Dahon Vitesse Forks

[x332race]

I have read all the useful threads regarding Dahon conversions. I have one quick question...

I have a Vitesse D7 which has an alloy frame. Howver, I believe that the front forks fitted to this model are steel...I have tested them with a magnet and the magnet is definately attracted to them. Can I thus assume it is ok to spread the front forks slightly to accommodate the Q85 hub motor?

 

[jhruk]

I have read all the useful threads regarding Dahon conversions. I have one quick question...

I have a Vitesse D7 which has an alloy frame. Howver, I believe that the front forks fitted to this model are steel...I have tested them with a magnet and the magnet is definately attracted to them. Can I thus assume it is ok to spread the front forks slightly to accommodate the Q85 hub motor?

Assuming you have, or will have, the narrower 83mm version of the Q85 the forks should not need much spreading at all. I’d have thought a few mm adjustment would be ok whatever the material. I fitted one to a Dahon Impulse and it just slotted straight in, with no spreading required, although motor body/fork clearance was rather tight on one side.

If you have the wider 100mm version of the motor then I have no experience and wouldn’t like to say.

 

[x332race]

Will be the narrower motor so looks like no problems then...

 

[x332race]

Assuming you have, or will have, the narrower 83mm version of the Q85 the forks should not need much spreading at all. I’d have thought a few mm adjustment would be ok whatever the material. I fitted one to a Dahon Impulse and it just slotted straight in, with no spreading required, although motor body/fork clearance was rather tight on one side.

If you have the wider 100mm version of the motor then I have no experience and wouldn’t like to say.

Very neat conversion....just one more question.....how have you sorted out the hand throttle? Like you, my bike has twist grip for gear changing on the right of the handlebars.

 

[jhruk]

Very neat conversion....just one more question.....how have you sorted out the hand throttle? Like you, my bike has twist grip for gear changing on the right of the handlebars.

I mounted the twist throttle on the left side. I actually prefer a left hand throttle - I find it makes right turns easier as you can still use the throttle whilst making a hand signal.

If you’re worried about rotating it in the opposite direction I don’t find this a problem. I have another bike with a left hand throttle which works in the conventional sense, as well as others with right hand throttle. Swapping between them is surprisingly easy.

If you wanted a left hand twist one that rotates the ‘normal’ way Cyclezee list them at £16.50, or you could use a thumb throttle on the left side.

 

[x332race]

Thanks for info....had a good look at my bike and the various options and have decided to try a thumb throttle for now.

 

[x332race]

An update.

I obtained a Q85 motor from BMS and it fitted in the forks first time, although a little tight so I spread the forks out by a few mm so that the wheel drops in easily....did not take much at all and very easy to do.

Have fitted a thumb throttle to be operated by my left hand....seems to be ok.

Now all up and working....will be using it when I go to London for a meeting on 31 July during the Olympics so that will be a good test (have not had need to commute for a while)