Just getting into motorized bikes and looking at my first diy kit. Just curious about using a mountain bike though, if I keep the rear dereailer and don't use the chain tensioner (or use it) would I be able to hit the clutch, shift and release as if it were a manual vehicle? If not, has anyone done something like this before?
A shift kit is really not the best way to build your first MB.
A shift kit doesn't just bolt on, you need special tools and a high degree of mechanical skill to make them work right.
I'd recommend just going with the direct drive setup so you can learn all the engine kit parts and make one go.
That for many is challenging enough.
After selling that however an
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=ku6o32l7trrsmo5a9vbt5cniq7 Sick Bike Parts 2 or 4-stroke jackshaft shift kit is da bomb.
You don't use the clutch to shift, you just back off the throttle a little and change gears just like you would pedaling.
The main issue with shifters is breaking pedal chain on derailleur type bikes, don't go over a 7-speed and even that is ifffy, I like to use an internal geared hub on shifters so I can run HD 410 single speed bike chain but you can get away with HD Z33 5-speed chain on most 7-speed bikes.
I have some of my 2-stroke shifter builds here.
http://kcsbikes.com/currentBuilds.asp#2-Stroke Shifter
And some 4-stroke shifters here.
http://kcsbikes.com/currentBuilds.asp#4-Stroke Shifter
And this monster I just finished and have up for sale in front of me.
That has a lot of Sick Bike Parts goodies on it.