Reverse Gearbox Type 1

[Oli4]

Good morning,

I am currently in the proces of restoring a ~1985 Triking Type 1, with a Guzzi gearbox.

I was reading on the forums that the reversing gearbox (the one currently for sale on the website) can be put on a Type 1, requiring "Chassis Alterations" or according to one fellow "would enter the cabin".

Could anyone give me any more details on this? Pictures are also welcome.

[peakrock]

Hi, I’ve recently acquired a Type 1 that needs rebuilding and was thinking about reverse gear too. I can’t see any way that the Nova reversing box could be used for reverse without very extensive modifications. For one thing the tunnel is very narrow and because the prop shaft is external to the tunnel the box would be half in/half out of the tunnel, encroaching further on the offside driver/passenger space.

I was looking at the solution people use for motorbike engined kit cars as the IVA test over here requires them to have reverse. Essentially they use a small starter motor driving a gear wheel that is sandwiched between the prop shaft/differential coupling. See this link:

http://www.kitcardirect.co.uk/electric-reverse-kit.html

I would think it feasible to mount a similar gear wheel on the Type 1 prop shaft (depending upon it’s diameter) and put the motor in the tunnel - subject to dimensions. I might look into it further…

Dave

[steveO]

Also take a look at caravan movers

[peakrock]

A caravan mover at first glance would seem a possible solution. It is a compact 12v unit with a roller that will grip the tire and also give variable speed control, but I think it would have several drawbacks. It will need a mechanism to actuate it on and off the tire and it could not be easily mounted on the swinging arm, even if it could it would add to the unsprung weight considerably. It could possibly go on a bracket fixed to the chassis, above the rear tire, if there was room, but it must stay clear of the tire under maximum suspension deflection. In either case it needs a powered engagement/disengagement mechanism

I think it would be simpler and more feasible to add a small gearwheel to the end of the propshaft just before it goes through the front of the rear bulkhead. A small motorcycle starter motor might fit within the tunnel dimensions and if so, it would automatically engage/disengage with the propshaft gear wheel, similar to the engine starter motor with the flywheel. I'll try and work out some dimensions out of interest...

Dave

[Alanla]

To fit the reverse gearbox in any non reverse Triking chassis the centre area of the tunnel needs to be modified. Alternatively and sometimes an easier option depending on the exact model the complete tunnel can be removed and replaced with a reverse compatible tunnel assembly.

[steveO]

As per Peakrock this is what a JZR uses, but they have a tube backbone which provides enough clearance to mesh a motorcycle starter to a I think Honda timing gear welded to the drive shaft. The motor pivots to engage.
I went around and around on this and decided as there are no narrow roads in Alberta it was not worth the cost.
A guy from this forum did mount I think a Saab stater motor facing rearwards in side the back of the tunnel with a drive shaft gear behind the seat back.
I did look at caravan movers and came to the same conclusion that it would have to be mounted above the wheel, but would hit when not in use.
Alan's box has drive shafts and is still the best option. I did wonder could it be mounted upside down?

[steveO]

On a lighter note.
I have a collapsible walking stick I inherited from my late mother in-law.
I could lean slightly out of the car and push it backwards on flat ground with little effort.
Collapse it and it would go under my legs in front of seat.
On the rare occasion I need to back up I just get out and push it.
Had plenty of practice doing this when my wife had a Harley trike. She would say look here comes my reverse gear,

Poor mans reverse!

[Alanla]

Caravan mover can indeed (and has) been fitted, The mechanism to engage it tends to be heavy and involved. The one owner I know who fitted it removed it and converted to a mechanical system after a short time. Also important to consider that this and other electric systems generally need a lot of electric current - early model Guzzi engines generally have poor output alternators so its almost essential to upgrade the alternator and often the battery.
The other common electric option is the AB type starter motor and gear option, on a Triking there is not enough clearance to get the correct gear reduction unless a more extensive gear train is devised - again adding weight, complexity and cost.
SAFETY POINT! Any system with a gear wheel fixed to the prop shaft should have some sort of re-enforced cage around it to protect the occupants in the event of a mishap or mechanical fault. Again this system has been successfully fitted but at the expense of cockpit space due to the gear wheel being located just behind the seat. Another point to consider the electric systems tend to be very slow and usually fixed speed unless they have complex electronic management systems.
There was a Guzzi specialist in South UK who did a conversion to the Guzzi gearbox adding a reverse gear but it was very expensive and required the removal of 5th gear. Yes the Triking reverse gearbox could be fitted upside down with some re-engineering to the oil filler, drain and level plugs.

[steveO]

The main concern here is what you would do to the transmission tunnel.
The Triking uses basically a backbone chassis ala Lotus. Any modifications would require significant reinforcement.
Alan's reverse box comes complete with drive shafts that would allow positioning somewhat into the tunnel (with reinforcement) running the shaft UJs at an angle is inline with Hardy Spicer recommendations.
I am not promoting Alan's product just good engineering practice.

Totally agree with his comments re electrical loads. At a minimum a 40 amp alternator swap or side mounted car type.

Interesting the box could be mounted upside down as this would give more leg room. Or do I care with left hand drive lol.

[Oli4]

On a lighter note.
I have a collapsible walking stick I inherited from my late mother in-law.
I could lean slightly out of the car and push it backwards on flat ground with little effort.
Collapse it and it would go under my legs in front of seat.
On the rare occasion I need to back up I just get out and push it.
Had plenty of practice doing this when my wife had a Harley trike. She would say look here comes my reverse gear,

Poor mans reverse!

I think I will employ this solution, not only is it the cheapest, it is the least likely to fail. (Also it's a great arm workout!)
Thanks Steve for sharing the info.

(Bit of clarification on why I enquired about the reversing box, I'm planning on daily driving my Type I to University. These days in bicycle dominated cities (like the one I study in) driving is hopeless without a good reverse.)