As we are nearing 1 month til the 2024 Gathering I thought I would cobble something together as campsite transport from stuff I've acquired over the years. The main basis of the build is a Briggs & Stratton 18hp V-Twin, massively overkill for the task but is something I've not seen used at a Gathering before and should sound great! General philosophy is keep it simple and fun.
Options of things I have to attach it to are:
Some requirements it needs to be:
Pictures:
Donor kids pinks scooter with the Briggs V-Twin sat on it, kind of dwarfs the scooter wheels in size.
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/0d51df2fa5ea.jpg)
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/de969ec8d1fa.jpg)
Donor coolbox next to the scooter
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/e2d7ed9aa715.jpg)
The engine had a fuel tank mounted on top however this makes it much bigger and in the way of a potential frame so removed the fuel tank and will have to find something suitable later down the line to replace it.
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/7cd5865beb0e.jpg)
Mocked up the trailer wheels next to the scooter, I personally think these match the engine size much better
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/bcc21c12a1de.jpg)
And for being silly I turned the engine so it would've been like a Moto Guzzi / BMW / Triumph inline type layout but that would open itself to quickly getting complicated compared to chain / belt drive, but would be cool and unique!
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/e30ba1b8b651.jpg)
Options of things I have to attach it to are:
- A pink kids scooter, the tyres are foam so would need to go and gives the issue of the frame being too narrow to fit more suitable wheels with brakes, alternatively it becomes a trike donor or gets a friction drive from another wheel
- A cool box, could be some sort of bar stool racer inspired thing or a trailer, ideal for carrying drinks and tat auction tat
- Some 16" trailer wheels, could make a custom bike frame inspired by cafe racers, bobbers, board racers, mini bikes, etc
- Some 10" sack truck wheels, could make a budget rectangular go kart frame with 1 wheel drive, the lazy option but proven fun just more work needed on the steering geometry compared to a bike front end
- Alternative use of the 10" sack truck wheels would be a kind of motorised chariot however this didn't go down well with the other half when she saw a video of them being raced...
- There are loads of second hand BMXs online, the front of one of these can be used to make a mini trike
Some requirements it needs to be:
- Small and light enough to fit in the back of a car and pass through a house door
- A seat! Got to travel in comfort, no standing up
- Show off the V-Twin, some nice exhaust should do this
- Be geared for about 20mph max, it is campsite transport afterall so don't want to be setting any speed records
- Buildable over some evenings and weekends during July
Pictures:
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/0d51df2fa5ea.jpg)
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/de969ec8d1fa.jpg)
Donor coolbox next to the scooter
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/e2d7ed9aa715.jpg)
The engine had a fuel tank mounted on top however this makes it much bigger and in the way of a potential frame so removed the fuel tank and will have to find something suitable later down the line to replace it.
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/7cd5865beb0e.jpg)
Mocked up the trailer wheels next to the scooter, I personally think these match the engine size much better
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/bcc21c12a1de.jpg)
And for being silly I turned the engine so it would've been like a Moto Guzzi / BMW / Triumph inline type layout but that would open itself to quickly getting complicated compared to chain / belt drive, but would be cool and unique!
![](https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/lowen93/e30ba1b8b651.jpg)