Power Kite Forum - Buggy Axle Length

Buggy Axle Length

Cheddarhead - 11-3-2012 at 11:51 AM

I'm in the process of building my own buggy and can't quite figure out what the axle length should be. I have everything else figured out on paper. I'm a really tall rider at 6' 4" and know that my bug will be longer than most, so I figure that the axle will have to be longer as well to keep things in proportion. I'm not building a full race bug but not a freestyle one either, so something in the middle. Thought I would ask you buggy gurus what you think would work well.

ripsessionkites - 11-3-2012 at 01:15 PM

140cm

jellis - 11-3-2012 at 01:43 PM

145cm

MG-kites - 11-3-2012 at 02:18 PM

152 cm

Cheddarhead - 11-3-2012 at 03:03 PM

mmmmm, I see a variety of lengths there.....perhaps several lengths would work as long as it's within a certain range? Can't imagine this is rocket science, just so long as I can get in the ballpark and experiment from there. I'll mainly be riding large grass fields if that helps any.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

Rob.

ripsessionkites - 11-3-2012 at 03:13 PM

depends on what you want to do as well.

most guys who are taller go with a longer rear axle

BigMikesKites - 11-3-2012 at 05:06 PM

Figure also how you are going to transport? My MG Cruzer wouldn't fit inside my F150 bed without the wheels off, but a PL Bigfoot just does with the wheels on. Make is as wide as you can and still be comfortable with transportation.

Cheddarhead - 11-3-2012 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigMikesKites
Figure also how you are going to transport? My MG Cruzer wouldn't fit inside my F150 bed without the wheels off, but a PL Bigfoot just does with the wheels on. Make is as wide as you can and still be comfortable with transportation.

Very good point!!! Did not take that into consideration. I have a GMC Sierra with a shell/cap/topper so I do have lots of room but not unlimited. My plans do include the ability to remove the rear axle. I am also open to carrying it on top(canoe style) or on the trailer hitch with a custom holding rack.

Thanks so much for all the input guys!

BeamerBob - 11-3-2012 at 06:28 PM

Yes, no tools is wonderful for hauling. My Apexx is only 138 cm and I can slide it sideways at over 50 mph. Axle width isn't eveyrthing. Seems like Popeye tries to make an equal sided triangle between all 3 tires contact points.

Cheddarhead - 11-3-2012 at 09:15 PM

Popeye sure makes beautiful axles, but I certainly don't need anything that long and shiney. Not goin the all stainless route either....have you looked at seamless stainless tube prices lately, sheesh. I don't have a first born or arm/leg to sell so that's out of the question. I'll just have to settle for something a tad more affordable.

MG-kites - 11-3-2012 at 11:02 PM

What wheels are you using?
Bigfoots cadkat, Bigfoots AS, ST wheels, Discwheels?

BeamerBob - 12-3-2012 at 07:59 AM

I was referencing Popeye because he seems to have a knack at balancing buggies first try. The equilateral triangle is one of the factors. Shiny not required and the length isn't a requirement unless your siderails are long enough to demand it. Seamless might not be mandatory either. Consider your options there.

BigMikesKites - 12-3-2012 at 08:53 AM

When all else fails and you get too big, you can always use a HITCH RACK

This rack made a huge difference in my Dead Bird trip this year. Kept the back of the truck free for tons of kites and a exta XR+ to boot.

agreee!!!

revpaul - 12-3-2012 at 10:03 AM

Quote:

if prepping/loading/unloading/prepping/loading/then unloading the equipmnt is a chore in itself just to get the to and from fun/destination what are the chances you'll simply take a pass on some trips.

make the buggy best suited for use with it's primary intention.
if chasing high speed personal bests/records is it's major duty then build it accordingly and knowing extra prep time is involved.

if it's just for fun than make it simple to use so as not to hamper fun so much.

Cheddarhead - 12-3-2012 at 11:41 AM

Thanks so much for all the input guys,:bigok:it really brings up things I may not have thought about yet. As far as wheels go, I have two aluminum Douglas 8x8 atv rims mated to some billet aluminum go kart hubs. 4 on 4 bolt pattern, 3/4 inch ID bearings and all wrapped with some 18.5/850/8 carlisle tires. The whole rear wheel axle setup was stolen from "Van" so I can't take any credit for ingenuity there. Standard american parts makes things much easier when I can simply run down to the local shop and get what I need without having to mail order everything. The whole intention for this bug is to have fun without sacrificing comfort. No need for 50mph or anything, just want a stable ride that I can bomb around the local fields with. I have the propensity to over-engineer things once in a while, so I have to remind myself sometimes that it's just a bug and nothing more.

Thanks again, you guys are awesome!

popeyethewelder - 12-3-2012 at 02:27 PM

For years I made all my buggies with a 160cm axle...I never found it a hindrance even once, I also liked the fact I could go as hard as I liked into a corner on any surface and never worry about flipping the buggy.....many builders make their axles 150cm, purely because the stock lengths come in 6m lengths...makes 4 axles nicely.

DAKITEZ - 12-3-2012 at 03:26 PM

The last thing you should consider when building your bug is making it fit your vehicle. Just ask flexiblade who has the sherman tank buggy and stuffs it in the back of his little honda.

You want the buggy to perform its best ... this is first and foremost. If not why build it? just buy a peter lynn folder and use it. When your buggy performs great your skills will progress exponentially and you will enjoy it more.

You will always be able to find a way to transport it. Just look at me with the apexx and a nissan cube LOL . It goes on the roof and I do not need to loosen one bolt to do it. :wee: When there is a will there is a way ... It should be easy for you especially since you have a truck!

g00fba11 - 12-3-2012 at 04:05 PM

Don't forget about Van's slick buggy rack that just mounts into your hitch receiver...... I have seen these work up close and in person and that is the way I plan on going....... then transport is a piece of cake.........

I want a 24 ounce PBR holder like Angus on my buggy.......and lazy boy comfort......... hopefully you can't get a KUI or KWI yet........

I will leave going fast to Brian, Bobby and the other speed demons out there.......

rocfighter - 12-3-2012 at 04:38 PM

My Libre axle goes all the way from wheel to wheel. I hope this helps :crazy:

van - 12-3-2012 at 08:56 PM

If you are using the hubs and douglas rims , they do have an offset on them which makes them stick out more. I found that 4 1/2 feet ( 138 cm) was perfect for that setup. My total width with the wheels are over 6 feet so don't make your axle too wide. Those rims are wide so you must consider the width with the wheels on also.

popeyethewelder - 13-3-2012 at 12:18 PM

duplicated post

popeyethewelder - 13-3-2012 at 12:18 PM

Just as a comparrison...the Dominator 4 frame width was 160, then stub axles and nuts, then spacers to hold the wheels off the axle plates, with Beach racer tires on.....overall measurement...over 220cm.....what a beast, and I could turn it that tight the inside wheel would stay still

Dom 4

Cheddarhead - 13-3-2012 at 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by van
If you are using the hubs and douglas rims , they do have an offset on them which makes them stick out more. I found that 4 1/2 feet ( 138 cm) was perfect for that setup. My total width with the wheels are over 6 feet so don't make your axle too wide. Those rims are wide so you must consider the width with the wheels on also.

Thanks Van, def taking that into consideration. The rims are really nice, they'll work excellent for my application. I originally was going to go with trailer hubs/spindles, but they added a ton of un-needed weight (10lbs each), so I kept going back to the go kart hub idea and found some really nice ones on line. These work excellent together!! Never in a million years would I thought you could put go kart hubs on atv rims.....I give you mucho props for ingenuity! You da man!

Cheddarhead - 13-3-2012 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by g00fba11
I want a 24 ounce PBR holder like Angus on my buggy.......and lazy boy comfort......... hopefully you can't get a KUI or KWI yet........

mmmm, never thought about a KUI:puzzled: I sure would like to see the look on the officers face when he arrests you for drunken kiting. lol.

Most of my kiting already looks drunken so he would never know the difference :smilegrin:

SlasherQuan - 14-3-2012 at 07:04 PM

worst comes to worst leave the tailgate down, that is what I have to do on my Silverado with my Ivanpah buggy. Works good lasts long time.