Using Motorcycle handle bars / need quick ratio steering

I'm completely sold on using motorcycle handle bars for my tractor build. Since the handle bars will have a very limited amount of travel, it's obvious I need to do something to increase the steering ratio. After looking at it, I can see one pivot point I can change, and I can also lengthen the arm that comes from the steering rack. These two things will help, but I have a feeling it will not be enough.

Certainly someone on this board has been here before. Is there a manual steering box people are using from an ATV? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance guys.

Randy

ATV's don't have a steering box. They run similar to go karts with a straight shaft to an arm and two tie rods.



Also Do a little research on the Ackerman. Its the spacing between the two tie rods where they bolt to the steering column/arm. It make it soi that the inside tire turn sharper that the outside tire during a turn

Thanks for the response chopperhed.

I'll look things over in the next few days with that in mind.

Direct steering - thats the safest/easiest way to make a steering setup.

dangeroustoys56 wrote:

Direct steering - thats the safest/easiest way to make a steering setup.

Wow, nice, Im liking this very much. Thanks for posting this dangeroustoys56.

No problem - i 'borrowed' a bunch of pics with setups from a racing site so i can see whats involved when i get around to building my stuff.

Thanks Dangerous. That sums it up nicely. Doesn't look scary at all.

Randy

DG350 wrote:

Thanks Dangerous. That sums it up nicely. Doesn't look scary at all.

Randy

Scariest part is probably your belt and pulley clearances.

Things get tight under a lowered chassis - when running 4" of clearance- things cant hang down.

The pic is just to show how its built ( came from a racing site) - engine pulley would be pretty close to the chassis - the steering would be lower then the belt - nothing would hang below the front axle.

Using a direct steer is basically a left and right turn setup - handlebars can be used - normal steering involves multiple rotations of the steering wheel - not good for a bar setup.

Best thing is theres no slop at all and its instant. They also mention the front axle should be laid back 10 degrees( at the top) for best steering response.

Well, I dare say it should be a pretty smooth installation for my set up. I don't have pulleys since it's a motorcycle engine and chain drive. Plus, the tractor is lifted 5". I'm pretty psyched for my next session in the garage to take a good look at how I will lay it out. Enough thinking already..............I am jonesing to pick up the welder again!!!