Retro Motorbike

[Q]

I've built two of these retro looking motorbikes for my daughter and I to take camping with the teardrop. They're much like the old Whizzer bikes of the 40s and 50s. Comfortable and pretty quiet, 30 mph, cool looking, and cheap. $300 total for each bike. I also use one for commuting to work. No license, insurance, etc., needed in Oregon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/QDM/tearbike.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/QDM/bike2.jpg

Q

[slick149]

Could you please post some more info about these bikes? They look very interesting!

Slick

[jay]

where's the ball hitch...?

[purplepickup]

A friend has built two of those and I'm about ready to order a kit. There are big differences in the kits and they're all made in China so the quality is marginal anyway, so it's sort of buyer beware. I've sorted thru lots of info and I'm planning to build one real soon.

Here's a couple of sites that sell the kits. http://livefastmotors.com/_wsn/page2.html
http://www.kingsmotorbikes.com/Engine_Kit1.htm
http://www.motorizedbikes.com/bikes_motors.html
Here's a gallery of some bikes people have built http://www.motorizedbikes.com/gallery/

There's a lot of importers on Ebay selling these too. The biggest thing some people caution is that some of the cheap kits are made with bad parts and the better ones are made with sorted, higher quality parts. There is even speed equipment available.

Depending on the style of frame you have, you might have to do some fabricating here and there....but that's the fun part. They do sell bikes aready built too.

After you decide what kit you want then you have to choose a bike to put it on. I never realized there are so many cruiser and chopper type bikes. The Schwinn Sting Ray Spoiler SS has a really high cool factor.

[Q]

As Purplepickup said, these engines are made by the bazillions in China to power peasants bicycles. They are a bit crude but they work well. If they were selling for $500 I would say they're a bad deal, but for $201 delivered to your door the price is right. I've talked to people who have over 4000 miles on them so far.

Anyway, I used the Kings 80cc engines ($201 delivered) and the Kulana Moondog Cruiser bikes from Walmart ($99). The fit is good, the looks are good, and the price is good. We have a gas riding them around, and I save gas by riding mine to work.

http://kingsmotorbikes.com/index.html
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=3985034

Note: In some states there are restrictions on motorized bicycles. The most common restriction is engine size of 49cc or less. Fortunately these engines have no numbers indicating displacement. I made stickers for mine that say they're 35cc and stuck them on the engines. I also took metal stamps and stamped "35cc" onto the engine block ;-)

Q

Could you please post some more info about these bikes? They look very interesting!

Slick

[BobR]

Pretty cool...what is the noise level like? Also, are there any other modifications needed to the crank or bearings?

[asianflava]

Bob-

I really like your CT 50? 70?

Those things kinda have a cult following now.

[Q]

The noise level is very low at idle and not bad at maximum speed. The muffler is quite effective. The gear reduction inside the engine does make a whirring sound which is louder at certain RPMs.

No mods are needed to the crank because the engine is skinny enough to fit between the crank arms. I imagine the wheel bearings will wear out sooner under engine power than they would under peddle power, time will tell.

There is one modification that would make sense safety wise, that is making a shield for the exhaust pipe. You would get a really nasty burn if you should crash and get your leg up against the pipe. I intend to make an aluminum shield that attaches with a couple hose clamps.

Here's a closer picture of the engine mounted in the frame:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/QDM/engine.jpg


Q

Pretty cool...what is the noise level like? Also, are there any other modifications needed to the crank or bearings?

[purplepickup]

Q, thanks for posting this. I was undecided about whether to go with the LiveFastMotors kit like my friend did or the King kit which is a little less expensive. Since it sounds like you've done your homework and you're happy with the quality of your King kit. I think I'll try one.

I've still got El Manual bikes for exercise but when we're at the races a cool pit bike is a must.

[gailkaitschuck]

Neat idea! Are they difficult to put together/attach to a bike?

Gail (who is riding a 30+ year old racing bike to work)

[Q]

No they're not difficult to assemble Gail. But it does help if you're mechanically inclined because the instructions are very poor.

Q

Neat idea! Are they difficult to put together/attach to a bike?

Gail (who is riding a 30+ year old racing bike to work)

[Geron]

Living in somewhat hilly territory, I'm wondering, will they climb a 5-6 percent incline or will they lug down and require pedal assist. I'm about 190 lbs.

Somewhat interested

Geron

[purplepickup]

Living in somewhat hilly territory, I'm wondering, will they climb a 5-6 percent incline or will they lug down and require pedal assist. I'm about 190 lbs.

Somewhat interested

Geron

I just ordered a kit last night from a place called livefastmotors on ebay. I had called them yesterday and was real impressed with the guy's down to earth attitude and willingness to help with anything I might need. It was the dad of the guy that actually sells the stuff. He even offered to ship a $19.99 upgrade kit along with it for no extra shipping charge. It has a different tooth sprocket and chain, a motor mount for different frame configurations, and some other goodies in it. I just ordered it directly from him rather than thru ebay. Even tho it isn't his site, he told me that this site is very helpful with a lot of technical info. http://www.motorizedbikes.com/tech2/tech2.html

From what my friend says, hills aren't any problem at all especially with the larger sprocket (48 or 50 tooth).

[gailkaitschuck]

Oh rats; poor instructions!

We just put together a Harbor Freight greenhouse that's known for having very poorly written instructions. We averaged one swear word every 5 minutes and one stomping off in a huff (done in turns) about once an hour.

When done I burned the friggin' instructions in the Weber grill; I plan on never taking the danged greenhouse apart.

Gail (who wishes all instruction books were written by Mr. Monks brother, the one who hasn't been able to leave his house in years)

[toypusher]

Are you sayin' ya need 'structions for RATS?