Question on potential motor and size

If anybody can point out for me a 4 cyl engine that does 30 mph (200 lbs rider + 30 lbs equipment), costs < 350 shipping included,and is not made in china, I will buy it today.
All the Japanese engines cost less than $350, but you won't get an entire kit for that price (Staton's friction drive kits start at $400, and somebody just said they hit 42mph with the Mitsu TLE43 friction drive).

If you're worried about getting up hills without pedaling, get the GXH50. You might put a little too much stress riding a Robin/Subaro 33cc for a 50 mile nonstop trip. For that reason, you might wanna stick with the TLE43.

If there is a 2cyl that fits these specifications and can handle a 50 mile nonstop trip, I'll consider it as well.
Sure, the TLE43 is a great 2 cycle engine.

And any engine you put on there will take you 50 miles, provided you have a big enough gas tank.
 
Not all chinese kits are bad, and if I was looking to do 50-mile non-stop trips, I would choose a real motorcycle. But if you want a motorized bicycle that can do all of that and is a 4-stroke you might have to save the extra money and buy one of the more expensive kits. Because I don't know of any kits like that under 350 that are not chinese.

Oh, and save for a reeely big cushiony seat.
 
This is the seat you want: http://www.obviousengineering.com/index.html

I got a similar Schwinn seat at WalMart for $22 or so, and I think just a bit bigger like that Bench Seat would be just right.

As for the engine, you might save yourself a bit of money by just piecing everything together yourself. Do that, or pay for the good quality kits... they're worth it. You'll be pulling your hair out if you waste money on a chengine kit.
 
Well, based on the consensus I am willing to spend more. I'll have to wait until payday, but it is not that far away ;)
I am looking at the FDR-335 Robin-Subaru Four Cycle 33.5 cc 1.60hp and 1-1/8" drive rod. Staton claims 28 mph. I will also get the stronger supports as well. Total, after shipping, about 430.00
This kit looks to be a pull start, which works fine for me.

That TLE43 kit looks nice, but it is a bit more than I am willing to spend.

Knowing me, I'll wake up one Saturday morning and take off for a few hours just to ride around. That was the point of my earlier 50 miles nonstop question. My main concern is if the equipment can handle a rough (but well maintained) life, including the occasional long trip.
There are very few hills here.

Before I go ahead and buy this thing, is there anything else I need to know? I am going to dig into the forums a bit and look at this engine, but if there is anything pertinent that comes to mind please post it here.

That seat? Without a doubt, I'll have that seat or one very similar to it.
-Jdude
 
Before I go ahead and buy this thing, is there anything else I need to know? I am going to dig into the forums a bit and look at this engine, but if there is anything pertinent that comes to mind please post it here.
Only thing I find pertinent is about the 2-stroke vs 4-stroke issue in terms of the 50 mile nonstop question. They each have their own problems if you have less than half a gallon tank... 2-strokes will need 2-stroke oil to be mixed in if you're away, so you'll need to carry pre-mixed gas, a reservoir tank, or pre-measured packets of oil to dump right into your tank. And 4-strokes supposedly can't run WOT as much as 2-strokes can, so you'll need to cool it down a bit if you get the EH035 (supposedly).
 
Only thing I find pertinent is about the 2-stroke vs 4-stroke issue in terms of the 50 mile nonstop question. They each have their own problems if you have less than half a gallon tank... 2-strokes will need 2-stroke oil to be mixed in if you're away, so you'll need to carry pre-mixed gas, a reservoir tank, or pre-measured packets of oil to dump right into your tank. And 4-strokes supposedly can't run WOT as much as 2-strokes can, so you'll need to cool it down a bit if you get the EH035 (supposedly).

The small gas cans are a concern, but there is an extra large tank over at staton (80 something oz) that will work well.

More than likely, I'll figure out how to stick a 1 or 2 gallon tank on this sucker since I like to modify things.

For my regular needs this engine will work perfect. So on the days I do get a hankering to take a road trip, I'll go easy on the throttle and stop every now and then. I'll avoid WOT during my regular use as well, except for small bursts or hills.

So, all that decided, I am going to order today.

Pics when it arrives and I find my camera.

-Jdude
 
j' said:
Well, based on the consensus I am willing to spend more. I'll have to wait until payday, but it is not that far away
that's the attitude :)

congrats on an informed choice...you'll have an engine you'll be loving for many miles...epa-certified too, which always makes me happy to see :cool:
 
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