Building a bike: legal issues?

[CookMySock]

what if the engineering was done online collectively, in the wiki perhaps, and the design licensed under the GPL. Then anyone could modify and build it.

DB

[motorbyclist]

what if i'm the engineer? heres hoping it'll save some money if it's already 100% sweet when i show the plans to them

cheers nade, that is exactly the information i'm looking for (and what i was hoping to hear)


roughly how much does the lvvta certification and vinning process cost in monetary terms? (so just the legal crap, excluding the engineers)

[Nade]

roughly how much does the lvvta certification and vinning process cost in monetary terms? (so just the legal crap, excluding the engineers)

Im not sure of the cost.....of the cars I have done its depended on the certifier as to the cost...and anything they pick up on that has to be changed is charged for again on an individual basis...as in for each thing they pick up on thats not correct then they charge $15 to reinspect each thing again...things like bolts not protruding throug the nut enough...minimum 3 threads...not using nyloc's....or correct strength bolts...8.8's...or 10.2's etc. so if you have 10 things that need reinspecting then you up for another $150 to get it reinspected....ontop of the initial cost.

[motorbyclist]

sweet, thanks

[surfer]

roughly how much does the lvvta certification and vinning process cost in monetary terms? (so just the legal crap, excluding the engineers)

Anywhere between $200 to $400 for LVVTA process, and depends whether you get someone to do both parts (1 and 2) or if they sub contract out to someone else if they are onbly able to do part 1. There should be no engineer cost unless you do something that is outrageous and requires special testing equipment is needed to calibrate stresses etc. You are best talking to an LVVTA certifier to find out at the outset and also to involve them in the process as you build as this will make their job easier and also make it cheaper for you with less headaches.

Vinning fees are normal, same as for any bike. Sorry can't remember how much this is now as been a while since I've done this. Wof is normal wof fee.

[surfer]

Follow this link, it might help you with sorting out costs and what is involved. I paid people to do welding so your costs should be minimal in comparison.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...94#post1109994

[motorbyclist]

thanks!

[geoffm]

Things must have eased up since I wuz a student (the first time). They wouldn't let us do something like that - we wanted to make a Hossack type front end and frame. Liability issues... might pay to run it by the uni first.

Anyway, you be wanting to do some reading young Padwan.
Tony Foale - http://www.tonyfoale.com/. Have a look at his chassis design software and articles while you are there.
and get his chassis book. The old one with Vic Willoby has aged well and still worth a read. The new one is more technical and came with a disk of software. No you can't borrow my copy...
John Robinson's book is worth getting out of the library. Foales books are better if you are paying money.
Michael Moore's site: http://www.eurospares.com/frame.htm
Join the MC-chassis mailing list.Some smart people on there (including Mr Foale himself and Mr Moore).
Chopper frames but still: http://smartflix.com/store/video/194...hopper-Chassis
Building a frame jig: http://www.monsterguide.net/how-to-b...ycle-jig.shtml
John Bradley - the racing motorcycle - a constructor's guide. http://www.amazon.com/Racing-Motorcy.../dp/0951292927 (You will need both volumes)
Cosso - Motorcycle Dynamics - http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=r...mbnail#PPR9,M1
and
http://www.dinamoto.it/
otherwise you won't be able to get the weight distribution right

You will need the spring rates and damping curves for the suspension if you are going to design the linkages right.

This looked cool when I was looking around in the past:http://www.carsim.com/products/bikesim/

Should keep you off the streets for a bit.
Geoff

[motorbyclist]

cheers!

if the uni won't let me do it i'll do it anyway as a personal project. (the thought of them not approving did cross my mind)