The BFF Club
FF Events
FF Talk
FF Machines
FF Futures
FF Supplies
FF Links
FF Feedback
Site Map

FF Tourer - Scratch Build

---

Mr Partridge writes:

I am glad to see that motorcycle taxis are possible. An easily accessible, enclosed machine such as I'm building may work, I will modify my design slightly to encourage it to be painted Yellow, and even better if no helmet is required.

I might suggest that you do a few articles on home-building as too may wish for a dream machine. and a lot of talk, but too few seem to he able to build it. The few machines have given me a wider insight to the possible market place. Looking through your magazine, I hope to offer my particular flavour of fully enclosed, dual seat mahcine in an advertisement. if permissable, probably late 2000 or early 2000

Motorcyclists have never had true comfort or safety. and still need to wear leathers. even when going out for the evening. I prefer a machine for serious development of the enjoyment of two wheels, but also with convenience ,safety and comfort.

I have little to show in the way of photos, as up to now all my machines have been great to ride. but not things of artistic form, except to an engineer perhaps. I am working towards a machine for people to see and use. It may come to nowt, but the last five worked as predicted, and series7 is also looking good too! (Series six is special reserve number and on paper only and has comsumed ar too much money just testing the various systems.)

The followin spec may offer a few ideas for others, although I suspect that it has been thrashed over a number of times. Only the control systems, chassis, suspension and hub-centre steering are fully proven so far. The fully, enclosed aerodynamics, are looking good, but not proved in full size. likewise the stabilisers are still on the test rig and, will need more abuse before committing to final use.

• Specification.
• Series 7. (Standard machine proposed for 750cc. but 250, 400, 500. 800, 1,000 easily possible)
• Wheelbase 2.3m. (A bit too long, but is designed a bit larger than needed, for design process leeway.)
• Weight approx. 4501bs enclosed. Open top. approx. 4001bs.
• Axle loading as calculated on spreadsheets (Confirmed). F/R with solo front 90kg rider - 50/50%. Dual 9Okg riders F/R 41/59%
• 750cc VF Honda engine with aerodinamically integrated exhaust system.
• Enhanced aerodynamics with minimal frontal area and good airflow around engine bay and radiator.
• Narrow profile for close traffic use with side crash bars at 1 car bumper height.
  
• Low centre of gravity, steel safety chassis
  
• Single sided ,front and rear suspension with antidive and 80 degrees full steering lock to lock.
  
• Easily removeable four spoke 17" wheels.
  
• Taper roller wheel bearings.
  
• Internationally standard controls for throttle, clutch, gears., brakes, indicators, lights, horn etc.
  
• Fully adjustable hub centre steering with enhanced rider ergonomics. Hands off down to 5mph open top. 8 mph enclosed.
  
• Single point eccentric rear hub, with easily adjusted drive chain.
  
• Front brake with dual callipers on single 310mm dia disc with true anti-dive linkage.
  
• Rear brake with single calliper on 26Omm dia disc.
  
• Adjustable, full ergonomic dual seating, including lumbar support and head restraints. The rider need not support any part of the bodv except head and hands.
  
• Easy access front and rear from either side, allowing parking close to walls.
  
• Rear rider can see over front rider for much better viewing and to full enjoy the ride.
  
• Easil removable superstructure, offering various fully open to fully enclosed variants.
  
• Dual headlights and high visibility rear lights,
  
• Dual rear view mirrors, adjustable from inside the machine,
  
• Reversing gear and reversing lights.
  
• All metal swing arm bearings
  
• Easy access. front and rear.
  
• Integral radio and cassette player, with four speaker svstem.
  
• Map pockets and map display with subdued map lighting.
  
• Cup holder and fully adjustable sun shade for full length sun roof.
  
• Adjustable heating, for both riders and windscreen.
  
• Windscreen heating, wiper and washer.
  
• Sensible amount of internal luggage room for general use.
  
• Easy engine access and maintenance using owners manual and the tool kit supplied.
  
• 12 volt external connector and leads, for camping, and to recharge battery.
  
• Stabilisers switchable to either automatic or manual operation operated bv thumb switch.
  
• Stabilisers are pendulum controlled for constant upright position when deployed.
  
• Stabilisers are kick, knock and kerb deflectable, with integral warning lights during night time use.
  
• Rear rider has a small fold out map table, a drinks, holder, 12volt supply for items such as laptop computer or small kettle.
  
• Regular maintenance components easily available and all spares available to order.

Safety

Side and rear impact resistant ultra strong, chassis. Roll cage.

• Front rider is feet first for the ideal front imact rider position, with the minimal front obstructions to cause the least rider damage.
  
• Rear rider has a reclining armchair.
  
• Optional safetv belts.
  
• Triplex glass or polycarbonate windscreen with heating, wiper and washer.

• Options include.
• Fully integrated luggage and premier options.
  
• Optional long range fuel tanks.
  
• Full workshop manual and tool kit.
  
• Fold away emergency windscreen.
  
• High speed trailer options.
  
• Snow and ice kit, wide heavy duty stabilisers with integrated skis. tyre chains. fog
• lights, heavy duty battery and extra heating, double glazed windscreen and mist
• resistant side screens. (To see how Scandinavians view British design.)
• Short persons kit.
  
• Disabled persons modifications, for those with major prosthesis, skeletal or muscular problems, for rider and/or passenger. (From the outset, our test riders have included one legged riders and those with seriously damaged spines.)
  
• Dual control version available for training purposes only.

Although only proposed, it is the spec. that my present machine is being built to. I have just completed the rolling chassis. and engne mounting will be followed by the stabiliser system. This will be tested to destruction for a few months. then put on the road for further testing and refinement. If all goes well the full enclosure will be added around mid 2000 and aerodynamic tests undertaken and modifications made. Then it will be trashed yet again by our regular Kaimikaze test pilots who seem to cherish the job description of 'trash it in normal use, but not using cars or brick walls' One tester enoys sliding my machines at 30mph on their side on grass. Even I've walked away from a 67mph slide on gravel on my previous open top machine (Digital speedo with memory). Even if it gets this far, as they usually do, it will still be seen as a bag o' shite, so initial reaction, particularly to styling and overall effect This test will be undertaken at a local motorcycle show. where ordinary bikers can take the piss. which is the only true and final arbiter of any design. If all fares well, it will be available on a 'built to order' basis. The working name of this project is 'JP Series 7'. is the present outcome of nine years R&D (and 200,000 words and is about half way through the programme/hobby.) and the only one aimed at potential customers.

If enough sales happen, the programme will afford the composite design and race engine for 24hr endurance racing, series 7a, which should blatantly prove FF/recumbent technology to sceptics. Then back to serious advances on series 6.

If anyone wishes to spot any obvious mistakes I have overlooked, or send in a wish list before the machine is finished, they are all free to write to me.

A few questions to prompt the wish list - The rear doors are no problem but would the members prefer the front to open in one piece like a modem glider, or have gull wing doors on each side, or the rotate forward and up doors similar to the Jag XJ220 and Countach? Unfortunately. a rearward sliding cockpit is not possible, as it would foul the rear doors. Remember that gull wing doors tend to cause the occupant to crouch earlier when entering and obscure the windscreen rail which can also act as a useful hand hold.
In an enclosed machine, is white or cream leatherette acceptable for seat covering
Do punters demand 100Occ or are sensible engines around 600cc a genuine alternative"
Do the punters prefer an unknown long distance enclosed touring armchair listening to Purcell or PIL while riding and which handles like a real bike, or a previously accepted status symbol? Honest replies only, search your heart!, then tell me what you would go out and buy anyway. Be honest.
Would an optional walnut veneer trim around a carbon fibre dashboard with CD or minidisk player and connolly hide seats be more important than regular maintenance? Tough question, eh?
Please please please tell me: Why Gold Wings? Is it the slightly nicer than a Harley style brotherhood thing, is it a size thing, or the cruise control. a 'Cadillac' thing, or something else, or just a 'right nice bike'.

Best Wishes.
J,Partridge B.Ed..B.Sc.
(Unemployed engineer, designer, draughtsman for electronic, marine. nuclear and Kawasaki, motorcycle mechanic for Honda and Kawasaki.) Gizzajob? or the chance to do a PHd in single track vehicle geometry?

Virtual Design

If anyone thinks the above is a good idea or has any opinion about it, feel free to develop drawings or pictures and email me at julian_bond@voidstar.com