Bruce Thomas: How long has Staton-Inc been in business, Dave?:
David Staton: Since 1984.
BT: What prompted you to start a "Bicycle Motor Kit" company Dave,
or did you start with other motorized products?
DS: Years ago I lived at the bottom of a very long and steep hill. I
needed some assist to get over the hill. While riding the Kawasaki friction-
drive kit people would stop me and ask where I got the kit. I told them, I
made it. People would ask me to make them one and the business started
like that. These kits have been sold in all 50 states and about 15 countries.
Since then I have designed my own rear bike hub and custom gear box
for the New gear and chain drive kits. We now make all kinds of "Motorized
Fun Products".
BT: So your "custom parts" are actually manufactured in the USA,
and not imported from China (Laughs)?
DS: Yes, Most all the design work was done in Oklahoma City, OK. Most
of the CNC machined work and fabrication is also done here. Some the
engines come from Japan. The Tecumseh engines are made in WI, USA.
Some of the small parts do come from China, Taiwan or other countries, but
this is a very small amount of the finished product.
BT: I see...custom CNC machined parts made in the USA, I like that!
Speaking of your GearBox/Chain Drive kit David, how did that design
come about? Was it a brainstorm one day, or a process of trial and
error and refinement?
DS: Our friction drive kits work very well, very easy to mount on all most any
style of bike frame, full suspension or standard. We do make a front mount
friction drive kit for trikes and some customers claim they get from 500 to
1200 miles per tire. The draw back to a friction kit is they do have some tire
wear, you must use a smooth tread type of tire, and your options as to top
end or low end power is limited and the drive roller will slip if the roads are
wet if you do not stop and re-adjust more tension on the tire.With that said,
that's why I designed the gear and chain drive kit.
Our gear box has Six high speed double sealed ball bearings, 1/2" thick
gears and a 5/8" output shaft. The gear box is made in the USA. Our
custom rear hub is made out of 2024 Alum. and has four high speed double
sealed ball bearings, the axle is 4142 CM with a 10 m x 1.0 and 7- 7/8"
long to mount to a very wide range of frames. We use a Left hand freewheel
sprocket on the left side of the hub and you can thread on any standard type
of freewheel from 1 to 8 speeds on the pedal side. This kit "freewheels"
when coasting or pedaling the bike, the chain does not even turn.
The gear & chain drive allows you to use any type of tire, your rear
fender can stay in place, no extra wear on the tire from a drive roller,
top speed or low end power can be adjusted by changing the sprocket
on the gear box. The chain will pull in any riding condition. Again, this
kit will mount to all most any type of frame... see my web site for pictures.
http://www.staton-inc.com These kits are are used in the rental business
and hold up to every day use. My option is the best and most versatile
kit on the market. We have also fitted these gear and chain drive kits to
a wide variety of Trailmate, Inc. trikes.
BT: So necessity is the "mother of invention" for your GearBox/Chain
Drive system. I would like to know your impressions of type of Motor,
David. What does the consumer of one of your kits need to know
about 2-cycle versus a 4-cycle engine?
DS: Two - cycle engines require that you mix the gas & oil and they are
louder then 4 cycles engines. 4 cycles engines do not require a gas & oil
mix, so if your out riding and you run out of gas you can fill up at any gas
station. Four cycles engines are cleaner burning and meet the EPA
requirements. Four cycle engine also get more mileage. Full crank
engines both 2 & 4 cycle should last years if they are taken care of.
BT: I have always heard that 2-cycle motors for the same given
displacement are more powerful than a 4-cycle...true?
DS: Yes, that's my understanding as well.
BT: What would one expect for a "cruising speed" on one of
your GearBox/Chain Drive Kits David..?
David Staton: That depends on what size of engine and many other
conditions. As a general rule you should get 25 to 30 mph. 30 mph
is the fastest you should go in most states.
BT: We have readers of the 'zine David who have the "Need for
Speed" illness <laughs>. While it's not suggested anyone try this at
home, what is your own personal expirence in Moto-Bike speeds?
How fast CAN they go..??
DS: I have been 47 mph on flat closed track with a 40.6 cc Mitsubishi
2-cycle. This speed in not recommended. The top sprocket ratio that we
sell is 30 mph.
BT: I understand, you want to stay "legal" for state regulations and
limit the kit to approx. 30 mph. What about "styles" of bikes, do you
suggest mounting on the full suspension bikes? Any advantages in
any particular style of bike?
DS: That's one the best features about our bike engine kits. Our Friction-
drive kits can be ordered as a Front mount for trikes. Our rear mount
friction drive and our Gear and Chain drive kits will mount on most all full
suspension frames, tandems, recumbents, fold ups and Trailmate
trikes. A bike with a flat "V" style rear frame having one or two lugs by the
rear axle to attach the support rods works best for the gear and chain
drive kits, but they will mount to all most styles of frame with a little
modification.
BT: But what about Aluminum bikes? Have you noticed any "stress"
on aluminum, bikes...are they strong enough to hold up to the weight
of the motor?
DS:: I have not had any problem with the aluminum frames, nor have I heard
of any. So far, so good...
BT: What about full suspension vs rigid or recumbent? I know the
kits fit them all, but do you have any personal preferences as to one
style being better than another for overall preformance?
DS: The full suspension Y3K is a semi-recumbent, 7 speed, large seat and
back rest with 20" wheels. This makes a great gear and chain drive kit.
Having a 20" wheel your center of gravity is lower and the bike has a step in
frame.Over all, if buying a new bike I would only use a full suspension bike.
BT: I appreciate your taking the time David to talk to us. Do you
have any parts words for Moto-Bike enthusiasts around the world?
wear all your safety gear, ride safe and watch out for the other guy.
