Hello from Southen California

[PocketBiker]

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jim. Ever since my neighbor rode by my house on his Motored Bike last week, I can think of nothing else! I've spent hours looking at eBay and motor bike cataloges. Perhaps someone can get me going on the correct path..... As I see it, I can buy a Schwinn for $120, a 66cc $120 (though I'm in California and it sure seem strange that all California dealers, print in their ads that they don't sell to California residents??) Thinking of going with the metal hub rather than use the spoke drive?? I'd like some opinions on that subject (though I'm sure it has been discussed a lot on this forum) And, I saw a great video about adding a centrufigal clutch for $60 for the kit..... So, looks like I'd have over $400 for a bike going down the road. I'd really like to hear any advise concerning how to keep from getting pulled over for anything....... I would be using the bike for weekend cruising around so I thought the simple Wally World $120 Schwinn would suffice?? Any comments on that or any advise would be welcome, before I start shelling out $$$$ Thanks, Jim

 

[Paul E.]

Nice cruiser!

One thing though: in my opinion, a good pair of front and rear brakes are mandatory, although one could get away with rear coaster and fronts.

the only thing I see that might be an issue, is the reinforcing tubes under the main top tube might interfere with a HS142/Honda 4 stroke. the smaller two strokes would fit though.

You should measure for this anyway.

 

[Wolfshoes]

I motorized a Schwinn Delmar last summer. It is a nice bike for the money. A weak point of a bike in general is the attachment of the gorilla handlebars to the neck. The attachment point is not up the leverage created from pushing down on the handlebar while mounting or stopping the bike. This clamp should have had two bolts instead of one. Also, the tire tubes have two thin dimples near the fill stem which will blow if the tube is overloaded or over inflated. There are frame attachment points above the fenders for cantilever rim brakes to be installed, but care must be taken when ordering them that the reach is long enough and the pads have a rubber grip. Frame slots are too easily bent from tightening the rear axle nuts. Next time; I would be taking a second look at a Schwinn with V brakes even if it was a five speed. The overall cost is less than adding cantilever brakes to a Delmar, and in my opinion, the V brakes provide more stopping power. A Walmart five speed I looked at also had a different handlebar neck situation. Coaster brakes may be good as a backup emergency option, but getting your feet in the correct position to back petal takes time you may not have when riding in traffic. I do like the aftermarket dual pull brake lever. Good luck with your build whatever it is!

 

[PocketBiker]

Great advice

I was really interested in what you had to say about the Delmar. I'm really not crazy about the huge handlebars, partly because ..... I'm not going to riding it on the beach. I was actually thinking of just bending them in a bit..... and even cutting a couple of inches off on both sides. I suppose, if the single bolt really does become a problem, as a last ditch effort, I suppose I could find a good position and drill a 1/4" hole through it all.

The funny thing about this new hobby is how inexpensive it started out to be.... I mean, I'm got everything from a $50 centrifugal clutch kit, to a $55 sprocket adapter (to save my spokes) so it's not going to be a cheap hobby, but it sure sounds like fun! Paul had me thinking of the 4 stroke engine today, but I'm just stuck on the ole 2 stroke. I guess you just have to learn some things on our own. So, tomorrow morning I'll drive up to Brea and meet the people at BikeBerry.

I'm interested to know what effect the "rubber donuts" have on the spokes with the style that comes with the kit. It seems like something you might put on a yard sale bike, but man, I would hesitate doing that to new spokes, so I thought the metal sprocket adapter seemed better?? Then, after I check out the engine, I plan on doing the centrifugal clutch mod.

I'm not 100% sold on the Schwinn Delmar but for the $$, it might be fine for starters......

Jim

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

Welcome to the forum from Orange County.
I would not recommend the centrifugal clutch.

We are racing these bikes on Sat March 28th at Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley.

 

[PocketBiker]

Explain please

Why would you not recommend the centrifugal clutch. I was under the impression that it is like having a more conventient automatic trans. as opposed to a manual.... where you have to pull in the clutch, everytime you stop (or stop your engine). Of course, 1/2 of me likes your answer....... it'll save me about $80!

Thanks for you information.
Jim

 

[dougsr.874]

The spoke mounted rear sprocket is about the only thing that I've NEVER had aproblem with...the Delmar bike's frame with break where the rear rack is welded to the frame....Schwinn cheapen it up....If you add a cent. clutch then you'll need a pull start....also a wide pedal crank kit....cause pedals won't clear the pull start..

 

[kgyrobotron]

Shift kits are sick!! check em out. You don't have to wind out your engine..welcome to the hole in the pocket hobby...its only change..lol

 

[PocketBiker]

Thans Much!

I am really happy now....... I can scratch cent. clutch and metal sprocket off my wish list....

Hey, you guys just saved me $135! Do I need the boost bottle?

Jim

 

[PocketBiker]

the Delmar bike's frame with break where the rear rack is welded to the frame....Schwinn cheapen it up

I can add a vertical support on the back of that rear rack and it should save the welds..... Thanks pal!!! I wouldn't have thought of that. I still think of all the bikes in that price range (my price range) it is pretty decent.

Jim