First build... China Girl kit + Giant Simple Cruiser = Fun

Here goes...

I will set this up by saying I have about 6 years of GoPed building/riding.
That turned into an electric obsession.
I've since moved on, no longer have any.
This summer I have had the desire the "ride in the wind" and a MB is the solution!

I bought a "kit" about 2 weeks ago from a local SJ guy.
He introduced me to this forum, and I have been reading like crazy.
I decided to build a motorized cruiser, something laid back and comfy!
I'm 6'2" and weigh in at about 250, so this would have to be a sturdy machine.
I've been reading about all the different builds, but finding a bike has been the problem.
I have scoured the CL ads, and chased garage sales, but everything is "not right".
Found a few, but the price just wasn't right.
Then this past weekend i found one at the flea market, a Giant Simple Cruiser.
It was not steel frame, but I went with the brand.

Over the last few nights I have been tinkering with things and got it almost done.
Had a few challenges from the frame tubing shape, to the brake not fitting inside the sprocket.
All have been overcome.
I picked up an AVID front brake tonight, but the forks are missing the posts to mount, just the tabs are there.
I'll hit the bike store tomorrow.
Also, my front tire and wheel exploded last night in the middle of the night!?!
I heard it, but had no idea till today when I moved the bike and noticed the torn wheel!
I'll pick up a tube and wheel tomorrow too.

I have taken a few pictures, but have not finished.
I'm planning on finishing the build up, then tearing it all down and re-building with new quality bits.
I'm going to swap the hardware, change the hoses, cut everything to fit, and lock it all into place.
I'll take lot's of pictures and document the build then.

Thanks for reading.

 

[hmbab2000]

The clutch is doing well.
The clutch noise is mostly chain on the drive sprocket.
I did notice that with the clutch cover removed, spinning the center 3 posts, the entire unit wobbles.
Alsmost as if the drive shaft is bent.
Not a lot, but you can see the large plates moving.
I figured it up to "precision machining at the factory" lol.
Some movement must be acceptable, and it didn't seem to affect the ride...

As for chain alignment, i feel i'm pretty dead on with that one.
It went together pretty true, no shimming required, just attention.
I think, too, i was lucky the way it tossed the link.
I was going pretty slow, due to a turn around, and I was paying attention!

 

[hmbab2000]

Uh oh...
Found a problem with the new chain.
It's rubbing the rear frame, cutting it.
The chain is wider than the stock chain, and here is where it is rubbing....
I wonder if it wonder if it will be ok?
The bar narrows down right there, and the rubbed part is still bigger than the narrow part...
But is it hollow? Will it break?

 

[hmbab2000]

So I tried a few things to "help" the chain situation.
I leaned the tensioner just enough to pull away from the frame.
It still appears to rub, however.
There still reveals aluminum dust after each ride.
I've already ordered the replacement chain.
But I will have to source a new bike.

I'm hunting for a steel frame.
I think i have a lead on one.
It's an old red schwinn...
This could be good.

 

[bluegoatwoods]

I'm really sorry about that chain rubbing issue. You had a great build going there. And thanks for all the photos. It's always nice to get a lot of views of a bike.

Maybe your bike is not destroyed yet. But that chainstay damage is worrying. And it certainly can't stand any more of that.

Maybe the new, old, red Schwinn is the best idea. It ought to be a cool bike, too.

 

[hmbab2000]

Well, i took it for a few more rides, and it's holding tough!
I haven't lost any bolts, but I'm on top of it every ride.
I've almost got a gallon through it, and it runs great.

I found that I had forgotten completely about the choke.
The lever was stuck about half way open, causing all kinds of weird feelings.
Lot's of 4 stroking was going on, that has eliminated itself by learnig the correct choke position.

I also took the bike to the local shop and showed them the frame.
They felt that it was going to be fine.
They did not believe it was going to break, or crack.
They actually said not to worry, the frame will be fine?!?

I've deiced to worry less, but still find that new bike.
This just means no hurry, take my time!
I'll enjoy many more rides!
Summer is here!

 

[hmbab2000]

Here she is, parked...
Maybe 75 miles so far.
Got the back tire switched to a whitewall.
And, as you can see, i got my Bullet light installed.
I'll be putting a nice ride on it today...

 

[hmbab2000]

So things are going well.
I have rolled about 3 tanks of gas through the motor.
The motor seems to have "broken-in".
It takes about 2 minutes of peddling to get her warmed up.
I have not had a mechanical problems yet.
Aside from throwing the chain on my first ride, I found the master-link clip on the carpet @home!
I don't think i ever put the clip over the master link!!
Yowza!!! Lesson learned!

I have purchased and installed a pipe, bought from Bikeberry.
The stock motor just seemed to be sleeping, the pipe was supposed to wake it up.
It, of course, did not bolt on.
I had to cut and weld to give myself the right angle.
The end product is kick-butt!
A nice little power band on take off, and another at higher speed.
Though the high speed one has not been explored yet.

I got a replacement stock chain back on there.
As well, I flipped the sprocket over so the teeth are near the spokes.
This made more room, obviously, for the chain near the frame.
Take a look at the results of the old chain rubbing.
It actually made a hole in the frame..
According to the Giant dealer, "Don't worry about it, it's fine"
He said unless there are 10 of me on the bike, it should be fine.

I have a short list of things still to do, but they are fine for now.
I just cut my oil/fuel mix a bit, that should change things a little.
I'm going to ride with the pipe for a while, see what that needs or creates.
Every time i do a little maintenance, I apply a dab of grease on the clutch gears.
Otherwise, ready to roll down the road.


Here are some pictures:

 

[hmbab2000]

An update...

Lots of fun riding this beast!
I got a new cabled speedometer, it works perfect!
I have taken the bike up to 35.
However, it cruises at 26-30 very nicely!
That's just what i wanted!

I could not be happier with this creation.
At final tally I'm into the entire project about $530.
Not bad.

I'll keep posting, and reading for more fun!
The road has many miles ahead now...

 

[hmbab2000]

Another update, and improvement!

I found that the pipe was exhausting directly on to my right foot.
This was resulting in some VERY smelly shoes!
I decided to cut the "muffler" end of the pipe off and re-direct the flow.
After much consideration a 6" extension was installed.
The first weld was too high, and hit the bottom of the crank.
I tried to bend it in a vice, pound it with a hammer, nothing!
Had to cut and re-weld the extension, hopefully that explains the nasty looking welds.
I'll get some pipe wrap and cover the extension.
The resulting placement is perfect, right under the crank.
No more smelly shoe!