50 Columbia Powered Up

[Axlerod]

I just wanted to demo Modified 50 Columbia w/ 49 cc Grubee. Engine kit came w/ Rapid Fire Shifter for clutch lever. It worked poorly , needing two plunges to disengage clutch, & two to engage. I just swapped it out for a brake lever w/ lock out, which works much better & is much safer. Extra curve added on down tube to clear spark plug, & put engine in front of cranks. Custom Al Gas Tank, 5053 Marine alloy .060" wall. It sure shakes a lot, still breaking her in. I can hear the Dogs howling as I wind my way up the Southern NH Hills.
NH law requires a stop light. Any suggestions? I just put a rear LED light on the seat post. Yours Truly Geo.

 

[KilroyCD]

I just wanted to demo Modified 50 Columbia w/ 49 cc Grubee. Engine kit came w/ Rapid Fire Shifter for clutch lever. It worked poorly , needing two plunges to disengage clutch, & two to engage. I just swapped it out for a brake lever w/ lock out, which works much better & is much safer. Extra curve added on down tube to clear spark plug, & put engine in front of cranks. Custom Al Gas Tank, 5053 Marine alloy .060" wall. It sure shakes a lot, still breaking her in. I can hear the Dogs howling as I wind my way up the Southern NH Hills.
NH law requires a stop light. Any suggestions? I just put a rear LED light on the seat post. Yours Truly Geo.

Nice looking build. I have a soft spot for vintage Columbia bikes, as my first MB was a '46 Columbia with a 48cc gruBee. Regarding the brake light, there's one that I found through BikeWorldUSA.com. I just bought one of these to put on one of my bikes. It has a remote switch that mounts on a brake cable to activate the brake light. Here's the link: http://www.bikeworldusa.com/product_info.php/cPath/124_25_51/products_id/990
It also has turn signals and a horn.

 

[Happy Valley]

Hey George, looking good.

 

[azbill]

nice job on your build !!!
the tank looks great

 

[bikebum1975]

Very cool ride I love the custom tank you had made.

 

[Axlerod]

Thanks to all, for your kind words.
Kilroy, that's a neat rear light set-up for $21, w/ horn & blinkers too.
I have allways used my arm to signal turns while riding bicycles, but w/ MB frequent need to use left hand to release clutch lever, it's a handful to do both at the same time. So many car drivers seem distracted these days, anything that will help get their attention is good.

 

[try1897]

Hi, I lucked onto a 1953 tristar deluxe Columbia bike at a yard sale for 20 dollars. It was a frame only bike no fenders tank or chainguard so I motorized it as is for now . It makes a nice looking beach cruiser type bike that people always want to know about.I do hope to come across the rest of the original stuff someday.... T