Not so Happy Time

[bootlegger]

Im sure others are going to tell me Im wrong but geeze Ive had a hard time with my HT.

I bought it in early May and from the day I started using it it has constantly let me down.

Engine mounts broke, things fell off. The heads studs were stripped from the factory.

I did everything right to run it in but it wasnt long before the bottom end went.

I replaced the crank and rod and then a couple of days later the piston seized in the bore.

I dont know how many times Ive had to adjust the clutch,retighten stuff and then restud the engine mounts over and over.

Today the bottom end and the top end went. Im not sure what happened first but the crank roller bearing came out of the casing and that let the stator chew up the housing. Im figuring the piston was running out and it locked up in the bore. I was over 15miles from home and had to pedal all the way.

I thought I was doing OK until this woman passed me like I was standing still on her bike with a backside bigger than a truck.

Now Ive heard the "you get what you pay for" balone but why do we have to put up with this Chinese rubbish?

Why is it OK for them to make it and us to accept that its no good? Ive got over $500 in this thing with all the stuff Ive had to buy just to keep it going and now its ready for the bin.

I run my own business. If I constantly released a product from my workshop (I restore vintage cars) that was substandard Id be out of business in no time.

How can China be one of the biggest growth economies when virtually everything they make is useless.

The shop I bought it off has been great supporting me with parts to keep it going.

I bought this thing to get me to my jobs while I dont have a licence. The idea was it only had to last me 3 months (still got 3 weeks to go). the downside is I caught the MB disease and want to keep riding but not if I spend more time fixing stuff than being on the road.

There must be a more reliable solution that is frame mounted and economical.We dont get the whizzers in Australia

I really think I could make something better but maybe I sould just by a motorbike and be done with it. Dave

 

[Mountainman]

sorry to hear the bad news Dave

a small motorbike and be done with it ??
may be a good idea ??

maybe one more try ??
Robin with Station friction drive -- many miles here -- not one problem -- a fun little ride

MM

 

[Happy Valley]

I thought I was doing OK until this woman passed me like I was standing still on her bike with a backside bigger than a truck.

Ha, coffee out the nose! Sorry but that just made me laugh. LOL

I empathize with ya brother, and just about everything you say it true.
The need 3 to keep one running got me way back from the Chinese stuff.
Rack mounts are fine with me, Robin and Mitsubishi. I basically just put gas in them.

 

[Porkchop]

$500.00 could buy a descent Jap engine and rack mount set up ! Without the head aches and $$$ wasted on break downs. In fact I have less than 4 bills in my Honda GX35 and a friction drive kit.

 

[bootlegger]

I looked at the rack mounts but I need a rack to carry all my gear to get to work. I want a frame mounted engine.
I reckon I can mount a decent engine in there and adapt a clutch from something else.

 

[Mountainman]

they have the frame mount EZM set up -- it's nice
seems to be a little over priced though
at this time anyway
MM

I also like the ScooterGuy set ups -- plus he's ((proven)) good people..........

 

[mlcorson]

I just purchased a friction drive kit (no motor) "on sale" new for $119. The 35cc Robin Subaru motor I bought through a member here for $130. Also, I was just outbid on a very nice Staton chain drive and Mits 43 complete kit for under $400. Some people get lucky with their Chinese HTs, others get philosophical. My advice has been the same every time I see posts like this. Take your loss on this mb, and buy a reliable kit built around a reliable recognized brand motor. Check the "for sale" section on this forum.
In the end, there IS a cost to reliability ratio that can't be ignored.
-mike

 

[Porkchop]

I just purchased a friction drive kit (no motor) "on sale" new for $119. The 35cc Robin Subaru motor I bought through a member here for $130. Also, I was just outbid on a very nice Staton chain drive and Mits 43 complete kit for under $400. Some people get lucky with their Chinese HTs, others get philosophical. My advice has been the same every time I see posts like this. Take your loss on this mb, and buy a reliable kit built around a reliable recognized brand motor. Check the "for sale" section on this forum.
In the end, there IS a cost to reliability ratio that can't be ignored.
-mike

Would you mind telling where you got the friction drive kit for $119.00 ?
I'm interested in that, especially if it's the same one I have already.
Thanks !

 

[Skyliner70cc]

If installed correctly, the HT engine is pretty reliable. I recommend you get one from a reputable vendor who has a warranty and try again. Also, try to read up on many of the common issues and try it again with improved mounting hardware and installation techniques.

For engine oil: Maxima 927 at 5 oz per gallon is all you need to prevent lubrication failure.

Good luck and give it a try. I you'd like, if you pay shipping, I can send you several bottom ends and top ends for you to put one together that works. NO charge for the engine parts as long as shipping is paid for. Take care.

 

[RMWdave]

you know what, i gotta sympathize with you bud. my brand new HT came without piston rings. Im sure you read the post but i keep coming back to reiterate it.

Im doing small engine mechanics and im thinking that these kits are being marketed the WRONG way for a quick buck on the distributors end.... They will make a fine engine for the hobby mechanic who wants to measure, record, and seal everything to make a satisfactory engine. But i can guarentee you, ill be selling my frame mount happytime bike as a complete as soon as i know I have it broken in and tuned to run right to the unsuspecting buyer, once its in their hands im done with it.
Reading about how your crank bearing wandered away means that there is no adhesive on the bearing surfaces.... or clips for that matter.

im almost tempted to split the case before my rings come in.