Harbor Freight #97964 79.5cc 2.5HP - now what?

kallsop

Member
Local time
7:30 AM
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
61
I couldn't resist this engine for $89.99 (+ tax) which I think is a nationwide sale. 4 stroke, OHV, cast iron sleeve, ball bearing shaft, low oil shutoff, ball bearing output shaft, fuel shutoff, pull start, 79.5cc, 2.5HP @ 3600rpm, gas tank.The 20 page manual is here:

Model 97964

It's a lot of engine for the money.

Now can someone recommend a rear mounting kit that will work with this motor? I have a MIG welder and can fabricate some steel parts if the kit isn't an exact match. I'm thinking to have a chain (or belt) and left side rear sprocket in addition to the bicycle pedal drive on the right. Of course a CVT would be nice but that doesn't appear to be an easy option yet.

Thx.
 
Kall, you have to gear it down with a jackshaft. I also picked up one of those HF engines last fall. Real nice engine. I don't know what set-up fits it. It is kind of heavy on the tail of a bike (it weighs 20 # on my scale), then you need a hd rack to hold it and reduce the gearing. I plan on putting one in the frame to get the wt. down lower.
I think the guys from EZ motorbike have used the HF.
 
I couldn't resist either... I just picked one up today. Now I will be looking for a new bike and a way to mount it.
 
HF Greyhound engine

Hi guys, I have not done one, BUT, check with RusticoRay, KilroyCD, or RDKryton, they have in-frame mounted these using a lot of HT type parts, and Q-Matic drives.

Sucessful, and have been ridden by a variety of people.

Mike
 
Hi guys, I have not done one, BUT, check with RusticoRay, KilroyCD, or RDKryton, they have in-frame mounted these using a lot of HT type parts, and Q-Matic drives.

Sucessful, and have been ridden by a variety of people.

Mike

yeah... I was checkin out their work. They have done a lot of good ground work. Any news on how the engine rides??? This thing could be the next HT I think.

I just stripped the tank air filter and exhaust off and must say that I am very happy with my purchase. I cant wait to ride it.
 
There's definitely a business opportunity for these engines and a compatible bike kit that takes most of the guesswork away. It seems like a frame mount is tricky 'cause the engine is larger than the HT 2 stroke. With the higher weight of the engine versus the HT, a rack mount might be unwieldy. Maybe a high frame mount like the thatsdax "Titan 4 Stroke In Frame With Shifter kit" is the best.
 
Can someone confirm the pocket bike FS529 CVT fits? That would enable a nice rack mount with the engine on the rack and not hung off the side.
 
Back
Top