For our senior capstone project, we wanted to focus on a field of science and engineering that we were both drawn to and could potentially invest our time in in the future. We have both been eager to explore our interests in the mechanical aspect of the engineering world, so we based our project idea around that. This project will allow us to expand our knowledge and interests in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) pathways and give us hands-on experience going into college.

 

We decided to construct a “super” pocket bike from scratch. A pocket bike is a gas powered mini bike, designed to reach speeds of around 30 - 40 mph with a 49cc engine. The average size of an ordinary pocket bike tends to be around 2’6” tall. In comparison, the “super” pocket bike we are going to build is expected to at least double the size of a normal pocket bike. The bike will be designed to fit a larger rider and reach higher speeds. We’re going to incorporate a larger frame, larger wheels, and a more powerful engine while keeping the style of a pocket bike. This task will help us explore the mechanical engineering field along with the planning and assembly process of large machines.

 

Our project will consist of purchasing a sports bike frame online, as advised by our mentor, attaching front and back wheels to the axles and properly placing them onto our frame, incorporating a carburetor in our 79 cc, 4-stroke, Predator engine, attaching the front and back wheel braking system, along with connecting the throttle system to the engine.

While both of us have been exposed to some aspects of our task during our school careers, we are not experts. Anything we do not know about the process of constructing this motorcycle, we intend to learn through the guidance of our mentor, consulting professionals around Houston, and utilizing websites and videos posted on the internet.

 

We have planned out when each step in our project will be taken so we can remain organized and on time with our completion. We have designated the months of April and May for learning basic information about the construction of motorcycles, budgeting our project, collecting enough funds to begin, and starting the design process for our bike. June will be time for us to properly assemble an adequate workspace and acquire the parts and tools we will need. In July and August, we will begin assembling our motorcycle prototype and purchase any other needed materials for assembly. We will fix any kind of prototype issues in September and October and finish with final fixes and testing in November. We are going to try our best to stay on schedule for the completion of our project and create an efficient, well-designed, aesthetically pleasing “super” pocket bike.