Electra Townie

[scottyo]

Has anyone motorized an Electra Townie? I love their style and comfort but I was wondering if someone could post a photo of a motorized Townie (esp a central mounted motor).

I thinking of buying one with the intentions of adding a motor but before I invest in that price tag I'd like to see how it looks with a motor.

 

[ocscully]

Not actually a Townie but a similar bike, the Firmstrong Chief with a 4-stroke kit frame mounted. http://motoredbikes.com/album.php?albumid=440

ocscully

 

[scottyo]

Also,

Whats the opinion on the Townie's durability and toughness? Im hesitant to purchase and motorize such an expensive bike. Wouldn't wanna tear it up. I would need an 80cc for my size.

 

[HoughMade]

Is it aluminum? If so, it would not be my choice. Many here have used aluminum bikes, but steel is more durable for motoring purposes.

 

[mlcorson]

ScottyO:
I would, and have taken this approach in the past. Buy a used (hello craigslist!...cheap) bike that fits your criteria without spending big bucks. Then if the concept worked out on that bike. I would upgrade the bike. The second build is always better than first, and you're not experimenting or working out the bugs on a $400 bike. You'll probably need a new chain and other install parts, so factor that in. YMMV.
-mike

 

[Irish John]

Is it aluminum? If so, it would not be my choice. Many here have used aluminum bikes, but steel is more durable for motoring purposes.

HoughMade, I think that Hydroformed aluminium is actually incredibly strong. I've had cracking form in my steel framed Schwinn Tango tandem but no problem on my Honda motored Schwinn Alloy 7. The alloy is really thick as well. Mind you the forks are not alloy but hi-ten steel. Likewise on my Merida which is hydroformed alloy - it is as strong as a brick dunny.
The Schwinn D7s that I motorise are as heavy as an elephant and the tube section is thinner which makes for a not so good clamp for the engine tray. I think the alloy frames hold the motor better but I've only had one year using the Schwinn Alloy 7 and 7000kms. The Merida Kalahari did 18,000 kms over 3 years on several HTs and it hasn't got any cracks but come 5 years they might start to misbehave with metal fatigue. I have been told that metal fatigue has a time span with alloy frames. All's well and then suddenly it gets brittle but the people who told me this are not people I have much confidence in.

 

[fetor56]

Electra Cruiser model1 & Honda engine,Townie bag.......will give u some idea of the scale.

 

[Irish John]

Not actually a Townie but a similar bike, the Firmstrong Chief with a 4-stroke kit frame mounted. http://motoredbikes.com/album.php?albumid=440

ocscully

Has anyone got any idea how Sprocket 196 installed a springer fork in this Townie frame when it has a head tube of at least 8" and the springers head is only 6&1/2". I can't work out how he got it to fit without welding on an extra length and threading it etc.

 

[HoughMade]

First- If Irish says that aluminum will be fine, that's good enough for me- go for it.

Second- When I bought my springer, the head tube was 9" long and I had to cut down to size.

 

[Irish John]

Did you cut the head tube HoughMade or the springer?