About to install my 1st GEBE kit...any suggestions?

[shawnshank]

Well the time is here....
I finally have my bike and 40cc tanaka GEBE kit and all the parts I'll need (or so I hope) to get her up and running.
Any suggestions as I begin the install? Anything I should be aware of or keep an eye that other people may have encountered with one of these kits?
*I purchesed the velocity rim which came with the drive ring pre-installed so that part is done.

SS

 

[bamabikeguy]

1. Because of the weight of the engine, super-punctureproof your rear wheel. You've read about wrapping tape over the spoke ends, thornproof tubes, and tire liners. One thing you don't want to do, on the road, is worry about a flat on the rear.

2. I'd seriously think about "frame mounting" it, instead of having it axle mounted. Plenty of first timers have done it. By having that unit stationary, you can make the spacing adjustments (with washers) on the wheel a LOT easier.

3. Zip tie all the spokes, and drill an extra hole in the front strap, up where it attaches to the bike, and put 2 thicker zip ties through the hole and around the frame, so if the bolt ever gives way, the engine won't slide back.

4. Use a small hose clamp to hold the throttle on the handlebars, and underneath the throttle, in that space, put a thick zip tie, to hold it up off the handlebar and it will stay next to the grip better. A zip tie "shim" in other words.


I'll keep an eye on this thread, will post pix if you need them....Check Mary's and Uncle Punk's threads, I know they used the 40cc, and if any others are on line, maybe they will chime in.

Good luck !

 

[vegaspaddy]

if you have been doing your research you will have no problem installing the kit and once on they are bombproof,

I waited about a month before i frame-mounted my engine it makes a huge difference and gives you a more secure feeling, i hope the engine isn't going to fall off type of feeling. IT frees up the rear axle for important stuff like the kiddies trailer etc !!!!!!

The only minor hiccup will be realigning the rear cassette for the new wheel apart from that everything should be smooth sailing.

Good luck, and am sure you will be up and running in no time.

 

[Member 5549]

Yea

Bama is correct about the tires and tubes and liners.

I installed my GEBE on my stock bike with crappy tubes and tires, and after about 30 min. of riding I got a flat !!!!
That sucks !!!!
USE GOOD KEVLAR tires extra thick tubes ( I got the pre slimed ones )
wrap 3 layers of black tape around rim. and use tire liners. and a flat will be the least of your problems...

One thing also make sure your belt tracking is good after installation this will save wear and tear on your belt... The GEBE website has this procedure with pictures to help .....

One more thing safety !!!!! After a couple of days riding the hardware on your bike WILL get loose.. Check it often, trust me I know the hard way, lost 2 bolts from my gas tank.. after a month everything will stay tight longer..
but still do you checks often ( like twice a month )

One more thing HOLD ON TIGHT that Tanaka 40 is a neck snapper !!!!!!
you will love the Tanaka engine... proper 50:1 ratio is a must....
Have a Blast !!!!

 

[shawnshank]

I got some good velox rim tape and I'm using the stock liners so I hope that is good enough. I have to wait to buy some kevlar tires but those and the heavy duty tubes will be my next purchase.
After that I'll be back on here looking for help with a frame mount. I can already tell this thing is going to push the limits of the rack mount.
It's looking pretty sick so far though. I have it half built but I had to stop to take my girlfriend somewhere

Bama is correct about the tires and tubes and liners.

I installed my GEBE on my stock bike with crappy tubes and tires, and after about 30 min. of riding I got a flat !!!!
That sucks !!!!
USE GOOD KEVLAR tires extra thick tubes ( I got the pre slimed ones )
wrap 3 layers of black tape around rim. and use tire liners. and a flat will be the least of your problems...

One thing also make sure your belt tracking is good after installation this will save wear and tear on your belt... The GEBE website has this procedure with pictures to help .....

One more thing safety !!!!! After a couple of days riding the hardware on your bike WILL get loose.. Check it often, trust me I know the hard way, lost 2 bolts from my gas tank.. after a month everything will stay tight longer..
but still do you checks often ( like twice a month )

One more thing HOLD ON TIGHT that Tanaka 40 is a neck snapper !!!!!!
you will love the Tanaka engine... proper 50:1 ratio is a must....
Have a Blast !!!!

 

[bamabikeguy]

I put an alternative to frame mounting in your other thread.

If it works, please take pictures, so we can pass it on as an idea that takes care of the frame mounting advantage, for road repairs.

 

[Member 5549]

Some of my GEBE pics

Schwinn Point Beach with GEBE.

 

[bamabikeguy]

Hey Sean,

On your pic #4, I've been adding my 2-ziptie backup protection on the front strap, and according to some of the stories, it has possibly prevented quite a few accidents if the bolt, holding it to the fender bar, fails.

If the strap comes loose, the engine falls back and the throttle revs wide open. Esp. perilous if it happens in traffic.

 

[Member 5549]

Bama

You just drilled a hole in the mount strap and used a high quality tie wrap.
Is that right.. Yea I need to do that asap...
If that thing fell back it would prop unplug the kill switch also !!!
That could really be a bad day !!!!!
Thanks for the tip !!!

 

[Member 5549]

After Looking at my pic # 4

I might have the strap backwards ???