Hello to all! I'm relatively new to the forum, although I used to drop by long ago before you had to log-in, and back when I had an FL350 (which has since been sold, I'm sorry to say.) I've known Hoser for quite a while from other forums.
Okay, a little background: I used to race MX, and have always had a thing for 2-strokes. The last bike I had was a Husky 390 Automatic MXer, which I loved dearly and regret ever selling. I couldn't get the racing bug out of my system, so I did the karting thing for a while, racing a Yamaha 100 for a while.
I've designed and patented a new crankshaft design, which I plan to share with you guys. The first prototype was built around a humble weedeater, and it displaced a whopping 25cc. Still, the thing had fantastic throttle response and arm twisting torque. The next one is being designed on SolidWorks, and is about 95% done. I hope to be making metal shavings shortly, and this
Engine is destined to be thrashed on a dyno so I can get quantifiable results.
I intend to get back into some sort of motorsports after I get my prototype Engine built and tested. I'd like to get another MX bike, and this time I'm thinking of a CR500. I'd also like to get back into karting - there's a relatively new class called Unlimited All Stars, and you can run just about any Engine you want so long as you don't exceed displacement limits set for various Engine types - flatheads, 2-strokes, and 4-strokes all have a weight they have to run at, in an effort to make the playing field level. Innovation is the name of that game!
I have 3 daughters, been married for almost 30 years, and I still act like a kid. I've built both of the houses I own, and I'm currently building a pavilion with a hot tub in the middle of it. My next toy is a 5 foot long tugboat model that I've always wanted to build (Don't ask me why I like the idea of a tugboat, because I just do. I want to fish with it, though!) I work for Shell Oil in New Orleans and commute back to Florida every weekend. I provide engineering support to our largest offshore platforms, and I do some engineering design as well. I love to fly fish, too.
Anyway, I just thought I would say 'Hi!'
Mark