Alt Bike Culture - Motorized Bicycles

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Harutz
04-14-11, 05:16 PM
Has anybody made a motorized bike with a Weed Wacker or Chainsaw motor?

I've seen a few youtube videos of things like this, and it looks like a fun idea to do it with an old Peugeot I've had sitting in the basement.
I'd like to hear from people who may have tried it, though.

Friction drive with a roller seems extremely simple compared to rigging together a chain drive, but it also seems pretty abusive to the rear tire. Chain drive seems like it would go faster too, and I wonder if it would get better gas mileage.

Anybody have experience with these things?

e-Man
04-15-11, 05:01 PM
I used to think adding a motor to a bike was killing the original idea. Then I lightened up a bit and learned that the earliest motorcycles got started by adding engines to bicycle frames. Now, I too am kicking around the idea of adding a motor to a bike I have laying around. Can't really offer advice since I have not done a project, only looked into it, so for more info I recommend checking out this page and reading through the various different posts (http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=54&sid=13c74b332d90497f458e12173013af07), maybe even post your question there as well.
Harutz
04-15-11, 07:17 PM
Cool, thanks.
I picked up a 39cc chainsaw for free off craigslist this afternoon.
I'd like to go with a chain drive setup, but then I'd need an entire drivetrain for it and I don't have a spare bike for the parts. I guess I'll try friction drive, but I know I'm going to destroy the rear tire. It's in terrible condition already.