Can the Monster Chopper Hill Climb?
Summary
TLDRIn this exhilarating video, the creator takes on the challenge of enhancing a monster chopper's off-road capabilities beyond expectations. The week's project involves addressing the chopper's shortcomings by installing headlights, attempting hill climbs, and even considering a jump. The script details the process of crafting chain guides from UHMW plastic, designing and fabricating custom parts, and the trials of cutting out a second chain tensioner. The chopper's performance is tested with new radiator fans, and the discovery that the original radiator may not be suitable leads to a creative solution with a thermos switch. Aesthetic and functional lighting placements are considered, and the chopper's unique 'cyber steampunk' style is highlighted with the addition of LED pods and an airplane-shaped bracket for the headlights. Despite a few setbacks, including a chain coming off during a drift, the builder remains committed to refining the chopper's performance through adjustments in tire pressure, shock settings, and gearing. The video concludes with a successful test drive, showcasing the chopper's improved handling and the builder's excitement for future on-road and off-road adventures.
Takeaways
- π§ The monster Chopper has impressive off-road capabilities that exceeded expectations, prompting a series of upgrades and fixes.
- π οΈ Major improvements included installing headlights, addressing chain issues, and testing hill climbing and jumping capabilities.
- ποΈ Custom chain guides were made from UHMW plastic to prevent the chain from popping off and to protect the swing arm.
- π© The Chopper had an extensive number of custom parts, with two files dedicated to its components, indicating a high level of modification.
- π© A second chain tensioner was designed and installed to handle the torque and prevent the chain from coming loose.
- π‘ Radiator fans from a KTM were tested and found to work effectively once a thermos switch was adapted to control them.
- π‘ Aesthetic and functional lighting was added, with the front featuring an airplane-shaped bracket to hold the LED lights.
- π€οΈ Tire pressure was reduced for better traction and handling, with further adjustments made after testing for optimal performance.
- π The rear shock was swapped out for an older version with more damping to reduce bouncing during rides.
- π© A new chain tensioner was designed using CAD and a custom turnbuckle was fabricated for better chain management.
- π΄ββοΈ The Chopper was tested extensively, with modifications made based on rider feedback and performance outcomes, highlighting a focus on continuous improvement.
Q & A
What was the primary goal of the modifications made to the monster Chopper?
-The primary goal was to address the Chopper's major downfalls, install headlights, and test its offroad capabilities, including hill climbing and jumping.
Why did the chain on the Chopper need a guide?
-The chain needed a guide to prevent it from popping off and to protect the swing arm from the chain slapping against it.
What material was used to make the initial chain guides?
-The initial chain guides were made using UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight) plastic.
What custom part was designed to fix the issue with the radiator fans?
-A custom thermos switch adapter was designed to provide a switched ground for the radiator fans to operate properly.
What was the issue with the original radiator fans?
-The original radiator fans were small and did not activate as expected, possibly due to missing a thermos switch or incorrect wiring to the ECU.
How did the builder address the need for better lighting on the Chopper?
-The builder designed and installed custom LED headlights and additional aesthetic lights on the swing arm for better visibility and a unique look.
What was the outcome of the first test drive after the modifications?
-The first test drive showed that the chain guides worked effectively without any signs of the chain throwing off. However, the radiator fans did not activate as expected.
Why did the builder decide to change the sprocket size on the Chopper?
-The builder decided to change the sprocket size to allow for lower RPM cruising and to provide better clearance for the chain.
What adjustments were made to the Chopper's suspension system?
-The builder added a new rear shock with adjustable damping, let out air from the shock to soften it, and reduced the tire pressure for better handling.
What was the final test conducted on the Chopper?
-The final test involved a night-time drive to check the functionality of the newly installed headlights and to assess the overall performance of the Chopper after all modifications.
What was the overall conclusion of the builder regarding the Chopper's performance after the modifications?
-The builder concluded that the modifications were extremely successful, with improvements in the chain system, gearing, bar risers, headlights, and tire pressure. However, some minor adjustments and further testing were still needed before considering the project complete.
Outlines
π§ Chopper Offroad Performance and Upgrades
The video begins with the host discussing the impressive offroad capabilities of the monster Chopper. They plan to address its shortcomings by installing headlights and testing its hill climbing abilities. There's also a mention of a potential jump attempt. The host discovers Ethan's chain and decides to create chain guides using UHMW plastic to prevent the chain from popping off. They also discuss the complexity of the chopper's custom parts and the process of cutting out a second chain tensioner from truck metal. A successful test of the chain guides with a burnout confirms their effectiveness.
π‘οΈ Radiator Fans and Thermostat Switch Issues
The host encounters problems with the radiator fans not activating. After testing, they find that the fans work but are connected to the ECU and not the original radiator's thermo switch. They deduce that grounding the green wires will activate the fans. The host then fabricates an adapter for the thermo switch, which fits after some adjustments. The fans are tested again and work as expected, staying on until the radiator cools down. The host also contemplates lighting placements for improved aesthetics and functionality, and they construct a unique airplane-shaped bracket for the headlights.
ποΈ Chopper Aesthetics and Functionality
The host refines the positioning of the lights on the chopper for both aesthetic and functional reasons. They redesign a more robust airplane bracket with hexagons for mounting the lights. The host also discusses the chopper's unique blend of cyberpunk and steampunk aesthetics. They celebrate a successful redesign and installation of the lights and share a surprise phone call with a winner of a welder and drift quad from their company, grindhard Plumbing Co.
π© Crafting a Chain Guard and Wiring the Bike
The host creates a chain guard from a pipe for added protection and aesthetic appeal. They also find affordable, handlebar-mounted power switches for the bike's power and headlights. The wiring is finalized with a two-step ignition process involving a secret switch and a handlebar switch for the high beams. The host also addresses the brake fluid reservoir mounting and considers tire pressure adjustments for improved ride quality.
π€ΈββοΈ Testing and Chain Tension Challenges
During testing, the host experiences a chain issue where it comes off due to the lack of a proper tensioner. They decide to redesign the chain system with a new sprocket for lower RPM cruising and an adjustable roller guide to prevent derailment. The host also discusses the need for a CAD-designed tensioner and creates a makeshift turnbuckle for chain adjustment. They replace a stretched chain with a new one and test the new setup on a stand, noting improvements.
π΄ββοΈ Adjusting Suspension and Handling
The host makes adjustments to the suspension and tire pressure for better handling. They install new bar risers and levers with orange accents to enhance the bike's appearance. The host also swaps out the rear shock for an adjustable version to reduce bouncing. A test drive confirms the improvements in handling, and the host notes that the bike performs surprisingly well in the mud, despite not being ideal for such conditions.
π¦ Headlight Test and Future Testing Plans
As the day turns to night, the host conducts a headlights test. They reminisce about a past incident with a Tesla and a friend named Brady. Brady, a motorcycle enthusiast, arrives in Idaho and is given the opportunity to be the first guest rider of the chopper. Despite some initial difficulties, Brady's test ride is successful, although he notes the need to lean harder than on a regular motorcycle. The host reflects on the successful upgrades made to the bike and outlines plans for further testing on the street before painting.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Offroad
π‘Chain Guides
π‘CAD
π‘Radiator Fans
π‘Headlights
π‘Suspension
π‘Chain Tensioner
π‘Sprocket
π‘Tire Pressure
π‘Mud Riding
π‘Customization
Highlights
The monster Chopper's off-road capabilities exceeded expectations.
A plan to fix the Chopper's major downfalls, including installing headlights and testing hill climbing abilities.
Ethan's chain was identified as a potential issue and a solution involving chain guides was proposed.
Use of UHMW plastic to create a chain guide and a CAD design for a plate to protect the swing arm.
The fabrication of a second chain tensioner from a truck metal plate.
Successful test of the chain guides after a burnout test showed no signs of the chain coming off.
Mounting of radiator fans and troubleshooting of the fan's power supply.
Adaptation of a thermos switch to control the radiator fans.
Design and installation of aesthetic and functional lighting for the Chopper.
Creation of a unique airplane-shaped bracket for the headlights.
Winner announcement of a giveaway including an arc welder, a Droid, and a drift quad.
Modifications to the front end of the Chopper for improved aesthetics and functionality.
Testing of the Chopper's performance with lowered tire pressure and shock adjustments.
Incident where the chain came off due to lack of a proper tensioner, leading to a design revision.
Introduction of a new sprocket for lower RPM cruising and increased chain clearance.
Design and fabrication of an adjustable roller chain tensioner to address chain maintenance issues.
Observation of the Chopper's shaft twisting under high torque, demonstrating the bike's power.
Finalizing of the chain tension system and testing of the new chain and sprockets.
Adjustments made to the handlebars with new bar risers and levers for improved ergonomics and aesthetics.
Suspension upgrade with a more advanced rear shock for better damping and ride quality.
Extensive testing of the Chopper's performance on various terrains and configurations.
Decision to hold off on painting until further street and dirt testing is conducted.
The Chopper's performance in mud was found to be challenging, confirming its design is not suited for such conditions.
A friend's test ride and the realization of the Chopper's unique handling characteristics compared to traditional motorcycles.
Transcripts
the monster Chopper is better Offroad
than we could have possibly imagined so
this week we're going to fix its major
downfalls install some headlights and
see if it can Hill Climb and maybe if
we're feeling it we're going to see if
it can
jump I can't believe it could do the
track that fast
[Music]
is this Ethan's chain yeah it looks like
it might
be I have to make some chain guides
because we can't
have that or you know the chain popping
off so I'm going to make a guide with
some of this here
uhmw plastic and you know do something
like that and then I'll do one on the
top section here too that one's more
just to protect the um swing arm from
the chain
slapping there's many tools that could
do this uh but you know what this is the
tool that's right here and it's very
satisfying check it out fany fany
looking chain guide now I'm just going
to design up a plate that goes
underneath it uh in CAD it'll weld right
to there and to there
[Music]
look at how many pieces are in this file
for the chopper and this isn't even
close to all of them cuz there's another
whole file called Chopper two that's a
lot of pieces a lot of custom
[Music]
parts two little bolt holes a bunch of
weight uction triangles
[Music]
mint time to cut out the second chain
tensioner and thanks to the Swindle
Brothers trying countless times to cut
out a wheel adapter that didn't work for
a project that will never see the light
of day I'm out an 8in plate that's not
painted so this is some fir truck metal
we'll get the cut started and then go
outside and not breathe it cuz that
stuff is
nasty nice look at that that came out
nice yeah so this one is going to be
bent into a u shape so this side here
will be bent up and that side will be
bent up
[Music]
and look at that a little loose but uh
should do the
trick getting it a little more snug a
dug that looks pretty nice yeah got to
sand off the rust and Tack it
[Music]
on you're just going to watch me
struggle yep that's the
plan here okay I can't take this
anymore
[Music]
thanks all right time to uh test out
these chain guides by doing another
burnout
well I think it's safe to say the chain
guides work yeah it seemed to do nice
yeah that was second gear burnouts and
didn't show any signs of throwing the
chain so I'll call that a win we
have these radiator fans right here and
uh those are the original KTM ones
they're very small but I imagine it
doesn't take much if these can cool that
engine on the bike that they came on I
could probably cool it on this
[Music]
I think I'm going to mount the fans
there um but before I get too carried
away with mounting them uh I'm going to
test and make sure that they work so I'm
just going to let it idle until it gets
warm and see if they kick on all the
temp sensors and stuff should still be
there but it's untested so you know got
to find
out if it's going to be running I might
as well be riding it right
a
[Music]
[Music]
well I heard you revving it up did those
fans ever kick on no um they did
not and I tested I
mean I mean they very much work I don't
know I don't think I have the original
radiator anymore it may have had a
thermos switch on it for the
fans but then why do these wires go to
the ECU
[Music]
I've done a little testing and I've
determined that there's already power at
the white wires here and the green wires
just have to
be grounded to run so if I can find a
thermos switch that can I can plug into
the
radiator um the radiator should be
grounded wait why do you need a thermal
switch if well because it needs to be a
switched ground the power is off on the
bike right now in both ways and it still
has right yeah so the radiator is
grounded so I just need a thermos switch
here I'm not 100% sure if this is a
thermos switch or a temperature gauge I
heated it up and tested it with the
testers and it seemed to connect it was
disconnected completely at cold and then
it made a beep noise when it warmed up
so um I'll just plug that in does it fit
uh no it doesn't quite fit the threads
annoyingly it's a little too small
special find right there I'm just going
to take this random aend fitting drill
it out and then tap it to 8in pipe
thread which is threads on the thermos
switch and then the other side of it is
already the threads that are in the
radiator so it's just a little thermos
switch adapter
[Music]
look at
that like it was made for
[Music]
it no Ked on look at
that nice
yeah that's what we
W now I can hear the fans
yeah and the the they'll stay on until
the radiator cools
off which is a little Annoying it'd be
nice if they shut off when bike shut off
but oh
[Music]
well still thinking about some lighting
placements yeah these ones up here are
going to be purely aesthetic like I mean
they'll eliminate some things but like I
just think it'll look really cool with
them there the ones down on the swing
arm are the ones they're going to do the
actual eliminating but it really doesn't
matter cuz I don't anticipate driving
this thing at night very often that'll
look awesome though with the double up
here yeah that's what I'm thinking
something like that the front here has
always felt a little empty to me like
where the shock is looks really cool but
this kind of area is just kind of
missing cuz normally there is a
headlight on a bike there so even though
it doesn't make sense
for lighting purposes it'll make sense
[Music]
visually I have made an
aeroplane that's
cool so it looks really weird but in
theory if all my measurements are
correct but wings of the airplane here
will be
folded that way and those will bolt
straight to these
[Music]
lights I'm really bad at making airplane
noises but it really does look like an
airplane let's go see if I can bend it
up and uh make it
[Music]
work I mean it's a little bit tweaked
but I'll straighten it out sometime the
moment of the moment of truth if all of
my measurements line
up I mean so far it's looking pretty
good look at that oh yeah so this super
worked first try uh all the measurements
were good I just kind of guesstimated
how far forward I wanted the lower light
and ended up being farther forward than
like I just there's a lot of empty space
behind it so I'm going to design a new
version that's got this like an inch or
two back back from where it is so it's
closer to this one and then also I'm
going to add in a little bit of gusting
in between these so that it's stronger
and looks less empty time to redesign
the airplane
[Music]
bracket little airplane bracket Mark I
uh I think it's going to look a lot
better and be a little sturdier and uh
generally just improved because it has
hexagons this time I don't know what I
was thinking something just an insanity
came over me and I didn't put hexagons
in it so that's been
fixed I think the Swindle brothers are
scheming I hear you guys scheming what
are you scheming out there we don't want
to get in the way of your camera but
we're just saying that the chain is
going to go everywhere with four-wheel
drive we're talking about places we
could go don't you think it could go up
these rocks I don't know
[Music]
maybe I just had to take a little bit
off the back and a little bit off of the
front of the bolt so that it fits inside
there and then that goes
on
there mint
yeah that's more like it that looks
great nice and
solid it's going to illuminate the
ground in front of you when you're
turning when you're going straight it's
just going to illuminate your tire but
that's
okay the age-old game of will they
answer a random number from
Idaho you never know you never know you
never
know hi is this Nick
y this is Edwin Ethan and Will from
grindhard Plumbing
Co no way yes it is yeah you won the arc
Droid the welder and the drift
quad no
way yeah we just selected this morning
we just put everything in random and you
showed up
congratulations that's amazing oh he
bought a premium hat yep
ni that was a good deal kind of adoped
it into my uh vocabulary
here
nice it doesn't feel real how are you
guys' projects very cool Chang
Chang all right guys you made my mon
just turned 40 so happy birthday
[Music]
[Applause]
well I think that turned out both uh
functional and aesthetically pleasing I
think these kind of you know modern
squarish LED pods really kind of fit the
weird vibe of this
thing like it's got a lot of different
things going on but kind of a
cyber steampunk
Vibe halfway between cyber Punk and
steampunk that's a good way to describe
this yeah right I mean like the tank is
kind of Steampunk but then like the
tires and the the lights and stuff and
the engine are kind of more like cyber
Punky modery stuff and the wheels maybe
I don't know it's cool okay and I like
it and the headlights are
sweet some friends stopped by so we got
to show off the chopper real quick and
do a quick test drive once I get the
lights all wired up we're going to see
if we can do the hill climb and maybe
hit a
[Music]
jump see that tire hop dude yeah that
looks different look at the gaps between
it dude let's hop hop hop 3 ft hop 4
[Music]
feet making a little teeny tiny bracket
that I can weld on to hold the uh all
the cables onto the swing arms the like
brake lines and and light wires and
stuff like that
[Music]
you literally just blend in with the
[Music]
slag that's definitely the tiniest part
I've ever seen you make Oh by
far yeah these things are ity
[Applause]
bitty it's so small Target pH oh no I
hope that's not what she said
[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]
making myself a chain guard here out of
another chunk of this pipe I'm going to
just clean up the outside and then make
it a little bit thinner so there's a
little more clearance on the inside yeah
and obviously I'm going to cut it in
half so it's just half of a circle you
know I'll flatten it out and it'll so
it'll it'll wrap around the front here
and then come back a little ways on the
top and bottom I think it'll look cool
and then I'll cut like a little
tapered on that
[Music]
so it'll be flush with this side and
then this will sit on top of it and
that'll give it just the right amount of
space and I'll just do like three of
[Music]
[Applause]
those I found these little switches on
the little internet they're like 12s a
piece and they're nice little like
handlebar mount lighted power switches
so I'm use one for the bike power and
then one for the headlights and then
should be done with the
[Music]
wiring when you turn on this switch down
here secret switch it powers on this
switch the drls in the headlight and the
uh power to the radiator fan um so
that's that's effectively the ignition
switch it's a two-step process to start
the bike you turn on that switch and
this
switch and it'll start and then this
switch on the left bar here turns on all
four of the high
beams plenty of light I'm also finishing
up odds and ends here mounting this
brake fluid reservoir I cut out this
little tabby tab here we'll
go something like that
you going to let some air out of these
tires and see how it affects the ride
quality I had them at like 20 psi um
just kind of arbitrarily cuz I wanted
them to be nice and round but I'm going
to let out as much as I can I'm down
close to 10 psi right now I'm going to
go for like eight or something and as
long as they stay pretty round that's
all that matters because obviously if I
let too much out they'll get flat and
it'll be harder to Corner since I got
all the other stuff wrapped up I want to
you know do a little bit of testing
before I move on to the next bit
[Music]
[Music]
oh
[Music]
[Music]
[Music]
[Music]
w
yeaha oh no the chain oh it didn't break
it just came off I think so I should
have put a chain tensioner somewhere in
the system an actual tensioner cuz it
just it's just going to keep getting
looser and looser because it's taking
like four times the torque it should oh
I see because it's got the the Jack
shaft there and and it's just such a
long chain but if I if I roll onto the
throttle instead of you know whacking it
open it's not really a problem it's this
last drift that I did is what knocked it
off yeah definitely I mean as you can
guess it is way better the lower tire
pressure lower tire pressure yeah I
aired up this shock a little bit which
helped too so it doesn't bounce quite as
bad I can't believe it could do the
track that fast and I can't believe you
already have the confidence to jump it
it felt good you know I had to try
[Music]
well I the a lot of fun some more
revisions are required for chain
survival this time the chain just
actually gave up right at the
masterlink Airing down the tires made a
huge difference it's still a little
bouncy I might even go a little lower
pressure on the rear and also maybe swap
out the shock I have this one here cuz
it's a little softer but this one this