Trying to maintain balance in a 2-wheeled car

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In this episode we evolve the Lada trike, or devolve it... Either way, it's a fun ride.
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[@trialspro]

Tow or push it from the body. The steering won't work if it's being pulled on by the tow vehicle. Imagine trying to stay upright on a bike if you're being towed by the front fork. Another option is find a small hill and let gravity do the work. Love these videos and looking forward to an update.

[@Simon_r2600]

They looked for a hill but didnt find the right one

[@SI00000]

Makes sense. When teaching a child to ride a bike you don't pull on the front of the bike. You gently push the back of the bike while allowing them to pedal and steer.

[@dnbsk10]

zero balanz

[@michaelkrauss9367]

Correct, and try using forks on the front wheel with trail. Notice how bike forks are bent forward to create trail.

[@FatHulkRideEbike]

yep 100%. They also were steering away from the fall. That isn't how a bike works. You need to steer into your fall to balance.

[@laurencebois5119]

I think the reason for it tipping over so easily is due to it being towed from below its centre of gravity. It might be easier to try it under its own power

[@andykilluandykillugames]

I think the strap is rotating the whole thing

[@Grushnerd]

that and the wonky front wheel setup. it needs forks and angle like on a bike for self centering. thats why if you push a bike it will ride on its own

[@forbiddenera]

@@andykilluandykillugames yep

[@Boostiverse]

Also it’s not going fast enough to make quick adjustments

[@frankmayer139]

I think a smaller, steerable wheel in the front would help. Also, if you want to power it, mount an engine in the back seat and use a chain drive system to the back wheel. Install a pair of "training wheels" near the rear. This will give you a chance to get up some speed without falling over. When it's all done, you'll have a "Ladacycle." I doubt you'll be able to get the Lada engine in there, but a 10 to 20 hp engine from a riding lawn mower, or maybe a motorcycle engine would probably be enough. You probably don't want it to go too fast anyway.

[@grantodamax]

It wouldn't have to go very fast it would still be fun as hell! Wish I had one, would bust it out at every family gathering, probably get a lot of laughs

[@zsombor_99]

Yes, maybe smaller wheel(s) might help...

[@grantodamax]

@@zsombor_99 I like his idea about the "training wheels" I had the same thing in mind, some type of stabilizer bars, also smaller wheels too

[@MarkoDash]

@@grantodamax retractable spring loaded training wheels/skids hooked up to the e-brake pedal/lever whatever

[@marcp1180]

I was thinking skis on the sides of the car in snow would be less friction when it contacted the surface, then like training wheels, have them just a short distance from the ground.

[@maykevin5]

You can't tow it by the front wheel. You need the wheel to move with your input to keep the car upright.

[@Strike86]

Exactly. That and the flat tyres give you very little control over the lean angle.

[@secondchancegarage]

Don't give up on this build! We want to see more! To keep it from tipping over you need to treat it like a motorcycle and counter steer when it starts to tip over. And if the wheels were powered, it would act like a gyroscope and stay up easier.

[@ionbusman2086]

Can’t counter steer when the from wheel is being towed! Need to tie off to the roof or something

[@miloszczaplinski2606]

the wheels will create gyroscopic forces as long as they are turning, doesnt matter if theyre sending the power or not. I agree about the counter steering though. Prob some serious geometry issues too.

[@thatguyalex2835]

Use a computer controller to make minor adjustments to the steering, like the ones the stabilize supersonic aircraft. :)

[@wifightit]

Before watching Garage 54: You can't do just anything with cars, engines, etc. After watching Garage 54: You can literally do anything with cars, engines, etc.

[@benmauro1022]

the angle between the steering input and the ground is too great, even choppers have their limits. you could either reposition the steering more above the tire (~70° or more vertical with a u jointl) or change the joint to turn the tire instead of tilting it on the ground.

[@DarkIzo]

rake and trail there are calculators online

[@kanartech]

Agreed with you if the joint will directly turns the tire that's will keep a balance between the two angles

[@craiga9492]

What this guy says

[@statementleaver8095]

Just move the tow rope!!! Stop pulling from the steering assembly 👌

[@fangthewarrior]

Yes, like a bike's steering

[@schumannresonanceswithverte]

Well, as a cyclist, I will tell you that good, tight bearings make all the difference in staying upright, or a chaotic trip. Those wheels are wobblier than a highschooler after a litre of vodka!!

[@freeplayfrank7736]

Put training wheels on it that only allow it to fall over half way. That way you can keep practicing til you figure out how to keep it balanced. Good project guys, I enjoyed it. take care

[@user-gf9oi1cx4g]

Fr that’s what I was thinking and slowly remove them.

[@MadScientist267]

Good idea. It's also got CoG issues (Vlad hinted at that at the end)... I think with the configuration it has it would be better to have it as "underslung" as possible so its natural tendency is to right itself. It means a much lower clearance and some restrictions on turning but to get it stable so they can go from there, with training wheels, probably be a good place to start And pulling on the "fork" is unstable...

[@RyanGralinski]

this is the funniest garage 54 video ever lmao i was dying! this guy makes it so much fun like geee i wonder why it flips over lol probably cuz we whipped it together with scrap metal fucking love it!

[@rhyswoodman6781]

Steering gooseneck needs to be more above the front wheel. Right now its almost like an articulated bicycle which will never balance. Great video!👍

[@EdenAbove]

Rake and trail.

[@Randsterone1]

You need to put training wheels that extend out on both sides then you have a lever inside car that you pull back after getting going and they raise up! Also I would have smaller tires than what your running.

[@themightydrive6694]

Phil swift: I cut this boat in half! Garage54: WE CUT LADA IN HALF TO MAKE 2 WHEEL LADA

[@MrGlobbyOllie710]

Accurate

[@operator8014]

Can Flex Seal fix this poor Lada?

[@themightydrive6694]

@@operator8014 I mean it should

[@operator8014]

@@themightydrive6694 I dunno man... That's a LADA DAMAGE!

[@scottricklaroque7428]

@@operator8014 Probably not, maybe Gorilla tape, but Flex Seal could keep the rain out.

[@Conianzx9r]

The tow strap becomes taught and flips the lada over. Have a vertical central bar so the strap is kept straight and inline

[@coachgeo]

actually the twist in the tow strap is what made it fall. Notice it always fell to same side..... that is cause to unwind the twist in the strap.... that is the way it had to go and the forces of pulling always made the strap to want to untwist. Still beyond that..... needs to be tied someplace beside steering and it needs to be something that pivots like a Pintle Hitch

[@largebills337]

I think if you increase the maximum steering angle, mount a small motor to power the rear wheel, and add some outrigger skis to each side about 5-7 inches above the ground just to prevent full tip over you should be able to drive it effectively.

[@valdas1231]

use countersteering. When the car was tipping to the right, you guys steered to the left intuitively. Use the same logic as bikes. To go left you steer right for a breaf moment

[@Sluncovo]

Maybe change steering wheel for some kind of handlebars, so it would be easier to steer. Gyro could help a lot, maybe put some heavy flywheel from tractor under the car and power it with mower engine. And last off all is more speed, faster you ride - easier to control, like riding a bike

[@steelavocado1]

I’ve been waiting for a new video. Yessssss

[@stub4488]

Wondering if it would be better if it got a push instead of pulled. Plus a gyro.

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Push/pull doesn't matter. And the wheels would supply gyrostability if fitted with a correct steering geometry.

[@samsungtvset3398]

The steering axis needs to be almost vertical, preferably angled a few degrees backward like in a bicycle. The front wheel acts as a gyroscope and when it is rolling forwards, if for example it leans to the right on the on the direction of travel axis the revolving wheel will also try to steer to the right on the vertical steering axis. This new curved path steering to the right will throw the vehicle and occupants to the left somewhat, as we are all familiar with. This will stop the vehicle tipping over to the right. Observe what happens to a wheel when you roll it along all by itself. When it starts to lean one way it also steers that same direction and saves itself.

[@joeblow3939]

♥️♥️ Back in the 70's we would use VW bugs for off road. Cut the parking brake cable remove the lock button and have two levers to turn quicker. Pull the left one well turning left and floor the gas. Or the same going right. Don't take your foot off the gas well spinning or you can roll over. 👍👍

[@Jacobskibros]

Garage 54 always making great content. Maybe cut up a motorcycle and put it in that Lada. Don't stop here with the 2 wheeled Lada.

[@frjhracing]

Two suggestions 1) (Most common) dont tow it from the steering assembly. maybe extend the front frame rails and make hooks, top with two straps. 2) Change the angle to a greater slope AND put a gear reduction drive on the steering mechanism. Gear drive will make it so you're not wrestling the giant tire

[@NaterAnderson]

This might be my favorite build yet. This is so wild looking. Love it

[@wasitipico8742]

Make 2 litle side wheels that can retract if it is up to speed 👍

[@rifat_yilmaz]

That's what i'm here to say too 👍

[@sonrizitah]

👍

[@twoeightythreez]

You need to power the rear wheel so you can keep it upright at low speeds like how its done on motorcycles. How about putting a hub motor in it? (The power kind of simulates the gyroscopic effect from higher speeds, thats how mc cops in the US can do low apeed maneuvers with Gold Wings and Harleys.) Its really really hard to tow a motorcycle with a rope, because motorcycles turn by leaning, so when you apply torque to the front fork the result is almost always a spill. I think you can use the KISS principle and call it the lada bike because its a "Lada" bike

[@kasuraga]

you don't need power to balance a bike. you just need balance and forward motion

[@firstlastandbadasssuffix8815]

The way the support shaft twists or pivots is too genius! When it works it will be smooth!

[@dino6627]

I think you are right, lack of speed is the problem. All you need is a steep hill and some kind of snow chute launch system to start it off upright.

[@garyfinch1025]

Always seems to fall right, try adding some weight on the left 🙂

[@southpineshooligan]

Its the angle of the wheel. the car and wheel need to be 90 degrees upright, but the tire isnt when the car is, when the wheel is, the tire isnt.

[@mytimetunnel]

You need Gyro's to keep it from falling over, like Fords experimental Gyro car. it also had retractable gear for when you need to turn it off lol

[@thefreedomguyuk]

If the wheels had been fitted correctly, they would have provided the required stabilisation.

[@TomasNov]

It also reminded me of that two-wheeled car project. There must be a rotating disk inside of car body that creates a gyroscopic moment providing the stability...

[@mytimetunnel]

this is not the first time this has been tried. Gyro's are needed to stabilize it. or make the tires wide as the car like a steam roller lol reason we do not see two wheel cars running around. Gyro's and the tech to keep them upright is not cheap as just butchering it.

[@mytimetunnel]

@@TomasNov Yup. what a cool car that thing was., i would have loved to take it for a spin lol

[@UpVoltageOverclocking]

To slow for its weight, some sort of stabilization wheels like training wheels on a bike may be needed until it reaches its minimum balance speed then training wheels can be retracted

[@Shadobanned4life]

I salute you guys,Bravo!🌞 You manage to be creative and keep very busy,instead of just saying "There is nothing to do around here". Thank You and the crew for making so many amazing videos ! I am a big Garage 54 fan in San Francisco🌞.

[@ToolmanPrime]

I wonder this guys made the wheel spin balancer for that car

[@ElectronicPleasure]

3mins in and it hit me. Front wheel drive, rear steer! That's what you need for the 2 wheeler.

[@darkangel5672]

I’m not much of an engineer, but looking at riding a simple bike and maintaining balance on it, I think it’s crucial to be able to actually steer

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

The problem is the centre of gravity is higher than the height of the axle. A motorbike has the weigh of the engine and frame much lower. It also helps to balance if the steering is geared lower, so maybe create a steering system with a much smaller rake that is geared somewhat. Also lower the bodywork with respect to the wheel centres. If you had an engine & battery mounted low down it would help too!

[@woytam]

But bikes has center of gravity more high

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

@@woytam Not really, the engine and gearbox are well below the axle height. Also a motorcycle is light in comparison to the weight of the rider, who is able to use shifting his weight to easily balance the bike. The centre of gravity of a bycycle and rider is very high, but the weight of the rider is also much more than the bike, so the balancing done by the rider is so much more effective.The Lada is much, much heavier than the rider, who is not able to influence the balance of the machine because the centre of gravity is too high and the overall mass of the machine is to high .

[@richardthomas1743]

It really needs some training wheels ! LOL🤪

[@Marchautowerks]

It looked like the way it turns how the wheel leans. And as your falling over you try to counter the steering which in reality leans the car even more. Try turning the steering wheel the opposite way when its leaning, turn into the lean instead of away from it. or redesign the steering

[@bongwaterbojack]

Needs to be under its own power, or rolling down a hill. The tow is gonna dump it over every time. The front wheel needs to be thinner. You've essentially created a steering system that uses a crazy amount of caster, so all the required turning forces are absolutely through the roof. However, because there is also so much weight on the front end, going too thin could result in it simply dumping over, and the driver not having the strength to prevent it. The chopper comparison is appropriate, but keep in mind how little weight those bikes have up front. As a betting man, I'd say to go with something like a 205 to 225 width all terrain tire up front. Awesome video though. Making it a single row looks absolutely badass!

[@IgnisMan]

Russian Reliant Robin 👍👍✌🤣😁

[@robs_garage0278]

The 2 wheel version 😂😂

[@DaxtonAnderson]

Holy crap I was the one to recommend this on the lada-trike video months ago and it got a bunch of likes and top comment 😂 I can't believe it! Thank you Vlad!

[@heywhyerd]

Simple and delicate, since it is already built only revising and alteration are the viable options. two spring loaded (coil and shocks) on ski's welded too and anchored on pivot bolts welded to the drivers and passengers pinch weld area (like some extra suspension for stability) this is to position it back straight after a bump or turn. i also notice in the video that the front rides higher than the rear of the vehicle, a smaller diameter tire of about the same width on the front would lower and even up ride height which would increase stability by lowering the center of gravity, and incase GARAGE 54 are going to mount a motor (SOMEHOW) into this Lada do your best to also have the motor balanced in the vehicle to maintain all stability gains that were made.

[@Sohave]

Godspeed Vlad, the world needs your gyro Lada, I cant wait to see that.

[@MYLZOWT]

Dear Garage 54, please never ever stop what your doing. Best regards, The Internet

[@davisphillips7792]

I agree with Laurence, being towed by the front tire carriage mechanism is pulling it out of balance. Check that both axles are square because it really likes that right side. If you were able to lower the car relative to the axle height it would definitely add to the stability by making the car more of a pendulum. And the gyro would make it super stable while straight and if you make the gyro able to yay it would help with steering. Just my couple of add ons. Love your channel. Love your builds. And love that you guys try to have a good time and have a laugh!

[@davidfleishman2275]

Lower the body to lower the center of gravity.Or install a gyro scope, big one,to stabilize the car.

[@lawnmowerdude]

I think you need precise steering to stay upright.

[@groenevinger3893]

By far the most entertaining channel in my youtube list! 👌

[@jasonbosse1294]

You need to make this work! This is so great!

[@6thIsOkay2]

When a Motorcycle turns, the turning of the front wheel not only moves the center of gravity, but also the surface area on the ground supporting the weight of the vehicle. Basically, the support from the ground is on the right side during a left turn, and the centripetal force keeps the vehicle stable. Basically, to have actual control over the weight, you need to have the front (or rear) wheel able to fully turn left and right to sway the body in the opposite direction the vehicle is falling. When it tips right, turning to the right will cause centripetal force to push the weight of the car left, which stabilizes the vehicle.

[@errorsk2188]

I love these videos ! I also love ladas, such iconic cars. But I worry there will not be any when I decide to buy one.

[@Hellsong89]

Yeap. Those are already rare in Finland that is right next to Russia. Most of the ladas they are modifying are around 1000€ here if not more and everytime some jackass teen wraps one around the light pole more rare those become.

[@TwinShards]

Put a second Wide Tire adjacent to the rear one. Just to put the point of contact slightly further away from the center of gravity.

[@term0s]

3:06 hmmm.... Auricom Research Industries building their first prototype of AURICOM AG Ship with dual-hulled body. GO! AURICOM! GO!

[@redrum3835]

This made my day lol f'n love it! I think it look awesome I hope you don't give up on this idea best of luck 🙏 👍

[@jefferyholcombe5189]

Use the heaviest round gym weight for bench press set with an electric motor off a power chair and some type of adapter from weight or weights mounted on shaft with carrier bearings spun up by the motor to make a gyroscope and there has to be some type of link from the steering to the gyro to pitch the gyro with steering input. It will probably be a ratio between the gyro pitch and steering input. Wheelchair motors can be run by a 24Volt big truck alternator and series 2# 12 volt auto batteries together to help the motors. Use a 24 volt to 12 volt voltage converter to run 12 acc. in the "Car/ Trike minus one". maybe one in the front and back of floor mounted low in it to keep center of gravity low. Peace upstate New York, USA Like the builds keep them coming!

[@tomclanys]

The problem is the steering angle is too narrow, at 8:44 it got to the max before falling over, also the angle between the "forks" and body is too steep, it needs to be more from top. The biggest factor as to why it didn't work was it being towed by the forks, meaning the rope actually tried to turn the wheel more than it could by itself, try that with a bike/bicycle, it will never work.

[@bredcrust4670]

there's something about watching a two wheeled lada fall over that is just funny

[@TerryGilsenan]

On a heavy motorcycle, the steering is performed by "pushing". It works in the reverse to what you would think. The idea is to shift the wheelbase so that the center of gravity moves. Simply steering the wheel will overbalance the wrong way.

[@Kelmorcellus]

Have at the base of each door, a spring/hydraulic Assisted push out angled down rod acts as training wheel/ski/guide. When the rod is pulled back inside by motor or hand it returns to Exterior base of door as flush as can be as the car gets momentum and doesn't need the help orientating anymore. When a stop is expected, deploy the hydraulic rod guides from base of door like kickstand on motorbike but both sides. Return them when your up to speed again.

[@Bill-Phuk]

Fit a hydraulic set of small wheels that retract when you reach a certain speed for better stabilisation!!

[@STREETCARCULTURE]

Always love your crazy unusual car content 👍🏾

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Holywood movie makers should hire them to make futuristic cars !

[@johanjanssens4530]

In the 1920ies, 2-wheeled cars were sold, stability was by a centrsl heavy flywheel, the were quite popular in France and Spain.

[@1jw769]

The steering is funky. It has to turn left and right quickly and easily.

[@gregpanek523]

This is the funniest build you guys have done yet, when all else fails, go faster, LOL

[@whitesapphire5865]

The concept is as old as the hills, and it does work, but you need smaller, narrower, lighter wheels. You'll also need a gyroscopic stabiliser (motor driving a heavy flywheel would do it), and for convenience, a pair of retractable outriggers to facilitate "takeoffs and landings" without the car falling over. I could go into detail, but you guys are smart enough to figure it out for yourselves.

[@tilen3266]

So much garage54 content. What could be better!

[@thishandleisnotavailable]

This channel has some of the best build content. Russian ingenuity is so entertaining!

[@worthseeker]

Bicycles and motorcycles are noticeably harder to ride when the axel or spokes are bent or loose. I noticed that the back tire wobbles every time the car fell on its side. I think that some of the issues is from either the bearings or the axels not being tight or straight. Also, maybe getting a bigger steering wheel will help control the car. You have a steering wheel designed for power steering. Good luck! I can’t wait to see this again!

[@Jon-ko3vv]

Axle broken after everyone having a go sounds like voldka was involved

[@therealswarvey]

I had an RC motorbike once, it steered in the opposite direction to the turn to throw the weight in the direction you wanted to turn. Try steering in the opposite direction. The RC bike also had a gyroscope in the rear wheel, but your wheels look like they'd have sufficient mass to achieve the same, you just need them spinning faster.

[@stevearmstrong4561]

You guys do the coolest stuff..

[@mikewyatt9869]

Put a gyroscope in it where the tilt of it is adjusted by the steering wheel. A big disc of spinning steel would work great. With the steering wheel controlling the angle of the gyroscope, the tilt of the car could be affected which would also steer the car.

[@tinkeralexander5639]

How about a smal motor behind the driver spinning a heavy flywheel for gyroscopic balance?

[@emanyatta]

Crazy dude!! Much love from Kenya

[@mopzy5328]

Really great job! Modifying a body like this is not easy work. It's always fun to watch you guys! I think the angle of the steering shaft is not right. Look at a bicycle, the angle is maybe 20°. The trick is the so called trail, when you bring the line of the steering shaft down to the ground it should be just before the point where the wheel touches the ground. Maybe this can help: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry#Trail Can't wait to see this Thing with a Lader engine!

[@GoGoDriift]

The guy inside is steering the wrong side you have to steer towards the direction you are falling. Also use an Y tow strap from the body to keep it centered, pulling it from the wheel makes it easier to fall once there is just a small steer angle.

[@blown533]

2 things, shave the square edges off the front tire so it has a round profile and is easier to lean, also you are trying to steer the wrong direction. Motorcycles turn from counter steer, you need apply pressure to the steering system in the opposite direction you want to curve. If you want it to "roll" to the left, you will need to turn the steering wheel to the right.

[@VochoTalacha]

the secret for bikes to keep going is the correct camber on the front wheel. You ned to correct it on your car

[@antonchigurh6590]

That's hilarious you guys! Looks like a big white roller car skate!

[@3dartstudio007]

It's a Lada-cycle~! Whooo! Love it

[@TheWanderingtraveller]

Yes keep this project going. I like this one

[@klepow]

It always tips over to the right. It might be significantly heavier on that side. Also, is having the tow rope attached like that interfere with the streeing?

[@reedvending2384]

Leaning to the right side even from the beginning. Still love the content!

[@oilio5465]

You need a heavy sliding mass. Linked to your steering input. Leaning is more important to balance than steering

[@ReeghanN]

This is hilarious 😂 I’m no expert, but I think this could work if: 1: increase the angle of the steering system, if the angle is greater it will do a better job at moving the contact patch of the wheel which will allow for counter steering to shift the balance of the vehicle. 2: get some “trainer wheels” so you can gain some speed and get the wheels acting as gyroscopes 3: add an engine, besides the obvious, the torque being applied to the wheels will help with balance (I don’t know the physics behind it but I’ve found I can ride a bike at 5Kmh no problem when the engine is applying torque but when rolling down a hill it’s difficult to balance the bike) 4: attach a random flywheel to some bearings in the car and spin it up to act as a gyroscope 5: Don’t tow it from the steering wheel, the way the strap is attached also creates a torsion force.

[@edlafond1]

Add a set of skies as outriggers on the back.....like training wheels......or similar to the front end of a snowmobile? Great video!

[@ChatNoirLe]

Front tire contact point, with how wide the tire is when you turn your tire contact is on the edge your steering in, putting your center of gravity away from steering and into a fall, reverse the steering, this will put your center of gravity where you want it to keep it upright on turns.

[@triadxtechnologies]

Nice Bilada!

[@dodden1]

Needs a more vertical steering axis , 80 degrees, use push - pull linkages to steer it, steering wheel axis also 80 deg.. Also front tire needs more clearance more before contacting the metal when steering to balance at lower speeds.

[@chejoam7217]

You should explore option to use the skinny body in like a the main chasis of a snowmobile so the car has his own strength to move and something will come to mind for the steering

[@anarchyart5329]

Steering is your friend on this one. A pushbike will stay stood up if you jump off downhill, purely the weight of the bike itself can steer itself in a straight line. Leaning helps, but not as much as free steering.

[@OldCarAlley]

I really enjoyed your video.

[@whodatdere1]

I think there are several factors that play into it. The wobble effect of unbalanced tires do not help. But I also feel that it might be a bit too light. Maybe counter weights on the bottom will also help some. (If you have something like tanks that you can fill as needed similar to the large ship ballasts, may help some)

[@tormented9994]

Awesome!!

[@munchmagic8340]

Would be so cool to see another working lada cut like this but with 4 wheels 2 seater lada how would it handle and drive the narrow . Keep up the good work guys

[@dandavis1923]

Retractable training wheels or skis. At speed then retract and depend on the gyro factor for balance?

[@teardowndan5364]

Simple solution to balance: use bigger wheels to drop the center of mass below the axles. Dropping the whole thing by 2-3" would help too.

[@kaitatsuno6404]

This channel is great. It needs more clout.

[@stacyp4534]

I was laughing so much when it fell over my wife thought I had lost my mind!