h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I will be interested to see how many people are required to achieve the 360 hours build target - the kit seems more complete than most and I am thinking of having a go at one myself next year.

Does anyone have any comments on the Rotax 582 engine? From what I've read on the 'net, its a lot more prone to engine failure (usually plug oiling) than a 4-stroke and the PFA has a directive out warning it can use a tank of oil faster than one of fuel...

Ken

Ken,

The 582 is a pretty good engine, as far as two strokes go that is. I don't think it is any less reliable than any other Rotax 2 stroke. It would certainly provide enough power for the Easy Raider, but some work would need to be done on the installation. Although the engine mounts are the same as the 503, space would have to be found for the cooling radiator and mounts made for it. I think this would be fairly easy, the radiator could fit under the engine I think.

The build time is pretty realistic I think. I'm about to start building Easy Raider 0004, and from what I've seen so far the kit looks very simple and straightforward to assemble. Most of the major parts are already assembled and powder coated, so it's just a bolt together job in the main.

I'm making my build more difficult by modifying a BMW R100 motorcycle engine and designing the new engine mount needed. This is almost complete now, hopefully I should have the mount finished shortly after christmas.

Jeremy