eurylokhos
08-24-2003, 08:20 PM
So, was anyone else inspired enough by the newest issue of RC car to go out and buy an RC bike?
Personally, I'd been looking at those for a long time, and that article pushed me over the edge, and I'm glad I did. I love the TTR FM-1e. I've done a few mods to it that have greatly iomproved it, and it gets more and more fun every time I run it. It presents a challenge that I haven't experienced in surface RC for a VERY long time. I'd definitely suggest that anyone looking for something new and fun check it out.
I adapted an HPI 48p 90t spur gear to it, so I can use my stock of pinions from my racing RCs. It really made a big difference, the bike is much quieter and smoother. Also, I ditched the rider, and the handling is MUCH better.
ANyone else got one?
k_sw31
08-25-2003, 12:53 AM
I don't have one, but I would love one. Maybe if I ever have 300$ just lyin around...
Have you taken it out on a track yet? How does it performe?
EvaderRacer76
08-25-2003, 01:12 AM
Yeah I always kind of wanted one, but I didn't want to spend that much cash on something I don't know much about, and I am on a low budget. tell me how it does in performance, I bet the handling and take-off are awesome. - Does it do wheelies?
eurylokhos
08-26-2003, 08:34 PM
Performance wise, it's impressive. I've got a 13 turn double in it right now, and it's fast. I don't know exact speed of course, but I'd say around 35 or so. The front gets light when you get on the throttle, but mine doesn't wheelie on flat ground with the 13 in it, but it will when going up a slope.
Handling is great, but it is totally different than a car. It's a lot like flying a plane, you need to plan ahead, and manage the energy the bike has, since the faster it goes, the less turning it can do, so you need to slow down. Basically, it's just like a real bike. It leans way over in turns, and the throttle has a direct effect on how the turn works. It'll headshake, drift the rear out, traction roll, everything that a real bike does. You've got to be smooth with throttle and brake, so you don't upset the bike. At first, I couldn't run it in anything less than a large parking lot without hitting things, or slowing down so much that I'd dump it over in turns. Now I've got about 10 to 15 packs through it, and I can run it in my small driveway without any difficulty.
I'm very happy with it, it's a challenge that is pretty unique. The drivetrain is so efficient that with the 13x2, I get 30-40 minutes on a 3300 pack, and it's small and easy to transport, and is pretty amusing. The only real neagtive I've found is that it draws a crowd pretty quickly, and I'd much rather not have to explain to 20 people how it works. Also, you don't have to worry about running over to it every time it tips over, since the bars on the side hold it up enough that if you slowly feed in the throttle while its over and going in a circle and it'll build up enough momentum in 5 or so seconds to stand back up on its own.