Michael Richard's Journal

Hello, Michael! from time to time I jump to your website to see what is new and also research all of the old information (photos, text, videos...). Great source of knowledge and experience. Your CK is one of the simplest and lightest, probably the cheapest and fastest-built - and, give you and friends a lot of joy! Keep building and riding! Regards, Zoran

P.S.: my mistake, sorry for both designer/constructor Christobal and you Michael! Zoran

No problem Zoran, I was about to decline credit for the build but you got to it first. I do love the simplicity and this build really help me sort some things out I was befuddled by. Thanks for the reply. I like reading your posts. Have a wonderful weekend. Michael

So, no problems here! Thank you for your kind words. I am not a builder of CK and shall not be, but I still enjoy in work and success of others, especially members of this nice CK-Club. If I could, I would try to help anybody with the information that I have. If you didn't see Christobal's website, do it soon: http://www.cyclekartdesign.com/ ... Do not make mistake as I done 15 years ago! During internet-friendship with Pete Stevenson, I prepared everything to build one and have all conditions ready! But, I postponed that for some other "better times" that never came. My CK would be built like all of the Stevensons' (plywood monocoque box with steel rails, maybe wooden), but with JAWA motorcycle components: an engine of 350 ccm, 4-speed gearbox and wheels of 18". Pete didn't have any objection: he and his family with a group of friends appreciate the spirit of Cyclekart and Cyclekartism and especially the personality of Cyclekartist - more than technical issues. They didn't make rules or formula, just describ

So, no problems here! Thank you for your kind words. I am not a builder of CK and shall not be, but I still enjoy in work and success of others, especially members of this nice CK-Club. If I could, I would try to help anybody with the information that I have. If you didn't see Christobal's website, do it soon: http://www.cyclekartdesign.com/ ... Do not make mistake as I done 15 years ago! During internet-friendship with Pete Stevenson, I prepared everything to build one and have all conditions ready! But, I postponed that for some other "better times" that never came. My CK would be built like all of the Stevensons' (plywood monocoque box with steel rails, maybe wooden), but with JAWA motorcycle components: an engine of 350 ccm, 4-speed gearbox and wheels of 18". Pete didn't have any objection: he and his family with a group of friends appreciate the spirit of Cyclekart and Cyclekartism and especially the personality of Cyclekartist - more than technical issues. They didn't make rules or formula, just describ

... ....described what they did for them, and what was the best for them! If somebody accepts that - good, if not - also good! So, turn around, watch and read a lot, then make a decision what to build and start design and construction for yourself and your dreams not for others. That will be your CK, that could share with friends if they want that. Good luck! Zoran

P.S.: The same, they used original Honda engines with standard 6.5. HP, considering them the best for their needs! Now, engines are tuned up to 8-10 HP, even 12 HP (stage one and more), that is almost 100% more power. There is one "champion" with stage two engine and 15 HP in professionally build CK worth around 10 grand $$$$... Stevenson used Honda 17" wheels as the most practical technically and financially, but even more as esthetically the best for their CK as replicas of vintage era GP racers. Now, they could be too big or too small, too narrow sometimes - depending on a chosen racer as inspiration...make your mind fly free and stay in a spirit of Cycleakrtism! Z.

Thanks Zoran! I actually found that photo on the cyclekartdesign web site. I raced motorcycles back in the late 60's and early 70's and well remember the CZ and JAWA bikes. They ran and held up very well. The only problem we had here with them was sometimes parts were scarce. The Maico was really no better then but much more expensive. I do appreciate your comments and kind advice. At the point I'm at I could still find viable 17 inch wheels, but if it comes down to an alternative I will go with the 18 inch honda wheels.The Arizona Cycle Kart club has one racer with 16 inch rims, but uses taller tires coming to within 1/2 inch of the 17's in height. I've heard no complaints against the 16's. As you said the world is wide open to ones own imagination, but I prefer to stay at least close to the sacred scroll so to speak. When I get this done and if it drives enough interest to get a few people to build and start a chapter I certainly won't tell them they aren't welcome should they stray off the path. It's