Looking to buy, not finding what I'd like.

[Grugthejust]

I'm not mechanically inclined, first and foremost.

I'm honestly looking for a prebuilt tested 4 stroke motorized bicycle. Was going to get one from Spooky Tooth Cycles, but with their current issues and lack of response I'm leaning towards a Helio.

I'm hoping to purchase one in the near future for reliability and price, I've seen that the "vintage" look costs cash. Just trying to learn the ins and outs on one that works would be invaluable.

Any suggestions on where to look that could ship to Long Island, NY?

 

[Porkchop]

Go to the Buy/Sell/Trade section on the forum.

 

[wbuttry]

be advised new york has banned motorized bicycles they say they will arrest you for having them be cautious when you purchase one if anything go electric not trying to scare you just think you should know what you are getting yourself into good luck

 

[Grugthejust]

Been browsing the Buy/Sell/Trade, no dice yet. Checking EBay, craigslist, no luck mainly on account of the lack to proximity or willingness to ship.

Also, I'm aware of NY State law on the matter, unfortunately, like some on these boards, however, the way around this is simple.

 

[Porkchop]

Been browsing the Buy/Sell/Trade, no dice yet. Checking EBay, craigslist, no luck mainly on account of the lack to proximity or willingness to ship.

Also, I'm aware of NY State law on the matter, unfortunately, like some on these boards, however, the way around this is simple.

And what way is that ?

Read below. This is something I posted a few days ago in response to someone else’s thread from New York. I’m by no means an authority on your home state’s rules/laws. I copied the following from the internet from Yew York’s department of transportation. As I always say, if you go into it knowing darn good and well you’re breaking the law, weather you like the law or not, prepare to pay the consequence, and no whining, crying or complaining. It plainly states that motorized bicycles are illegal.


Motorized Scooters, Mini-Bikes, Dirt Bikes, Go-Karts, Motor Assisted Bicycles
You cannot register any of the motorized devices from the list below in NYS. You cannot operate these devices on sidewalks, public streets or highways in NYS. These devices are motor vehicles, but they do not have the correct equipment or design for operation on roadways.
Motorized Scooter - a device with a motor attached and a handlebar for a standing rider. An example of a motorized scooter is the device called the Go-ped®.
Mini-bike - a small, motorized device with two wheels and created for off-road use. A mini-bike does not qualify as a moped, a motorcycle or an ATV.
Dirt Bike - a motorized device like a motorcycle, but created for and used for off-road use. Some "dirt bikes" qualify as an ATV. These vehicles can register and operate off-road as an ATV.
Go-Kart - a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use. You cannot register a go-kart as a motor vehicle or ATV because a go-kart does not have the same equipment.
Motor-assisted Bicycle - a bicycle to which a small motor is attached. A motor-assisted bicycle does not qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, moped or ATV and does not have the same equipment.
These devices are not allowed on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other area that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You are subject to arrest if you operate one of these motorized vehicles and do not have a registration, driver license, inspection, insurance or correct equipment. The DMV can not provide any information about operation of these devices on private property. Contact the local authorities and property owners.

 

[motorpsycho]

If you aren't mechanically inclined, then this may not be the hobby for you.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but you need to fully understand what you are getting into. so many times a non mechanically inclined person buys an engine and straps it to a bike.
then later he complains because "it's a peice of junk". well, when this happens, normally it's because the engine was not installed correctly, bad wiring, and just no knowledge of how to put it together right.
another complaint is that the engine doesn't run good or doesn't run at all.
This comes down to knowing how to tune the carb, maintanance, and doing the electrical the right way.
One of the most important things is making the bike safe, so that everything works right. you don't want to lose a chain at 30 mph due to incorrect chain alignment or broken/loose nuts & bolts.
Take into consideration that you will also have to stop this bike, so having good brakes is a must.
There are a bunch of things that come into play when building one of these bikes...not just getting an engine and bolting it on in a few hours.

 

[Porkchop]

I agree with motorpsycho. I currently have a friction drive set up. I consider myself to be of average to above average intelegence when it comes to mechanical things. After all, I did work for the worlds largest engineering firm for 30 years. Anyway, I currently have a friction drive set up. One and a half hours after taking the kit out of the box, I’m driving my new motorized bike down the road. Almost 2 years ago and I have had zero problems with it.
On the other hand, I did a typical Chinese 2 stroke on an old vintage Schwinn Collegiate. Spent several hours over a several day period to get it right. These engine are not for the faint at heart when it comes to knowing and understanding combustion engines and the mechanics or motion.
Don’t get discouraged though. There are several different configurations of engine kits. If you’re not familiar with them, do your home work and decide which is best for you. I will say this, and I don’t think anyone will disagree, if you can afford it, get a Japanese engine over Chinese any day. Yes, they will cost more but are worth every extra penny spent. And they usually come with a 1-3 year U.S.A. warranty depending on which name brand you choose. Good luck !!!

 

[Grugthejust]

****, could've sworn I wrote it, but didn't apparently. I am mechanically disinclined, however, I intended to get a pre-built 4 stroke that would've otherwise sound to begin with. Read up on it more, I'm reading up on it for the last few months, but I think with a working MB in front of me, I learn how to care for it properly. I may not be apt, due to lack of experience, but I am willing to learn and tend to pick things up rather quickly.

And what way is that ?

As I said previously I'm aware of state law concerning Motor Assisted Bicycles. I intend to willingly skirt this law the same way at least two others on this board have. It's the closest to legality one can achieve in NYS, I understand the risks, but think that the odds of any officer digging deep enough to reveal the illegal ground-work for this scheme seems minimal. In short, I intend to have it insured and registered under false auspices. I get pulled over, have papers, clean tags, and on my way. Also, I don't intend on using it in NY, I spend a lot of time in CT, and it's just across the sound via ferry.

 

[Bob Mac]

Not finding what I like

Check your private messages.

 

[motorpsycho]

****, could've sworn I wrote it, but didn't apparently. I am mechanically disinclined, however, I intended to get a pre-built 4 stroke that would've otherwise sound to begin with. Read up on it more, I'm reading up on it for the last few months, but I think with a working MB in front of me, I learn how to care for it properly. I may not be apt, due to lack of experience, but I am willing to learn and tend to pick things up rather quickly.

As I said previously I'm aware of state law concerning Motor Assisted Bicycles. I intend to willingly skirt this law the same way at least two others on this board have. It's the closest to legality one can achieve in NYS, I understand the risks, but think that the odds of any officer digging deep enough to reveal the illegal ground-work for this scheme seems minimal. In short, I intend to have it insured and registered under false auspices. I get pulled over, have papers, clean tags, and on my way. Also, I don't intend on using it in NY, I spend a lot of time in CT, and it's just across the sound via ferry.

That's a positive thing! it's always good to learn something new.
don't worry, it will come with time.
A 4 stroke is a little easier to deal with.