Evolution Cycles
1087 Hickory Hill Pkwy.
Hubertus, WI 53033
414-573-7031
Other Ideas:
I will update this page from time to time with things I have done in the past, ideas I am working on,
or some "Gee, wouldn't it be neat if..." ideas that I have rattling around...
Quick Conversion Sidecar Motorcycle setup:
I own a R100RT which I have added a subframe to which allows me to quickly convert from solo to sidecar configuration with minimal effort. Quick connections for the electricals is easy, of course. But maintaining the alignment of the sidecar when removed and reattached is a bit trickier. I also devised a slick way to quickly adjust the front fork spring preload without extensive modifications to the stock setup, which maintains normal maintenance proceedures, is low cost, and allows stock handling when the sidecar is detached, but allows for heavier preloading with the sidecar mounted simply by screwing in two bolts in the top-caps.
And, of course, what would be the point of owning a sidecar if you can't ride it? I ride mine year-round, even up in Wisconsin winters. In fact, I make a point of going for a ride on two or three wheels each year on New Year's Eve. Riding out the old, and riding in the new year...
Upgrades/Modifications to BMW 1970-1995 R-Series "Airhead" motorcycles:
I have owned several Airhead BMW motorcycles over the years, and being the sort that just can't leave well enough alone, have come up with a small list of personal modifications and upgrades for these bikes. One of them is, of course, the stainless steel battery straps that I have for sale here on the site. Others include upgrading the wiring in the charging circuit, easy brake bleeding, and more. If you would like to read about some of them you can follow the link below.
AIRHEAD UPGRADES/MODIFICATIONS
Motorcycle/Toy Lift for RVs and Travel Trailers/5th Wheels:
When I first went on the road I trailered my motorcycle with me behind my RV, and I quickly learned that hauling a trailer around is a real drag... figuratively and literally! The trailer caused enough extra drag that my fuel economy went from horrible to abysmal... Not to mention the hassle of maneuvering, hooking & unhooking, etc... So, I thought about carrying the bike on the rear bumper. I had seen fixed rails that you rolled the bike up onto with a ramp, but with my bad knees, I didn't want to think about the effort of doing that. I also researched and found several devices which lowered to the ground (more or less) to allow loading. All of them used a tire rail with a spiderweb of tubes sticking out to the sides for tiedowns, etc. Riding the bike onto those resulted in you having to pick your feet across those tubes and reaching a LONG way to the ground if you stop where your feet can't reach one of those tubes.
Instead, I designed my own... It has a solid platform that the bike, or other toy is rolled up onto. It keeps you from worrying about tripping over a web of tubing, it offers more space/options for loading, and the solid platform keeps your toy cleaner by blocking road spray coming up from below. The lift mechanism is VERY solidly built and tied back to the frame of the RV back at the bumper and another 4 feet forward on the frame to reduce/eliminate torsional stresses on the connecting points.
I have carried the motorcycle shown from New York state to Florida, to Texas, to Alaska, and all points in between. I even hit frost heaves on the Alaskan Highway with this setup at full speed [not on purpose...] and everything held tight. I have carried chest freezers, ATVs, two bikes at once, firewood, and all manner of other things using this lift. It works great! Rails are for dummies, Platform lifts ROCK!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Recumbent Bicycles:
Yes, I enjoy pedaling as well as twisting my wrist on two wheels... I have been involved with recumbent bicycles and other human powered vehicles for many years. My senior design project for my Mechanical Engineering degree was a stressed-skin human powered commuter vehicle which used linear drive rather than rotary pedals. I have also designed and built more "conventional" recumbent bicycles, including one that won the gold medal in the "Practical Human Powered Commuter Vehicle" competition at the 1990 International Human Powered Vehicle Association Championships. I went on to ride that same bicycle for the next 11 years before retiring the frame. I have also done custom HPV's {Human Powered Vehicles} for special needs, and am currently working on one for my disabled niece.
Please email me if you have any comments, suggestions or new ideas.
Thanks!
Dyna Beads
Champion Sidecars
