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It now looks like this!
Back ground to the project (or why the hell did I build it!)
Basically I built it just to see if I could.
The inspiration for it really came after looking at Douglas Self's brilliant site on Monowheels. I was particularly taken with the '1924 Circus monowheel'.
I wanted to know what it was like to ride a monowheel so I figured the only way I was going to do that was to make one.
The few drawings I did are in included below. For some reason the drawings and plans are always better in my head. It basically shows I can't draw to save my life, I guess I am better working in 3D.
The drawings inside my head are much better.
I have finally found a way of letting people see the designs inside my head!
and without brain surgery ! below is the retrospective design of the Red Max. Click here for the Di-wheel design
The wheel - 5' diameter hoop of 2" steel tube. wall thickness 1/8". made by The Angle Ring company.
The rollers - custom made by AED rollers.
The engine - 90cc 'loncin' quad engine, auto with centrifugal clutch. From Sandringham Sales on EBay.
The drive wheel - mini moto wheel with sprocket for larger chain. disc brake.
The petrol tank - from a Villiers stationary engine from EBay.
The name plaques - made by CS Engraving.
The tyre - Three 19" mountain bike tyres, cut to size and pop riveted on
All other parts were made by me, in my shed.
The actual build, once I had all the parts and steel tubing only took about eight days. Mind you I had thought things out quite carefully and pretty much knew what I was going to do!
Ben Wilson Monowheel pictures
new monowheel pictures - thanks to Andy Ball
The Red Max on the mower racing track... hard work! thanks to Andy Rostron for the photo!
Good Festival of Speed. I got to be the RED MAX, the driver of the Crimson Haybailer!
test run 1, nice and easy
test run 2, tricky thing this!
video on board! see the fear!
Q: why the flying helmet and goggles ?
A: Dignity, at all times, Dignity.
More to come, check back soon!
Difficult to describe because a monowheel is not like any other vehicle. Initially it requires careful throttle control. The brake has to be used with extreme caution! 'Gerbiling' ( going completely over in the wheel) is very possible! After a few goes getting your feet off the floor is quite easy. Steering is the major problem, the handle bars are only there to mount the controls on, they don't really do anything.
A monowheel is basically a gyroscope so steering works by shifting your weight. It sounds so easy but you have no idea!
If I ever truly master riding The Red Max I will update this part with a full explanation.
Here are some questions I have been asked, some I can answer, some I can't.
Q1. Could this vehicle ever be road legal in the UK ?
A1. I doubt it. I think it would cost about £130 to put it through an SVA test. Interestingly one thing they test in both SVA and MSVA tests is the front and back brakes. Major problem there as it only has one brake! insurance might be a problem and what do I tax it as?
If you think it could be made road legal I would love to have the details!
Q2. Can you go all the way over (Gerbiling) ?
A2. I have no doubt that this is possible but I also have no intention of finding out. The Red max was not built for it, the top loops are not meant to be weight bearing. Maybe I will build another...........
Q3. How fast does it go ?
A3. not as fast as Kevins! look for the British land speed record for a monowheel.
Q4. Can I have a go?
A4. Unless I know you very well and actually trust you, NO YOU CAN'T.
Q5. Can I have a 'backy'?
A5. See answer 4!
Q6. Will you build me one?
A6. Whilst I wouldn't rule this out it would have to be worth my while!
Q7. Was it you and your monowheel on 'Professor Branestawm Returns' on TV?
A7. Yes, it certainly was!
Check this out ! is it rideable? who made it? if you have any info please get in touch.
some more information taken from http://www.jwoodandcompany.com/2007/2007_early_consignments.htm
MV Monomoto Unique
Motorcycle Art
Here a fun story from the owner of this very special monocycle. The machine is
not rideable.
"This MV Augusta 60cc Monomoto Superleggera is the experimental machine ridden
by young wealthy Italian Luiggi Bandini, during practice for the 1954
Milano-Taranto Road Race. Bandini tragically lost control in a misty mountain
section, while waving to a pretty spectator. His grief stricken father, Count
Enzio Bandini, “The Falcon,” never again permitted anyone to ride or even view
this advanced design, and knowledge of its whereabouts faded. Eventually, rumors
of this fascinating machine reached the motorcycling bon vivant Todd Fell. On a
trip to Naples, Italy, his quest to find it was rewarded at the Bandini country
villa, where in 2004, fifty years after the tragic accident, the late Count’s
family was persuaded to part with the treasure."
sounds like rubbish to me! still a great thing though.