A friend who is into bikes suggested that the goldwing engine and transmission may be suitable for a locost bec. He thinks there are even some set ups with a reverse gear as the bikes are so heavy. What is the forum's opinion on this?

Caber

Absolutely no point in my opinion, just as heavy as a car engine, doesnt rev any higher than a car engine, is much wider than a car engine (so probably wont fit the chassis very well) and doesnt put out any more power than a lightly breathed on X Flow.

So in summary, not too keen myself

The later Wings used the same engines as Civics 1500 and up. The reverse on them was electric by way of the starter motor, not too strong.

I thought the Goldwing was a flat 6?

Oh well so much for that idea

Caber

[Edited on 9/20/2005 by caber]

I agree that the problems fitting it, the power consideration, and the suitability may not make it an ideal choice. Different is not always better....check the power/torque numbers compared to any other car-ish engine...(google or wikipedia "GoldWing"....)

Ok so the did make a Six Cylinder....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldwing

http://100megsfree4.com/honda/h1100/inter.htm
http://100megsfree4.com/honda/h1200/wing.htm
http://100megsfree4.com/honda/h1500/wing.htm
http://100megsfree4.com/honda/h1800/gl1800.htm

1100cc-1800cc depedending on the year, 4 cylinder until 1984, when it grew/option for 6 cylinder, and is currently (for the past 20-ish years) a 6 cylinder.



[Edited on 21/9/05 by dl_peabody]

I know it's been done before, can't remember where or by who..

Surely a small and compact flat six would fit easily in a Locost, it's usually height that's the limiting factor, and it should have a lower CofG than a car engine ?

I reckon it'd be a decent compromise between a car/bike engined 7

It would be different, being a flat-6 and a pretty straight-forward install (so long as the output shaft spins the right way - I'd check this first), but to be honest I wouldn't bother unless you have found one at a bargain price!

They're nothing special otherwise....

[Edited on 21/9/05 by Coose]

the honda shaft will spin correctly.

Sorry they were made at the same plant as Civic engines in Marysville. I'll have to read the whole article next time. My mate has a 1100GL which is a flat 4 and suffers from electrical gremlins occasionally. The later ones would be low geared if run through a car diff as well as the bike reduction. The 1800 produces 118bhp at 5500 rpm which is not a lot better than a decent car engine.