK in and restrap the harness.

[razorback]

good point however the buggy will be to small for a 600 street bike engine, if I come across a good deal on a motor then i will just get it. If it is electric start I get lucky if not, oh well. I really want the cr 500 though, that thing would have so much power it would be worth it.

[nutz4sand]

CR500s have power in a light bike but do not expect miracles if you add a lot of weight. Just by their nature they will move a lot though.

CR500s ARE a MAJOR pain to start too/though! Those things will kill your leg! I am a big guy (6 foot 2 and 280 pounds) and with my leg locked mine tossed me right over the handlebars when the motor backkicked! At least my friends thought it was funny! (Some friends eh?)

I would not suggest a 600 street bike motor either but something with electric start is precious when your strapped in.

Cragis list or evilbay may find you a smaller electric start motor.

Reverse is a godsend but may be more than you wish. But if you shop around a Yamaha Warrior motor can be had cheap and its got electric start and reverse. Other quad motors like this would be my search ideal in your area. A little shoppng can sometimes net you one cheap. Worth a look in my opinion.