Some questions for a newcomer

[merlinfire]

I first posted about 3 years ago when the bug bit me, but I got distracted and didn't come around for a while. Now I'm back and really want to get rolling this spring. So I have a few questions. I know some might be opinion type questions but I'd like to hear your opinions.

First let me tell you what I want to do with the bike - and tell me what you think would be best. I recognize that maybe not all of this is practical and some may even be mutually exclusive with current technology and market offerings. I have never driven a motorcycle either so some things may not be as obvious to me.

I live about 6 miles out of town. I typically drive a car when I need to go, but I'd like to get a little exercise while turning a chore into something fun. I might also like to just sort of cruise around and discover new places. I need at least a little cargo capacity. Would like to be able to kick the motor in just when I need it, while rolling, and otherwise pedal without too much extra resistance from the engine (besides the extra weight of course). If this can be done by clutch manipulation, it would be nice if I didn't have to hold the clutch in to keep it from turning the engine over. Finally I prefer not to smell like gasoline everywhere I go.

 

[bakaneko]

If you have a bike in mind, I think we can start there.

 

[merlinfire]

Probably a general all-purpose bike. I did a little bit of Googling and it seemed to suggest a hybrid bike is the right form factor, but I am open to specific suggestions for sure

 

[Timbone]

A motor bike would be great for such distances. A well built and maintained motorbike can eat up 12 mile trips and make them fun. You will want to carry tools so a backpack or a rear rack would cover any need for cargo.

The HT 2 stroke is a short trip vehicle. You will find that any kind of real touring is out.

 

[bakaneko]

As Timbone mentioned, your requirements perfectly match a motorized bicycle. The only thing you have to decide now is either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke. I think from your mentioning that you don't want to smell like gasoline you probably prefer a 4-stroke.

4-strokes are typically more expensive (about $100 difference) than 2-strokes but require less maintenance and assembly. A 4-stroke requires more space if you were to mount it traditionally in the frame of the bike. This precludes many mountain bikes though I've seen recently a big body mountain bike that can fit it. 2-stroke requires oil and gas premixing, which sucks these days because of the way gas containers nozzles are redesigned so you might get a smell of gas there.

 

[merlinfire]

Thanks for the replies. Timbone would you elaborate on why the 2 stroke HT would not be good for touring. Though I am leaning towards 4 stroke.

As to the question of pedaling without the motor, and kicking it in only when needed, how practical is that? Seems like all the four strokes require pulling a starter cord?

 

[merlinfire]

Another question, I'm just full of them, I'm kind of a big guy with some weight issues which is why I'm trying to get into biking and want to pedal primarily with the engine for backup. Will the fact that I am overweight make any difference as to the configuration? I hear people talk about the number of teeth on sprockets as it relates to torque and I assume that the engine displacement will also play a part. in my state getting above 50 cc makes it a motorcycle

 

[bakaneko]

The maximum 50cc requirement still allows you to have either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Being willing to pedal and truly use the motorbike as a pedal assist (most of us here use it as a pseudo motorcycle) helps with being a bigger person. The number of teeth is a trade off between torque and speed; the more teeth = more torque and less speed, the less teeth = more speed and less torque. The kits come with a stock 44T sprocket though some vendors allow you to pick the default sprocket. One teeth reduction roughly = 1 mph. I am a speed person so I would rather pedal a little in the beginning and on hills and have a higher max speed than vice versa. But, I am a smaller person so I cannot say what is best for you. The 4-stroke and 2-stroke pedal dynamic works as follows for 4-stroke you start the engine usually at the beginning of your ride and just pedal as needed (has an auto clutch) and for a 2-stroke you will pull in your clutch to a lock position (handle provides this) and pedal and release the clutch (open) when you want the motor. Also, my state really don't care about cc and I bought my engine off ebay (no receipt, no proof). Others might chime in but if you want proof of cc you might have to buy it from an actual vendor with actual receipts. Cheers

 

[merlinfire]

The maximum 50cc requirement still allows you to have either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Being willing to pedal and truly use the motorbike as a pedal assist (most of us here use it as a pseudo motorcycle) helps with being a bigger person. The number of teeth is a trade off between torque and speed; the more teeth = more torque and less speed, the less teeth = more speed and less torque. The kits come with a stock 44T sprocket though some vendors allow you to pick the default sprocket. One teeth reduction roughly = 1 mph. I am a speed person so I would rather pedal a little in the beginning and on hills and have a higher max speed than vice versa. But, I am a smaller person so I cannot say what is best for you. The 4-stroke and 2-stroke pedal dynamic works as follows for 4-stroke you start the engine usually at the beginning of your ride and just pedal as needed (has an auto clutch) and for a 2-stroke you will pull in your clutch to a lock position (handle provides this) and pedal and release the clutch (open) when you want the motor. Also, my state really don't care about cc and I bought my engine off ebay (no receipt, no proof). Others might chime in but if you want proof of cc you might have to buy it from an actual vendor with actual receipts. Cheers

thanks for that response, this helps a lot. so it sounds like I'm looking for a 2 stroke then. i wonder how many times anyone has ever been "busted" or "made" for running a 66cc in a 50cc state or something? just thinking out loud.

there's a local shop in cincinnati called mgm motorized bicycles that deals in 2 stroke motorbikes.

 

[bakaneko]

thanks for that response, this helps a lot. so it sounds like I'm looking for a 2 stroke then. i wonder how many times anyone has ever been "busted" or "made" for running a 66cc in a 50cc state or something? just thinking out loud.

there's a local shop in cincinnati called mgm motorized bicycles that deals in 2 stroke motorbikes.

"
for a 2-stroke you will pull in your clutch to a lock position (handle provides this) and pedal and release the clutch (open) when you want the motor"

Just to clarify this. You pedal and release the clutch and this starts the motor. The motor stays on until you stop it with either the choke or kill switch (if working). It is possible to set the idle so low that when you come to a stop or pull in the clutch it will stop the motor. To restart the motor, you will need to pedal again and then release the clutch. Hope that helps. Concerning the legality, no comment I don't want to tell you the wrong thing but if some anal cop or courts or some official demands proof then you have one with a receipt. There is no way someone unfamiliar with 2-strokes will be able to tell the difference between a 49cc and 66cc.