Scratch build bike. Ideas?

bikejock · Jul 19, 2015

Motorized bike hybrids have been done before. I recently found out about this awesome WW2 themed army bike hybrid made by a guy on YouTube. Here's what it looks like

As I stated above it's not mine but boy do I wish. It should give you an idea for an awesome hybrid. Defiantly looks better than a Prius imo. The frame I believe it uses is a Phantombikes ghost in olive drab color but everything else is custom. Hope it works out for you. Wold love to see how it looks when your done, good luck.

I don't know much about hybridization of motorized bikes as far as parts as I only have experience with gas only motorized bikes.

Also should mention BicycleEngines.com sells 4G kits for $300 plus $22 S&H. It came within 5 days intact and on time I bought my 4G from them and I can vouch for them. They even sell all the replacement parts for the engine and kit unlike amazon. Amazon is selling knockoffs of 4G kits and wouldn't trust them. The 4G is usually better than the under $300 4 stroke kits.

TobiasKilroy · Jul 19, 2015

My current build is an HS 4-stroke "knockoff" kit I bought from bike berry.
I've got several hundred miles under my belt so far and the only components that I haven't had even the slightest issue with has been the motor.
You keep it full of oil and feed it the low octane gas it wants and it will run forever.

OK sorry for popping off. I just get territorial about things I've spent money on.

That is a very cool hybrid you found. Have you got a pic of the other side? I didn't expect to be able to put the drive sprocket on an electric hub.

I still want mine all wheel drive. I weigh 380, I don't need more pounds on the rear wheel.

bikejock · Jul 19, 2015

No prob I hear ya. Personally I usually avoid knockoffs and try for the good stuff or best I can get with my budget. Here's a link to the full video;

TobiasKilroy · Jul 19, 2015

Knock off is all I can afford.

Cool bike, boring vid.

HeadSmess · Jul 19, 2015

still not what i was hoping for...

when is someone (other than me...) going to get

a stinking big brushless motor

a 3 phase rectifier bridge

a lil 35 or summink...

and a hub motor?

yes, the electronics can be a bit daunting...oh dear... PWM speed controls and stuff...

easier than chains and stuff...

while the tandem setup seems a bit silly at first, the idea grows...electric for pedestrian activities, gas for highway...

no! i wanna see the engine use as a generator, and only a generator!

TobiasKilroy · Jul 19, 2015

@HeadSmess mechanisms and machinery are always easier than electronics when it comes to comprehension and planning.

And what with the plethora of complete hug motor kits available there is no need to worry about the electronics.

I will not be using the motor as a generator. Nor will I relegate either drive system to a single use. My plan is to utilize both simultaneously. Thus allowing for faster starts and better climbing of overpasses. The second reason for the gas not being generator only is I want the theoretically limitless range that a 4-stroke motor provides.

It is my dream to ride my bike from Sacramento to my hometown of Willows. Aka my first true century for you cycle nuts.

KCvale · Jul 19, 2015

TobiasKilroy said:
OK yes, I'm a madman. And yes often my dreams are bigger than my wallet. So I have for your perusal the parts list for my version of the ultimate motored bike.

[ ] 48cc 4 Stroke Motorized Bike Kit $268
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CSUI3U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_KR1OvbR9MCH1F

OK so take some time to look that over. I need feedback on feasibility, reliablity, and missing parts. I might need to change the drive ratios of the gas kit but a top speed of 30 is all I want/need.

Where to start...

Well, you can't fit a 4-stroke in that Workman frame without cutting that middle bar out so a bad bike choice.

Your engine kit choice looks to be a kitty litter box or turtle enclosure with no specs.
In short not an HS 142F-1G 49cc 4-stroke or a real 4/10G transfer case.

That front 1KW hub motor seems OK but it weighs 24# and total bike/rider combination it will take is 330#.
It short, the axle won't even take you just standing on it.

Your 4 12V LA battery choice will be huge and weigh another 24# and only put out 480W, that may not even be enough to make it work and if it did it wouldn't last long.

Lastly, on a bicycle a small light electric front hub system is dandy on a 2-stroke to help you bump start the gas engine pretty useless after that and down right silly on a 4-stroke.

Besides, your dreams of having 2 wheel drive from 2 different systems with 2 different throttles would be an absolute nightmare to try to control in real life traffic conditions.

So to answer your 'Am I Crazy' question...
Bat Poop Crazy for anyone let alone a 350# guy with those part selections in my opinion.

You have $1K+ budget, there are ways to make you something reliable and easy to maintain that will take you up hills and do 30mph, your choices just aren't it ;-}

TobiasKilroy · Jul 19, 2015

1. Are you sure about your claim about the worksman? Cuz I've specifically checked frame dimensions with them.

2. That motor kit is exactly what I'm using on my current bike and I like it greatly.

3. Nobody makes bicycle equipment with my weight under the rated capacity. I've checked. I do know that rated capacities are generally a minimum of 75-80% of the failure load.

4. It's 8 batteries. 20ah at 48v. If I could afford LIon I would. And the kit's battery charger is for lead acid only.

5. I never said it would be easy to drive, that's part of the fun. Besides I onlybrin at two speeds. Idle and flat out.

6. I don't have a $1k budget, I have a build as you go budget. I can't even afford the worksman yet.

7. You state there exist better options but provide no examples. I would very much like to examine them and increase my store of knowledge.

KCvale · Jul 20, 2015

TobiasKilroy said:
1. Are you sure about your claim about the worksman? Cuz I've specifically checked frame dimensions with them.

I just can't see a 4-stroke fitting in this this, and I build a lot of 4-strokes.

2. That motor kit is exactly what I'm using on my current bike and I like it greatly.

The HS engine is excellent, it's the 5G dual chain transfer case that's junk.
The simple fact is chains wear and get loose, and there is no way to tighten them.

Check out the $300 4G http://bicycle-engines.com they advertise here and a fine kit that comes with wide cranks, but you will need the BB conversion cups.

3. Nobody makes bicycle equipment with my weight under the rated capacity. I've checked. I do know that rated capacities are generally a minimum of 75-80% of the failure load.

Not with just 2 wheels.
I like the 29" Micargi Fatal Love for large people.
All steel, rated at 300#, and a breeze to fit a 4-stroke in.

4. It's 8 batteries. 20ah at 48v. If I could afford LIon I would. And the kit's battery charger is for lead acid only.

You might want to consider a trailer to carry that 21"x6"x4.5" 50# lead block.

6. I don't have a $1k budget, I have a 'build as you go budget'.
I can't even afford the worksman yet.

Not uncommon.
When you only have a small amounts every week to put to a build, you just save longer to get the good stuff.

You asked for input, my opinion is this as silly as it gets given all the factors.

Scratch build bike. Ideas?

bikejock

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TobiasKilroy

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bikejock

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TobiasKilroy

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HeadSmess

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TobiasKilroy

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KCvale

In memory of KCvale 1959 - 2019

TobiasKilroy

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KCvale

In memory of KCvale 1959 - 2019

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