Kyoto Cruiser width

[theDude]

Has anybody built a narrower KC? I think the seat spacing is about right for us (or maybe an inch or two narrower) but do the rear axle mounting tubes really need to stick out that far? How much room is needed between the main frame supports and the outer supports? The plans show 9.5" inches but don't I really need just enough room to fit the gear cluster/brake disk thingy and clear the seats?

[Rick L]

I also found that I wanted a narrower KC. I downloaded the Lode Runner plans and I'm probably going to combine aspects of both trikes. The width of the Lode Runner is much better and I like the fact that it is higher off the ground. I'm basically using the KC front end with the Load Runner back end. 2" square steel tubing instead of 1.5" as this will be a cargo trike.

[Andrew Schlosser]

I've been thinking the same thing. I want the entire thing to fit on my 4x8 utility trailer, so I need to slim up the width and want to shorten up the length. From SirJoey's pics, I think a good 4.5" can come out of both sides.
http://andystoys.net/forumpics/SirJoeysKyotoWidth.jpg

I think a limiting factor might be elbow interference to the wheel. But this is something that could be eliminated with a fender that has an inside wall. Perhaps this could even turn into an armrest?
http://atomiczombie.com/product/kyoto/kyoto15-lg.jpg

I would rather not decrease the 26" between centerlines of the seats. I think we're going to need that space. To prove these overall dimensions out, I think I'll screw together some 2x4's in my proposed dimensions. I'm ok with the decrease in stability, as I don't see one of us driving this 100 lb beast by ourselves when we've got other bikes that weigh 1/3 as much.

[theDude]

To prove these overall dimensions out, I think I'll screw together some 2x4's in my proposed dimensions.

Doh! Why didn't I think of that? I have a pile of lumber sitting out in my garage. It's lucky I don't work for anybody else or I would have been fired by now :rolleyes4: .

[SirJoey]

I want the entire thing to fit on my 4x8 utility trailer, so I need to slim up the width... I think a good 4.5" can come out of both sides. With the standard 48" wide frame, per the plans, TOTAL width of mine,
measured at the end of the axles (outer wheel flanges), is 54", so you only need to shave off 3" per side,
to get down to your desired 48" total width. I agree, it should be do-able.




I think a limiting factor might be elbow interference to the wheel. For the pilot, this is not any issue. Your arms are positioned well above those little 20s.

For the passeger however, it depends on the bars used. Low-slung bars like Brad used, will put the
passenger's arms below the top of the tires, so interference becomes an issue when narrowing the frame.
If you use the tall, sting-ray type bars like I used, the passenger's arms will be slightly above the tires,
so it should work, provided the bars are wide enough for the passenger's legs.




I would rather not decrease the 26" between centerlines of the seats. I think we're going to need that space.I agree. It's perfect, as is! :)


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[Radical Brad]

Yes, you can make it narrower without much too worry about. The shoulder room is important, and my other goal was to keep elbows inside the vehicle so that one day if I added a body, we would have room inside the vehicle.

It would be ok to have you elbows over the rear wheels if you never plan on adding a body.

Brad