My first build, looking to get ideas for my project.

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Okay, after doing even more research (this place requires a support group to ween myself off the search feature) I'm questioning a lot of my original plan.

My original concept was based a lot on looks. The biggest change I was looking at making was possibly spending the extra coin and getting a 4-stroke engine. The reasoning for this is simple (reliability). Like I said, I'm not much of a gearhead, and I love learning about small engines and all, but school consumes most of my life and I won't have a lot of time to fix a busted bike (and I don't really have any other form of transportation now).

Now that leads me to my next dilemma. If I frame mount a 4-stroke, what are the chances of catching my pants on fire? I wear fairly loose fitting jeans a lot, and I'm not sure if it's a real concern or not, but I figured I'd ask.

So that throws out the option of rack mounting my engine. A whole new can of worms.

Tell me what you think, guys? Am I thinking crazy or something?

Edit: Also, I forgot to ask. How much more weight are 4 strokes in comparison? And I notice that all the kits besides the GruBee kit (which I can't afford) are all pullstart. Is there any information on retrofitting and making them something other than pull start?

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Well, I went bike shopping today.

My friend Taylor and I went to an antiques store and scored us 2 nice, solid bikes. No rust on the frame or anything like that. The one I'm using is a single speed with coaster brakes (I'll probably throw on an extra rear hand brake for emergency purposes). They're both steel frames and we got them for a steal at 25 for each!

Pictures coming tomorrow.

We're going to probably go with some 2 cycle kits.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Okay guys.

Here are the bikes we're using.

The first is mine. It's a Ross Eurotour, made in Allentown Pensyvalnia (a few miles from where I grew up!). It's got a coppery color with chrome wheel covers. It's single speed with pretty competent coaster brakes. I am going to overhaul them one day soon, but not today.

The next is an AMF Roadmaster. Supposedly made by Harley? It's brown with a nice 3 speed and good brakes. The seat mounted on it is worth more than we paid for the bike. It's a solid bike, had less polishing to do than mine.

I think both are solid contenders for adding a motor to. Do you foresee any problems?

Thanks guys.

*Pics coming soon due to me not having them on this computer.*

Several hours, sore arms, and a ton of polish later.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Okay, Here are the pictures.

Anything marked with Jon or a J is my bike and Taylor and T labels refer to my friend Taylor.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Okay, after speaking with some very informative individuals in the chat room tonight, the topic of my wheels being too narrow came up. Even though I can reach higher speeds with the narrower wheels, the possibility of a sore butt and a nasty spill are higher.

Wheels are something I admittedly know nothing about. Next time I see my bike I'll get some information relating to the tires and wheels.

In the meantime, if the experienced users out there could maybe give me some opinions on a website or a recommended brand, I'd be extremely grateful.

Thanks.

Edit:

I found these and wonder if they fit. They also have a 10 dollar brake set I can put on my front tire just in case I have problems with the coaster brakes.

http://www.bikeworldusa.com/product...d/468?osCsid=75b36de5ed8d80b52b5712324384219f

 

[ibdennyak]

ha ha ha ha....just figured out your user name. Man am I getting slow

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

ha ha ha ha....just figured out your user name. Man am I getting slow

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Well, I just noticed that those wheels are way too wide for the forks. Something like a 1.5 would be better?

 

[JacksonCognac]

That looks like a nice bike, but I dunno how well she will take to a 2 stroke - looks a little fragile IMO - can the forks accept bigger wheels and tires?

My first build was with a big cruiser - wide tires. The frame is wide too - which is good when you are drillin into it to mount the engine like I did.

Those fenders look sharp too, but odds are they are gonna come off one way or the other unless you are good at keeping em tight. I'd strip off anything you don't really need. My philosophy towards motor bikin is ride the **** out of it, and when you do that stuff falls off occasionally.

Oh and for what it's worth - I'm a college student and I use my bike as my primary means of transportation - grocery gettin, bar hopping, etc. It's a lot of fun so enjoy the ride. gl

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

The bike itself is solid tensile steel. Weighs a lot too (30 something pounds). I don't really have any worries about the frame itself. I think the forks can take a 1.5 inch wheel, which I plan on putting on (the back atleast). I'm still wondering exactly what to do. The spokes are heavy enough, I know that much. I'll find a way to keep the chrome from falling off too, I like it too much.