Wheels & Tyres

From Hacky Racers Wiki

Go-Kart Wheels & Tyres

Split

See Rule Zero

  • Twin tubes, side by side, with a valve on the inside and outside of the wheel.
  • Slightly easier to replace tyres/tubes in the pits as bead does not need to seal.
  • Custom machined hubs.
  • Part-worn tyres can be occasionally found for a reasonable price.
  • Slicks are fun.

Unsplit

See Pink My Ride

  • Tubeless.
  • Can be difficult to replace tyres in the pits, special tools and a high flow compressor help.

Mobility Scooters

A mobility scooter frame with steering, wheels and an axle can make a solid foundation for a beginner hacky racer. Their tyres however will wear out quickly, especially on tarmac. Typically use inner tubes. Readily available spares.


Mini ATVs

See LEtsGO


Hoverboard Hub Motors

See CYBR TRK

Hoverboard wheels differ from most other types of hacky racer wheel, as the motor is built in to the centre. It is possible to fit pneumatic tyres to the 6.5" hub motors with some careful modifications.

4.10/3.50-5 mobility scooter tyres are about the only size which can be made to fit. 8 1/2 x 2 look close, but do not fit.

  • Turning down the OD of the hub slightly and improving the surface finish makes fitting easier, but will weaken wheel.
  • The tyres can also be made to fit by removing rubber around the inner diameter using a burr tool in a drill and taking it as close to the bead as you dare. This is easier, does not require a lathe, and does not weaken the wheel.
  • Cut a notch/pocket for the valve to exit (or punch a hole in the sidewall of the tyre).
  • Using washing up liquid as lube, with the tube inside the tyre and valve facing towards you, hook the bead just over the back edge of the rim.
  • Work the bead around the outside of the tyre towards the front. Not too far at this stage.
  • Hook the valve through the bead at the front, and push down, so it slips over the OD of the hub and into the previously cut notch/pocket.
  • Work the rest of the bead and other side of the tyre around the hub.
  • Reinstall the stator and cover plate.
  • Inflate to ~15PSI. ~25PSI leads to catastrophic failure.


Machined notch for valve (ignore crack!)
Cleaning up OD of hub
Tyre fitted



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