Ok... Im a n00b... and I'm a fatty... whats right for me?

[bigkat650]

I'm hearing what you are all saying, and thanks for the responses!

I know a hefty guy such as myself has its downsides... esp when using a little motor to carry me up hills.

I think, even though the state says all motor-assisted bikes are illegal, I still want to persue a 49cc motor since I am actually planning a move in a few months down to PA, and figure its the best option for not requiring a license. (and no... the illegal motor biking status is not my reason for leaving NY... although its not helping my already unfavorable thoughts of the NYS DMV and other official offices)

So basically i'm deciding on the style of motor bike I am going to want to build, and I think it is down to two styles: GEBE or friction drive.

The pluses of the friction drive are:

~~I would have the ability to switch friction rollers rather quickly (a min or two) when climbing hills for more torque and on long flats for more speed
~~Its fairly cheap, and SIMPLE!

The negative:
~~Slippage in wet weather
~~Side mount motor means the bike will be heaver on the left side... prolly not that big of a deal

GEBE system positives:
~~No slippage
~~Balanced motor on the back
~~Reliable system, with less potential for additional ware to the bike and a smooth ride

GEBE system negatives
~~Need to upgrade rear spokes, esp with my size
~~No ability to switch from higher-torque/ higher-speed



Has anyone used both? Which do you prefer? Should the ability to switch roller size appeal to me as much as it seems to? THANKS for the replies!!!

 

[Happy Valley]

Gebe does have gearing options.

Also, Dimension Edge is the only FD set-up I know of that has spindles that swap out on the road. All others require a lengthy dismounting of the drive from the motor IE you're not gonna be swapping rollers on a whim.

The thing I don't care for in the DE mount is no twin bearings to carry the load. I'm a satisfied Staton user.

BTW, the "sidemount" thing is a non-issue, don't even notice it underway. You will want to pay heed when parked though.

 

[Mountainman]

hi bigkat

with your facts stated --

regarding engine size -- you wish to stay under 49cc
stay as close to that as you can -- in the 40s ?

you mention 30 mph top speed -- due to the weight of yourself and MB
you might wish to shoot for something more like 20 to 25 mph
using a very low gear ratio
this will be of much help for you on start ups and hills

always makes it much fun when you Ride That Thing bigkat ---------- MM

 

[bigkat650]

Okay I think i'm getting a good idea on where to start... I think i'm going to do a friction drive set-up, with one of two motors... Either the Dax Titan, or the 49cc two stroke for sale on bestbikeengine.com

The RPM range for these two motors differs greatly- i.e. the titan is reported at 8550rpm VS the generic 49cc being reported at 6500. Due to this RPM range difference, should I get a slightly larger roller if I get the Titan? Or should I not let that factor dictate the roller I use...

What I am thinking is:

If I purchase the Dax Titan-- I use a 1inch roller.

If I purchase the generic 49cc-- I use a 7/8inch roller.

Again, I am not afraid to peddle assist at all, I'm looking for the a good mix of torque, and the ability to go 25mph if not a tad faster... Basically what I am looking for is when climbing steeper hills, I wont have to gear really high and stand up to peddle... I'd like to keep a moderate gearing (peddling) ratio, and remain seated without killing my legs, but I have no problem peddling consistantly while climbing a hill so long as i'm not killing myself doing so. And yes, i'm a big guy... but don't take that as i'm completely out of shape, I can get-er-done most of the time lol-- and I do handle myself very well given my size

 

[Mountainman]

#1 -- If I purchase the Dax Titan-- I use a 1inch roller.

#1b -- If I purchase the generic 49cc-- I use a 7/8inch roller.

#2 -- And yes, i'm a big guy... but don't take that as i'm completely out of shape, I can get-er-done most of the time lol-- and I do handle myself very well given my size

regarding #1 and #1b
I think that you are right where you should be regarding roller sizes

regarding #2
no no please don't get me wrong here
most MB riders either small or big guys
are known to be able to handle themselfs
it takes more than a little something just to want to

ride that thing ---------- MM

 

[Happy Valley]

Here's the same engine for $119, shipping $15 flat rate.
http://www.duropower.com/item.asp?PID=86&FID=3&level=1

I'd be leary of the these crappy Mitsubishi clones made in China but their policy page says all their products have a 1 year warranty.

 

[Mountainman]

some VERY GOOD ADVICE

I'd be leary of the these crappy Mitsubishi clones made in China

some VERY GOOD ADVICE given there

not sure how much more a TRUE MITSUBISHI cost -- but -- well worth it !

makes it better when we wish to ride that thing Mountainman

 

[bigkat650]

Here's the same engine for $119, shipping $15 flat rate.
http://www.duropower.com/item.asp?PID=86&FID=3&level=1

I'd be leary of the these crappy Mitsubishi clones made in China but their policy page says all their products have a 1 year warranty.

They have a VERY similar 49cc 4 stroke motor to the Dax Titan on there... Looks identical minus what looks like the spark-plug wire. The RPM range is lower then the dax titan.

Is this a clone? or is this the same motor with a different logo?

 

[MotorMac]

??

Im 300 lbs and I love my H.T motor. It scoots me me to work and home no problems. it took me a couple weeks to work out the bugs but NOW!! I love it works great!

 

[Youngbird]

Bigkaat650,

Me too....I check in at 6'00 and 275. My advice....LOW center of grivity. That means inframe mounting and a grubee gear box hooked to a honda GHX50 or a Titan from Thatsdax. Thats my move....and then a shift kit and an internally geared rear hub, once the kits come on the market(spring....right Ghost?Pablo?)