power2fly Mounting a paramotor on a motorcycle

[RossC]

Hi Everyone,

As there appears to be shockingly little on the topic anywhere on the interwebs, I'd like to share the engineering, the challenges and the practical realities of mounting and transporting a paramotor on the back of a motorbike in a set of posts over time as I undertake the exercise. I can see this topic has been discussed back in 2018 (see the link below), but from a starting point of "Can it be done". I'm hoping to take a different angle and show how I'm doing it and let you see the results. 

1. The objective - Be able to transport/travel with all gear required for a flight. 

2. The general plan - Mount my Power2Fly RS vertically with the cage broken down and props off, on a custom plate. Work out where to hang/strap/hide everything else such as wing, helmet, fuel, cage, props etc. after the motor is secure

3. Engineering constraints or considerations - I'm using my Kawasaki Versys 650 with existing givi removeable boxes. - The top box mounting plate will be the basis for a customised removable paramotor mounting position

A small bit of back story. This idea originated while I had a 125 Vespa scooter (thus the concept picture below) which was perfect for London commuting. While I believe it would have been technically feasible, after the second engine started making tappet noises, and more than 100 hours on freeway going to and from training, all the while getting buffeted around by trucks, I decided to upgrade to a proper motorbike.   

So that is the introduction. Keep watching for the pictures to follow and don't hesitate to let me know if you have any ideas of concerns* as the build goes. 

Ross

*Concerns for my mental stability for seriously considering this approach or longevity, if I do use it should be directed to my wife. 

 

 

[Hann__]

I think you`d be better off with a trailer.

This is my rig for when i take the pitbike to bike doo`s so we can razz it round the field after a few beers!

You could easily make a trailer to hold a paramotor, and when loaded up i bet it`s still quite a bit lighter than mine with bike + camping gear on it, you can certailnly tell you`ve got a trailer on with all that behind you, although once up to speed monowheel trailers are remamrkably stable.

 

 

ps

my wife used to think i was bonkers too, but she`s used to it now.

 

[stormizr]

I also went with the trailer idea after trying several ways to mount the paramotor at the back of my scooter. No good as the CG is way too high. The trailer is best because it is low and in my case, it also double as a mini-trike.

Might be a bit too wide for some countries, but one can always dismantle the cage and make it even slimmer.

 

 

[Blackburn Mark]

In the UK, the wheels/tires would have to be "road legal"...
I personally would press my luck as long as they looked legal but very few paramotor trike tires I see in the UK look remotely road legal and they often have very poor quality bearings (None roller)... Not suitable at all.
Well worth modifying if you have a bike for transport... Looks pretty convenient!

[GaryPH]

Hi Guys. 
This is an AMAZING! Thread.  Being a biker, I have done many a Trackday and even raced a couple of rounds with No Limits, last year.

I’ve sold the R1, but still have a great work horse. 1998 Thunderace.

Racing was far too much of a money pit.

Hence why I’ve decided to try this. 
so if I can get a trailer for the Ace, and transport my Paramotor, I’d be all over that!!!

 

Paramotor Training with Simon starts in a couple of weeks.  

.ga.

 

 

 

[Blackburn Mark]

1 hour ago, GaryPH said:

Paramotor Training with Simon starts in a couple of weeks.  

From what I have seen through the years, you have maybe a one in four chance that the bikes will become redundant.
20+ years ago I gave up the bikes, beers (and stuff) and even changed jobs to fit my obsession with flying.
The risks are pretty comparable with "sport" riding... The rewards are way more interesting!
Its a different kind of competitiveness, Its more like an endless game of chess against yourself and the conditions
 
 

[GaryPH]

Yes, for the training, I learnt to Paraglide with BHPA, (Green Dragons), Great training centre, but like anywhere, trying to get the right training conditions, seem a 10:1 shot. And that’s challenging when you’re time off work.

i changed career at 48, after years as an engineer. Now. Project manager. Less physical Stress. Much more mental stress, but the Pay is far better.

Where are you located? Im Portsmouth.

[Blackburn Mark]

I started in engineering.... Money was good.
Ended up working part time for the NHS and living like a bum, loved it 

I'm near Blackburn Lancashire... Some great XC country north of us.

[mydogischoking]

I actually did this in Colombia and it didn't work out well for me so I ended up making a rack on the back of the motorcycle to carry my paramotor and I traveled all of South America with it.