Which Friction Set-up?

RoostersCrow

New Member
Local time
1:32 PM
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
7
O.K., After years of telling myself that I really don't need a motorized bike, I've decided to just do it. I'm thinking that the friction drive is the best set-up for me to start with but I have a couple of questions about the Dax and the Staton kits that I'm hoping someone here can answer from experience.

I'm planing on using the bike to ride to town (12 mile roud trip) for small errands and will be riding on dirt roads and crushed limestone bike paths. Will this eat up the drive roller? Both list their rollers as hardened, but is there a difference in their wear rate? I understand that the Dax roller is easier to change out and am wondering that even if it wears faster, might I be better of with its ease of replacement?

Another consideration is the motors that are available from these two. For someone that puts reliability at the top of their wants list, am I better of going with the well respected Robin 33.5, or for less money, I can go with the Dax 48.8 cc motor that I would think that I wouldn't be working as hard? I'm not a speed demon, so I'm just looking for the best option for a comfortable cruse speed of about 20 mph and the ability to climb a few small hills. I'm thinking about using 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" roller depending on which set-up I decide on. How do the Titans compare to the Robin in MPG?

I'm open to either companies set-up depending on your feedback. I'm also open to using ones drive kit and the others motor if that looks to be the better way to go.

Perhaps there isn't enough difference to concern myself with?

Looking forward to any and all feedback.

Thanks,
Brian
 
Last edited by a moderator:
RoostersCrow,
I got the BMP kit with the Subaru Robin EH035.
I can't say enough good things about the Subaru engine.
I use a 1.25" roller on a smooth beach cruiser tire & get 34 mph & great fuel economy.
The Suby starts usually on one pull & never lets me down.
I run Super Unleaded w/no Ethanol only.
-Lowracer-
 
Roosterscrow....sounds like you are a morning person. :D Just thought I would add a bit of engine info as I have both. I have been very impressed with the durability of the little Suby. Kind of like the old Timex commercials....takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. Only time it has let me down is when I forget to fill it with gas cause it is so economical.

The Titan has been great for over 2000 miles too.Very dependable, and starts easily. More power obviously, and economy isn't that bad.....around 140-150 mpg. At that range I don't bother checking the mileage very closely.

Friction drive doesn't work very well for me, but that is location specific. I live in a rain forest, so the only time it stops raining is so it can snow.

I have just endured a rather nasty winter, and both engines performed better than I had expected. They were tougher than the operator in most cases. Hope that gives you an idea. :geek:
 
Thanks Guys!

It sounds as though both motors are dependable with the Robin being a "little mule". I'm leaning towards the Robin.

Any input on the rollers. Is my gravel road surface likely to cause excessive ware on the drive roller. And if so, which is the better set up to deal with this? If they are both likely to show premature ware do to my riding surface, I'd think that the Dax set-up with the easier to replace roller would be the way to go, but perhaps the Staton's roller is of better quality to withstand the abrasive dust?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
There is a good friend of mine by the name of Alaskavan on here. He mostly rides a tadpole that is a phenominal machine, but he also has a friction setup. He lives in Haines Ak, and rides in some of the harshest environment you could imagine. Plug his name into search, and you should come up with some of his ideas and recomendations. If it works for him, it will work anywhere.
 
I went and ordered the Staton set-up and after much procrastination on my part. Japans troubles are what motivated me to order now and get the motor I wanted. One has to wonder if these Japanese engines will be hard to come by soon.

Now, if the snow and ice would melt I could take it for a spin.
 

Attachments

  • DSCF5430_opt.jpg
    DSCF5430_opt.jpg
    35.4 KB · Views: 542
I went and ordered the Staton set-up and after much procrastination on my part. Japans troubles are what motivated me to order now and get the motor I wanted. One has to wonder if these Japanese engines will be hard to come by soon.

Now, if the snow and ice would melt I could take it for a spin.

RoostersCrow,

Nice look'in bike you got there. I like the kit you have on it. That's a reliable set-up. I choose a friction drive because it was the simplist and most dependable.
 

Attachments

  • bike 1.jpg
    bike 1.jpg
    110.4 KB · Views: 617
  • Bike 2.jpg
    Bike 2.jpg
    98.5 KB · Views: 614
Mike, are you happy with the friction drive and those skinny tires?
I'm keeping my eyes open for a different bike, as I put the motor on my bike that I ride with the family for fun and am going to want to get a new peddle power bike for family rides or a new bike for the friction drive.
 
Mike, are you happy with the friction drive and those skinny tires?
I'm keeping my eyes open for a different bike, as I put the motor on my bike that I ride with the family for fun and am going to want to get a new peddle power bike for family rides or a new bike for the friction drive.

The skinny tires (700cc X 28) don't make the ride as "soft" as fatter tires, I'm guessing. This is all I've ever experienced. I am looking to buy a bigger, softer seat for my boney butt though.

Originally, I bought that Schwinn for riding, not to put a friction drive kit on it. For commuting it's a great bike but with the friction drive I find myself leaning forward too much...alot of pressure on my hands...so I lowered the seat.

If I had it to do all over again with what I know now I'd buy a bicycle that's more of a comfort cruiser.
 
RoosterCrow,
Were the front mounts on the kit mount up to the frame,did it come with extra long U shaped bar or did you have to add extention bars to it to make it long enough so the kit didnt lean to far forward?Im not sure if im expaining it right,but I am planing on putting a Staton Robin kit on a beach cruiser and am afraid the front U shaped mount wont be long enough....
John
 
Back
Top