considering a Staton kit

bluesjr

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Just getting started with motored bikes, and was considering this kit: FDR-335 Robin Subaru 33.5 cc 1.60 HP Four Cycle Engine kit
http://www.staton-inc.com/Details.asp?ProductID=2738

I'll ask Staton also, but am hoping to hear some real-world experiences.

Some quick questions:
1)throttle lever vs twist grip? does the lever have a return spring? a lever sounds like a strange way to go, but could have benefits too - opinions?

2) centrifugal clutch - disengages drive when you release throttle?

3) does this drive roller "freewheel"? is that even important?

4) does it have an exhaust pipe? muffler?

5) remote stop switch = kill switch (I assume)

All for now. I'm sure I'll think of more.

bluesjr

ps. tried to post a link to the Staton webpage, but didn't work.
 
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The Lever throttles

Work great, Just like a weedeater ...
The Staton and robin are a good combo,
You can also get a BMP friction drive and supply your own engine.
Also Dimesion edge sells a friction drive system.

Those are about the top 3 choices for a Friction Drive ...

Theres also chain drives and Belt drives...
 
1)throttle lever vs twist grip? does the lever have a return spring? a lever sounds like a strange way to go, but could have benefits too - opinions?

spring? YES. Works fine.

2) centrifugal clutch - disengages drive when you release throttle?

Yes!!

3) does this drive roller "freewheel"? is that even important?

the pressure of the drive roller on the tire creates a little drag....it's easy to disengage (raise) the roller, to pedal normally

4) does it have an exhaust pipe? muffler?

Yes!!

5) remote stop switch = kill switch (I assume)

yup!
 
I've had both & prefer the throttle lever.

BMP's standard roller has a 'freewheel', but, there's still some drag. Essentially, the rolling friction of the tire is doubled. With the staton, you've also got a bit of bearing drag, but, it's not a lot.

The motor has a muffler.
 
i have a staton friction kit with the mits tle43 roller on it, these kits are excellent quality, bombproof i would say.

Before you buy it make sure you are comfortably with the size of the roller you purchase,

Do you live in a hilly area

comfortable cruise speed of say 22-25 mph with the engine purring nicely

These are important considerations with these kits because the roller that comes with the kit is in there too stay....... meaning its a son of a bit#$ to change out for a different size.

Just some questions which need to be addressed before you commit to dropping the greenbacks.
 
My first friction drive was a Dahon folder bike with Staton kit, Subaru engine and 1.125" roller. Excellent starter.

Another was a Mits 2.2hp with chain drive. Then I installed the Mits engine, Staton drive with 1.125" roller on a girlie cruiser. Then I installed a 1.5" roller, then a 1.375" roller, then a 1.25" roller.

I liked the Mits engine with 1.5" roller a lot.
 
i have a staton friction kit with the mits tle43 roller on it, these kits are excellent quality, bombproof i would say.

Before you buy it make sure you are comfortably with the size of the roller you purchase,

Do you live in a hilly area

comfortable cruise speed of say 22-25 mph with the engine purring nicely

These are important considerations with these kits because the roller that comes with the kit is in there too stay....... meaning its a son of a bit#$ to change out for a different size.

Hmmm, I assumed the rollers would be easy to swap. I also assumed the 1 1/8" would be fine for me at 140lbs. There are some hills, but I'll be mostly on flat roads, and 25mph would be fine.

I really just want something to run to the library and gym with. You might wonder why I need a motor to go to the gym (why not get some exercise?) - well, I've developed a hip problem, that is defying diagnosis. So I need a motorized bike, or motorcycle. Could use my car, but the sun's about to start shining again in California.

Btw, when I asked Staton, they responded that I'd be happier with an axle mounted solution. Uh, maybe, but at $100+ more, it just ups the ante to get started.

Thanks for all the responses everyone.
bluesjr
 
the 1.25 roller size is on my kit, i weigh 180 lbs and can cruise at 22mph no problem, and even when you encounter those really steep hills you can just pedal along and help the engine putter up, its almost the reverse of pedalling downhill normally, lots of fun.

Whats great about the friction drive setups, is that you can put them on your bike in about 15-30 minutes depending on your diy skills, have it off quicker and switch from bike to bike with ease,

the other kits require a bit more fine tuning and when you start customizing, new rear wheels etc, its not as easy to swap around etc.
 
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