I very recently learned about the world of motorized bicycles, and I believe I want to buy one this spring. I don't have the facilities to build one myself, so I've been looking at various complete bikes. The "Nightrider" (themotorbicycle.com) appeals to me in its design, simplicity and price. Does anybody have any experience with, or knowledge about, this machine? And/or suggestions about others? Many thanks in advance.
MOST motored-bike "makers" who sell ready-to-ride bikes aren't "makers" so much as they are "assemblers". Unless a maker is fabricating a frame from scratch or at least making heavy modifications to an existing frame, each "maker" is pulling from a similar pool of stock bikes and bike kit engines.
Now, there is nothing wrong with that. My first MB I built was from a stock bicycle, and my second one will be as well, with modifications being mostly cosmetic with some aftermarket additions. I would be a hypocrite to knock someone who is doing the exact same thing that I did. But you still need to keep that in mind when picking a pre-made bike because then you know what you should REALLY be looking at-- what is the quality of the stock parts they are using, and how is their CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Customer service is what really makes one MB merchant-maker stand out from others.
I've not heard of TheMotorBicycle.com before. Looking at their site, I would reluctant to deal with them because: 1. they sell just two styles of MBs; 2. They sell NO aftermarket or DIY parts; 3. nowhere do they state the brand of engine or bicycle. I would be leery of the Nightrider they offer because it's an aluminum frame-- run-of-the-mill aluminum bicycle frames can't stand up to the vibrations from the engine.
So, before you pick a bike, scout through the sponsors of this forum and look at the merchant reviews. Owners of Sick Bike Parts and Pirate Cycles are both active on this forum. I know other forum sponsors are active here as well. (Pirate sells completed bikes as well as other forum sponsors, SBPs doesn't sell complete bikes, but they have top-notch customer service).
Spend some time here on the forums, learn a lot, meet people and merchants, and THEN make a choice.