Affordable Jackshaft

[JimmyNibbles77]

Hello everyone! I'm quite new to motorized bikes and with my first engine in the mail and differing terrain in my area, I wanted to explore the possibility of shifting gears.
Thus, I stumbled across jackshafts and all my dreams came true...
Until I saw the price... A jackshaft kit would cost almost as much as my engine kit alone! I did a very shallow search on eBay and Amazon, but I figured I would delve into the vast knowledge of the community.

Does anyone know of an affordable jackshaft kit, or how hard would it be to build with a few bought parts, a drill, and a grinder?
For example, could I buy an axle with two gears welded to either end as well as a chain and then cut and drill mounting plates out of sheet as I've seen? My only real limitation is welding so If anyone's got an solutions where I could get my hands on a jackshaft for under $60 I would be very pleased.

Also, could the standard derailer handle engine power ("80" cc)?

Thanks, guys!
- J

 

[Wrench]

Since this is your first M/B build. Best to cough up the money and buy the shift kit.
Besides your gonna need the freewheel front sprockets in the shift kit

Yes, a standard derailer will handle it.

 

[JimmyNibbles77]

Since this is your first M/B build. Best to cough up the money and buy the shift kit.
Besides your gonna need the freewheel front sprockets in the shift kit

Yes, a standard derailer will handle it.

Alrighty, Just wanted to explore the possibility of an alternative.

Thanks!