Frame Design/Ground Clearance??

[Frozen Bohemian]

Greetings to all fellow barfly's
Just getting started on the new barstool and hoping to get some opinions on ground clearance.
I am seriously considering mounting the rear axle bearing hangers UNDER the frame rails to increase ground clearance for the frame.

Anyone see a problem with this?

My old barstool was setup the traditional way with bearing hangers on top of the frame leaving about 2 1/2" of ground clearance. I wished for more clearance when ripping thru the lawn! Yeah I know keep it on the pavement, but there are times when off road activities occur.

The frame is to be set up with the engine behind the "seat" and almost directly over the axle which means it needs to be raised up enough to clear the sprocket and brake disc. Mounting the axle lower also means I wont have to raise the engine as much (over the frame).

oh the "seat" is to be an aluminum beer keg.

Here is the 1st progress photo.

[moto1fast]

Helo, If you mount the bearing holders under the frame on rear you will get Ground clearance for the frame but the clearance for the rear chain and sprockets will be the same!! You could put taller tires on the rear also to achieve both frame clearance and sprocket clearance! Also remember that you will also have to raise front as well. If you do this also consider a wider wheel base for stability!! But sounds like a great idea! Your frame Looks Great!! Keep us posted!!:thumb:

[Snakester]

Hey Frozen, It will work ...One of the first Stools that I built was just like you described! The wheel base was @ 36"...A little longer than most. The frame was @24" wide...It was very stable. The engine was mounted above the rear axle...I used a stool that had a single pedistal...It came from an old soda fountain...It was very cool. I had a 4 h.p. Honda , it needed more power , but it was really fun and handled good in the dirt. I used wheels and tires off of a John Deere lawn mower.If I can find some pic's I will post them. Can"t wait to see some pic's of your progress!!!:me:

[Mike Bean]

Frozen,

If you want to gain about 1" ground clearance, you can weld the axle hangers to the side of the frame instead of under. I have seen this done before and you can still keep the low look of a BSR. You will still have the problem with chain and sprocket clearance unless you go with a smaller sprocket.

Just my .02 cents...

Mike Bean