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04-04-05, 11:16 AM
Hey guys.
Well, I built up a motorized bike this weekend that I have been planning for a while. I can post a pick in a couple days, but I used a used cruiser and a 48cc motor kit, like they sell here: www.motorizedbikes.com . I found the kit at www.birddogdistributing.com for $177 to my door, and the used bike put me back $60, plus a couple bucks for a new throttle cable, and two longer bolts... Total cost around $250.
Anyway, it was originally meant for my wife, but it is a little finicky two-stroke motor, single-speed, with a motorcycle-like clutch and throttle. Seems a bit too tempermental for her. Anyway, it fired right up on the first try, and seems to be breaking in well. I have about 10 miles on it now, and have ridden up to about 20 mph, with atleast 1/3 throttle left (no need to work it too hard at this point). My Cateye computer works fine with the motor off, but is getting some interference with it running -need to figure that out. I know I am not going 60 mph! :rolleyes: It climbs moderate hills, but bogs down on steeper ones. I can help this a little bit by getting a larger drive sprocket, but that limits top speed a little, so no changes for now.
All in all, I would definitely say it was worth $250. If I can get a few thousand miles out of the motor, the gas savings alone will pay for it (by using the motorbike instead of the car). This thing is definitely inferior to my normal commuting bike, and won't be used daily. More like for short trips to the store when my legs are too tired from the days' commute.
It is definitely a good alternative to car though in some situations, but a regular bike is still ideal. Still a fun little toy though, kind of a poor man's motorcycle. :)
Well, I built up a motorized bike this weekend that I have been planning for a while. I can post a pick in a couple days, but I used a used cruiser and a 48cc motor kit, like they sell here: www.motorizedbikes.com . I found the kit at www.birddogdistributing.com for $177 to my door, and the used bike put me back $60, plus a couple bucks for a new throttle cable, and two longer bolts... Total cost around $250.
Anyway, it was originally meant for my wife, but it is a little finicky two-stroke motor, single-speed, with a motorcycle-like clutch and throttle. Seems a bit too tempermental for her. Anyway, it fired right up on the first try, and seems to be breaking in well. I have about 10 miles on it now, and have ridden up to about 20 mph, with atleast 1/3 throttle left (no need to work it too hard at this point). My Cateye computer works fine with the motor off, but is getting some interference with it running -need to figure that out. I know I am not going 60 mph! :rolleyes: It climbs moderate hills, but bogs down on steeper ones. I can help this a little bit by getting a larger drive sprocket, but that limits top speed a little, so no changes for now.
All in all, I would definitely say it was worth $250. If I can get a few thousand miles out of the motor, the gas savings alone will pay for it (by using the motorbike instead of the car). This thing is definitely inferior to my normal commuting bike, and won't be used daily. More like for short trips to the store when my legs are too tired from the days' commute.
It is definitely a good alternative to car though in some situations, but a regular bike is still ideal. Still a fun little toy though, kind of a poor man's motorcycle. :)