Amphibious Kettenkrad

[Bw6]

When I first started watching the video, I was expecting a wide open, full speed attack of that hill. It looks like it rides really smooth.

Hi Mike, I really didn't want to try that hill without a run but Cam talked me into it. Was worried about the front coming up, but it hardly moved. Another thing that surprised me is how smooth it takes the bumps. It seems the combination of the front forks and the tracks make for an "ATV" type ride.

[Bw6]

BW6

Your machine really has some low end torque to be able to drive up a steep hill that slow.

Mudbug3, Yes I was really surprised to find out that it seems to perform well at both ends, low end torque, and high speed. On the GPS it hit 35 mph. before I ran out of room.

[Mike]

When I first started watching the video, I was expecting a wide open, full speed attack of that hill. It looks like it rides really smooth.

[mudbug3]

BW6

Your machine really has some low end torque to be able to drive up a steep hill that slow.

[Bw6]

Differential steering like a tractor, nice! Rekon maybe having full tracks instead of half tracks would help you climb out better? You should put Adair tracks on it!

Yes, it sure is fun to drive. Indeed full tracks would definately do it, I have designed my own version of Tim's "Adair Tracks" and plan on fabricating them when the Kettenkrad testing is complete. My version will be "all terrain" giving traction on hard surfaces like rocks, roots, ice etc. Also they will be almost impossible to walk out of, and will have an adjustment for any track stretch. But best of all they will swim!

[Stonewall]

Differential steering like a tractor, nice! Rekon maybe having full tracks instead of half tracks would help you climb out better? You should put Adair tracks on it!

[Bw6]

Amphibious Kettenkrad Update April 2011

Well, I got a little more done. Installed an aggressive knobby tire, made a BIG difference in steering control. Added the shifter mechanism, enclosed in the front rim, installed dual Wilwood master cylinders for skid steering (activated via handlebars), but it didn't work.

The problem was I need about 100 lbs force to lock up a side with no booster assist, and I couldn't get that leverage via the handlebars.

So plan B was to install dual handlebar mounted, lever operated, master cylinders. Good news is they work great. I found that the lever actuated brakes give you quite a mechanical advantage. Also they give you the flexibility to add skid steering to any angle of handlebar steering. Another plus is they act as my brakes, and e-brakes because they have a locking position for parking. This will also eliminate the need for my dual front disc brakes, and lighten up the front somewhat. Sometimes Plan B is better than A.

I also installed a very simple engine/cvt cover is case of rain. It's a rollup household vinyl blind ($14.95) includes custom cutting to 30" wide! Just roll it out and it hooks into 2 eye bolts. Tried it yesterday in a good downpour and it worked great.

Sorry for being for long winded. Finally here is a video update:

[chris davison]

Ray You had to mention Corvettes my wife and I are going thru corvette withdrawls now as we sold ours before the big move. It was a silver C5 420hp and 33mpg 6 speed. Dang thats a good looking trike.

[Bw6]

Lost in the 80's

Chris, after my last post I got nostalgic thinking about trikes. Forgot about the Honda CB900C Custom bike that I triked. Painted it 1973 Corvette Yellow, 1982 84 hp. @ 8500 rpm, plus it had a "dual range" transmission. It had plenty of storage (trunk not shown) and a plush rear seat with hand warmers! Wish I took more pics of it.
Scan20009.jpg

[Bw6]

Chris, that's a real nice trike. I like those paddle tires. Trikes are nice, I had 3 of them, 2 I build out of Honda GL1100's and one I bought.

[chris davison]

Hey Ray thought you might like to see a pic of that Kaw 900 3 wheeler

[Bw6]

That just looks like it hooks up to the 4 wheeler's ball hitch. My plan is a little heavier, with 2 independent swingarms.

Stonewall, They do articulate quite a bit, but I agree 2 independent swingarms are the way to go. Don't forget to post your progress.

[Stonewall]

That just looks like it hooks up to the 4 wheeler's ball hitch. My plan is a little heavier, with 2 independent swingarms.

[Bw6]

How did you make those half tracks? I think I'm going to build a tag axle for my 4 wheeler and make it a half track to see if it improves the flotation.

Stonewall, I posted a bunch of stuff, as well as others on how to make "homemade tracks", you will have to search for it. But basically you take a used snowmobile track (15"x121"), add some bent up steel guides, add a heavy duty piano hinge, and that's it. Used tracks are not very expensive. Or if you want a "tag axle" for your 4 wheeler that has already been designed for just that purpose check out this link:Welcome to Hitch-A-Track

I talked to the guy a while back he is not too far from me. Was considering becoming a dealer back in my Hoot days.

[Stonewall]

How did you make those half tracks? I think I'm going to build a tag axle for my 4 wheeler and make it a half track to see if it improves the flotation.