driveshaft guys, a question:

unreconstructed1 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

okay ya'll, I'm working on a 79 Kawasaki KZ1000 ST.this bike is shaft driven, ( my first one) which gave me an idea...

I wonder if it would be possible to "modify" the output hub ( or whatever the big hub that attaches to the wheel is called) to operate a sprocket rather than a tire...

if one were to cut and weld the sleeve that the driveshaft fits into, and then shorten the driveshaft itself, I believe that it could be used as a sort of offset final drive to allow the use of much bigger rear tires, as well as more easily accomodate a rigid frame.

I would like to get my hands on a good diagram of the shaft drive assembly, in order to see what the best way to go about doing this would be.

do ya'll think it can be done? questions? comments? am I nuts?

edit: I believe that I may have posted this in the wrong section... could a mod move this if necessary and look over my screw up?

kgdb · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

Anything can be done but ya kind of lost me on this one?

" I wonder if it would be possible to "modify" the output hub ( or whatever the big hub that attaches to the wheel is called) to operate a sprocket rather than a tire..."

unreconstructed1 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgdb

Anything can be done but ya kind of lost me on this one?

" I wonder if it would be possible to "modify" the output hub ( or whatever the big hub that attaches to the wheel is called) to operate a sprocket rather than a tire..."

it's okay, that's where I have lost most folks today when I explained it to them...

basically, it would convert the shaft drive into a chain drive, but put in an offset that would allow a larger rear tire to be used...

kgdb · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

Convert to chain drive? Very doable.

unreconstructed1 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

well, It's not so much just for the chain drive ( the chain drive IS one big reason for me to do this though), but the reason that I want to do it the way I describe is to get the offset for one of those big assed 280 series tires... and this seems to be the best way to do that...while I know that it's been overdone to death on v-twins, the simple fact that you never see them on jap bikes makes me want to do it that much more...

honestly, this bike is more or less a learning experience for me. I've had a few bikes before, but I've never gotten to make them quite what I wanted out of them..
I've got a specific vision in mind, and come hell or high water, that's what this bike is gonna look like...

HenryinVa · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

Yep, its been done just as your describing. run the driveshaft into a bevel gearbox with a sprocket or belt pulley on the output side of the gearbox. Theres a guy, if I remember right, over on Thechopperunderground forum that has recently done that and I believe there is a whole thread there that gets into pretty good detail. Ya may want to go and check it out. Bout the best I can help ya out with your question!

And ya havent looked very hard, because theres a bunch of Jap bikes running big rears

unreconstructed1 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryinVa

And ya havent looked very hard, because theres a bunch of Jap bikes running big rears

thanks for the heads up... I'll check it out and see if I can find it.

as for Jap bikes with wide rear tires, I guess I'll just have to pay more attention. all I've ever seen was just a handful of them.

kgdb · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009

yep, Henry is correct on the bevel box. Lunatic has done a lot of work on this subject, perhaps he will chime in or I will find the threads for you. Certainly doable for sure.

jerseymutt · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009

I was thinking maybe shorten the shaft and hook the wheel end to a jack shaft type arrangement and a sprocket, chain to the rear wheel on either side or both sides.

You may want to think about tire availablility in the future as the fat tire craze is over and how much longer will the tire companies be making beach ball sized motorsickle tires for. Not trying to throw a dampner on your plans (I'm not being negative) but thinking realisticly here.

Mutt

Bonehead9 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009

Yup, Henry is right but I can't recall the guys name either, very cool setup too. And Mutt....for pity sake I hope your right about the fat tire thing dying....I've just never liked that look.