Robin eho35? Honda gx35?

Friction drive is VERY dependable, probably the MOST dependable drive there is. No chain wear, adjustments, tensioner problems, belt wear-breakage, etc. Simple, cheap, basic, and reliable are what friction drive is all about. Yes, running through water is a problem, the answer is to pedal assist the engine and to learn to "feather" the throttle lightly. Yes, friction drive wears rear tires faster than other drive systems, but the cost of bike tires is faily low and wearing out a tire a year instead of every 3 years isn't exactly catastrophic. Wear isn't a serious problem if the drive roller is precisely perpendicular to the tire. I just bought a new tire for my friction bike for next year, $14.00. Meh.

YEP, I agree 100%. With a good motor, they are the most dependable drive system && the simplest.
 
I have gotten into trouble with my scooter, much more dangerous than my bicycles.
People have a total disregard for scooters, and their riders.
I am not saying that drivers have respect for bicycle riders but if you cross me you better be aware, and have your windows closed, bcause I am spitting and throwing my lit up cigarret in there along with a few other things.
And don't let me see you park where I can get to you.
I used to chase people down for a talk after they did something nasty, like they own the road or something, I dont do that anymore, why waist my time?
I go after their farkles.
oh, ah....the gx35
 
YEP, I agree 100%. With a good motor, they are the most dependable drive system && the simplest.

I would agree with but would offer this context: We define dependable if they are correctly set-up and then trouble-free and ready off the shop or garage floor for more or less short outings.

I put it that way because there might other considerations for some defining "dependable".
For example, if you were to rely on an MB to commute to work 5 days a week or some such obligation regardless of weather conditions, or for use in long distance, high-mile touring.

Friction drives are best IMO for short hops and if you can pick your weather.
 
I would agree with but would offer this context: We define dependable if they are correctly set-up and then trouble-free and ready off the shop or garage floor for more or less short outings.

I put it that way because there might other considerations for some defining "dependable".
For example, if you were to rely on an MB to commute to work 5 days a week or some such obligation regardless of weather conditions, or for use in long distance, high-mile touring.

Friction drives are best IMO for short hops and if you can pick your weather.

I have went on fairly long tours with a friction drive, but then i have also went on non-motorized bike tours. My friction drive is definately pedal assist
 
I have went on fairly long tours with a friction drive

I guess I'd then ask what 'fairly long' means. :devilish:
My comment was directed toward multi-day touring of possibly some hundreds of miles. One problem I've had is with steel spindles getting extremely hot and transferring that to the engine crank and the tire. Hot summer road surfaces are definitely also a factor.

The inverse of that is being out on an extended tour and prolonged wet weather setting in.

A point I've tried to make is it might be pertinent to define intended use and context for these things. I see a tendancy of a lot of folks recently here order an engine and/or kit and a month later start making generalizations while it's impossible to do so without considerable road trial time. I'm sure it's just being enthusiastic, receiving the gear and getting a bike up and running is fun. But if it's a just a fun thing buzzing around a few miles a week during good weather and then parked in the garage, it might be misleading to those looking for more well-rounded advice.
 
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Well fairly long for me meant touring from April 2-Oct 2, 2008. First i circled several locations in New Mexico (Albuquerque-the Gila National Monument and back with side trips, being the main leg), then i took the bus to Denver and went to Yellowstone, Idaho, Nevada, and eventually Barstow, California. I went a couple hundred miles on Forest Roads. This year i toured extensively in New Mexico and Southern CO (once again lots of Forest Roads) from early April to Mid October. Many days i didn't use the motor. My main problem is that i wore down the roller, so it doesn't work well anymore in wet conditions, but then i don't like to bike ride at all in rain anyway. After 2 summers of use (on and off use, but numerous steep mountainous roads), the motor (Robin-Subaru EH035) seems ~100% as powerful as new.
 
and the GX35 is rated at the same 1.6 hp the eho35 is supposedly putting out.:unsure:

The commentary from the RS sheeple about not being built in japan is just racist.
 
I recall facts being stated, not races being slurred.
The robin suzuki is made in Japan
The honda in Taiwan
Most people are saying thay are on par for quality.

Buy one of them and ride your bike!
Enjoy your awesome 4 stroke!
 
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