So I want to build an adult-sized, street legal big-wheel

[Nik]

Small motorcycle engine and transmission for higher-speed city driving (no highway driving, I'm not completely insane), custom frame welded together, actual wheels and tires, cable brakes (or hydraulic if possible), the works.

I have access to a machine shop, I can make just about any individual piece (or know someone with equipment if I can't).

My only real question is, if I'm going to be driving it on the road and I want it to go more than 30mph, I have to license it in my state and have insurance. Am I just day dreaming or do you think the DOT would license an adult-sized big-wheel (maybe a little larger so that it's more like the size of a motorcycle if for nothing other than visibility to other drivers) if I had the required items like windshield, headlights, brake lights, license plate on the front/back, bumpers, etc?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Just use a VW Beetle rear end and a motorcycle front end with as large of a wheel that you can find. I've seen trikes that like on the road.
http://z.about.com/d/motorcycles/1/7/l/N/1/f1497.jpg <-- use smaller rear wheels and a larger front

 

[Nik]

Sweet! I'll have to google that later.

I want a completely flat mid-section to sit on, though, with a very small lower-back support that you can move. I want the motor/transmission mounted behind the seat and everything so that it looks like a big-wheel from the front.

 

[jagec]

http://www.bikerworld.co.uk/monocycles/kerry/main.jpg

 

[RayH]

Hemi Big Wheel

 

[xgsound]

Many states have specific requirements for the seat height of 3 and 2 wheel vehicles and that's only the beginning. The difference between the seat height and handle grip height is also often regulated. To be sure you'll have to check your state's regulations. Your local motorcycle shop may be able to give you some idea where to start checking.

As you may know, the police get very serious about motorized vehicles on any public road having plates and insurance.


Jim

 

[Squisher]

As you get that wheel bigger and bigger it will become ever more to susceptible to road obstacles ripping the wheel out of your hands. The obstacles will cause less stress to wheel because it's bigger, but because of the limitations of making the handlebars bigger there might come a time where big is too big.

Power steering?