First Build, have a few questions

[Juicyjayocean]

I'm still juggling my options between the YD100 and PK80 and I have that exact same mindset regarding the speed but just thought the YD100 ran a little stronger. I am primarily looking for reliability, is the PK80 known to be substantially more reliable? Also, I've seen some people discuss ceramic lined cylinders(specifically looking at the Zeda 80's), but I never see that in the description/specifications, pretty much just referenced on a forum post.

Lastly, you previously recommended this and it has Super in the title, but looking at CDHPowers website, they have a very similar build to that but without Super in the title. After scouring the forums I can't get a real definitive answer, and many people would just chalk it up to marketing gimmicks. Any insight on that? I wouldn't mind paying $15 more for a little more performance/reliability, but I also like the idea of purchasing directly from CDHPower's website.

Bicycle-engines.com has had phenomenal customer service through Amazon, they stay true to the warranty so if something goes wrong they'll fix it it's saved my butt a couple times especially with the phantom 85

 

[Karl Snarl]

UPDATE

I ended up going with this engine, went with CDH because of all the positive reviews from this forum. Hopefully I didn't screw up too bad!

I don't care if you're a mass murderer, you bought from CDH, you're ok in my book.

 

[Karl Snarl]

My personal advice for a first time builder is get rid of the fenders. Latter on you can research how to reinforce them if you wish to put them back on.

Excellent advice for a new builder.

 

[hazmat]

Hey guys, I’ve been interested in building a bike for awhile, and I think I’m finally going to bite the bullet and start this project, but I do have a few questions. For reference I’m looking at building a 2-stroke kit on the bike that is pictured.

Firstly, I’ve been looking at a lot of different websites/companies and I’m a little unclear. It looks like a lot of these companies are selling what are essentially a china girl motor with their own sticker on it. Is this pretty accurate? Is there any benefit in terms of quality to buying something from Helio Bikes, or Bikeberry versus a lesser known brand such as this? I’m leaning towards an Amazon order just so I have a little more protection in terms of a reputable dealer(possibly faster shipping as well). But I am willing to venture outside of Amazon if the quality or customer service would be substantially better.

I consider myself to be pretty handy, and after looking at how the motor is put together, I see people take apart the top end which houses the piston/cylinder and cleaning/lubing, whereas I don’t see a lot of people taking the bottom end apart. Is there no real reason to take the bottom end apart? It just doesn’t seem like there’s a lot to interact with in the bottom end. Also, I know that there are troubleshooting megathreads, but is there any documentation you would recommend reading for a 2 stroke engine amateur? Also, are the engines “mil-spec” in that replacement parts don’t need to be from the same manufacturer? Or is it more proprietary?

I’ve read some people have experienced receiving an upside down piston, is this pretty common? Something to look for?

I’ve also read that the spark plugs that come with the kits are not the best quality, any recommended spark plugs?

I see 80cc kits and 100cc engine kits, realistically what's the power difference? I'm about 175 pounds, major difference in acceleration/top speed?

Lastly, any recommendations for a first time builder?

Thank you!

View attachment 177292

all engines come from china you are correct but none of the engines are truly complete yes they will start out of box but us companies buy them and file off metal shavings change jets to a more suitable size basically get little bugs out but if this is a project for you buy it from china cheap and get yourself some files sand paper and a smooth non porous workspace or block for even sanding look in these forums so you dont experience the same problems as others

 

[Wrinkley]

Looking at the frame of the bike, you'll need one of these to mount the motor.
Use a piece of inner tube wrapped around the tubes where the motor mounts.

CDHPOWER Silver Universal Motor Mount 1.65"-Suit for 3.4L Felt Faker Gas Frame | eBay

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Hey all, little bit of an update. I finally got my bike up and running. I have a small child and work has been crazy, plus holidays and everything caused a bit of a delay. After getting it going I'm loving the bike. Looks really good. Enjoy running up to the store. I do have a few more questions though.

@Axl Myk how did you know that I'd need that mount just from looking at the pictures? I've been looking at Damien's bike and wanted this to be one of my first upgrades because the mounts I have just don't seem that solid. Mentioning the rubber around the frame, I didn't think that you wanted to have rubber involved due to breakage? I like the look, and they seem a lot better, but just want to ensure that they're not a hazard(although I get the irony of the statement due to the beach cruiser having a motor on it going ~30mph).

Secondly, my bike will only run if I have the choke all the way down. Is this normal for a new engine? I've only gone through about a tank and a half. If I pull the choke up, it'll slowly die out. I kind of want to replace the stock carb with this one just so it'll match my bike a little better. From the research I've done, it doesn't seem like there will be any real performance gain, is that true? I don't want to lose performance though, so if this will negatively affect it, I won't allow my aesthetic ambitions hurt it.

Thirdly, I'm using the stock chain tensioner. I see a lot of people speaking about both the spring tensioners as well as the arch chain tensioners(forgive the bikeberry link, already had a tab open). What's the consensus on one vs the other? I'm not a fan of the look of the spring ones, but if they're better I'd go that route.

Fourthly, any other upgrades that you all would personally recommend? I've scoured through all of the newbie build threads, but was wondering if there was anything you all felt passionately about.

Lastly, do you have any advice on how to meet people locally that are in the hobby? I originally bought the kit because I wanted to get more familiar with small engines, but it can be difficult just talking to people online or in discord vs talking to someone knowledgeable in person.

Thanks everyone for your previous help and [hopefully] future support.

I attached a pic I took mid-build.

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

Hey all, little bit of an update. I finally got my bike up and running. I have a small child and work has been crazy, plus holidays and everything caused a bit of a delay. After getting it going I'm loving the bike. Looks really good. Enjoy running up to the store. I do have a few more questions though.

@Axl Myk how did you know that I'd need that mount just from looking at the pictures? I've been looking at Damien's bike and wanted this to be one of my first upgrades because the mounts I have just don't seem that solid. Mentioning the rubber around the frame, I didn't think that you wanted to have rubber involved due to breakage? I like the look, and they seem a lot better, but just want to ensure that they're not a hazard(although I get the irony of the statement due to the beach cruiser having a motor on it going ~30mph).

Secondly, my bike will only run if I have the choke all the way down. Is this normal for a new engine? I've only gone through about a tank and a half. If I pull the choke up, it'll slowly die out. I kind of want to replace the stock carb with this one just so it'll match my bike a little better. From the research I've done, it doesn't seem like there will be any real performance gain, is that true? I don't want to lose performance though, so if this will negatively affect it, I won't allow my aesthetic ambitions hurt it.

Thirdly, I'm using the stock chain tensioner. I see a lot of people speaking about both the spring tensioners as well as the arch chain tensioners(forgive the bikeberry link, already had a tab open). What's the consensus on one vs the other? I'm not a fan of the look of the spring ones, but if they're better I'd go that route.

Fourthly, any other upgrades that you all would personally recommend? I've scoured through all of the newbie build threads, but was wondering if there was anything you all felt passionately about.

Lastly, do you have any advice on how to meet people locally that are in the hobby? I originally bought the kit because I wanted to get more familiar with small engines, but it can be difficult just talking to people online or in discord vs talking to someone knowledgeable in person.

Thanks everyone for your previous help and [hopefully] future support.

I attached a pic I took mid-build.

Get a wired bicycle computer, at least get helmet mirrors and a loud horn. Be aware from a distance you look like a pedal-only bicycle, drivers will pull out in front of you not realizing how fast you're going. Watch all three parts of these videos. Completely and fully obey all traffic laws. Being a good MB'er starts with being a good cyclist first.

 

[DAMIEN1307]

@Axl Myk how did you know that I'd need that mount just from looking at the pictures? I've been looking at Damien's bike and wanted this to be one of my first upgrades because the mounts I have just don't seem that solid. Mentioning the rubber around the frame, I didn't think that you wanted to have rubber involved due to breakage?

Though my front mount is homemade, the one pointed out in the link should work nicely...Yes...I DO have a thin sheet rubber in between my mount and the tubing, an old tire innertube will do nicely...In my pic, you will see the rubber between tubing and mount as well as pivot point.

Secondly, my bike will only run if I have the choke all the way down. Is this normal for a new engine? I've only gone through about a tank and a half. If I pull the choke up, it'll slowly die out.

The choke on mine likewise is only engaged for about 15 seconds of runtime, its only used to make the starting easy, not to leave it on while running the motor...These beasties warm up quite quickly and only need the choke just for starting purposes.

Thirdly, I'm using the stock chain tensioner. I see a lot of people speaking about both the spring tensioners as well as the arch chain tensioners(forgive the bikeberry link, already had a tab open). What's the consensus on one vs the other? I'm not a fan of the look of the spring ones, but if they're better I'd go that route.

You can also go the route I have chosen...No tensioner at all...That means cutting your chains down to exact size to fit once you have the new front mount in positon as well as minor adjustments of motor position for the chains to be tight enough...You may need a half link in place of a full size link to make things fit right...I didn't need a half link, but you may if you choose to go this route...No chain drag noise and easier pedaling when needed.
Pic of my bike without tensioner.

Mirror, lights, horn, would also be the basics you should have as well.

 

[Wrinkley]

Get a wired bicycle computer, at least get helmet mirrors and a loud horn. Be aware from a distance you look like a pedal-only bicycle, drivers will pull out in front of you not realizing how fast you're going. Watch all three parts of these videos. Completely and fully obey all traffic laws. Being a good MB'er starts with being a good cyclist first.

I'm right there with you buddy. I have a beautiful baby girl that I absolutely need to come home too. I didn't venture out of the neighborhood without having a helmet. I asked and received some mirrors for Christmas, but they don't really work with the MB due to the fact that they "plug" into the end of the handlebars, so I definitely will be buying some compatible ones because turning around wearing the helmet just doesn't feel comfortable.

My wife did get me a light that has a speedometer on it as well. Is this what you meant by bicycle computer?

Also, I forgot to ask in my other message: I don't have the killswitch connected and have just brought the bike to a stop, and letting off the clutch to kill the engine. Is this very bad for the engine? I lost one of the caps for the connectors and just got the spark plug connected.

Also, what is engine braking on a 1 geared engine? I saw someone saying that engine braking was detrimental to these engines, but is that just referring to not giving gas as I'm letting off the clutch? Excuse my ignorance

 

[Wrinkley]

Though my front mount is homemade, the one pointed out in the link should work nicely...Yes...I DO have a thin sheet rubber in between my mount and the tubing, an old tire innertube will do nicely...In my pic, you will see the rubber between tubing and mount as well as pivot point.

View attachment 184569


The choke on mine likewise is only engaged for about 15 seconds of runtime, its only used to make the starting easy, not to leave it on while running the motor...These beasties warm up quite quickly and only need the choke just for starting purposes.


You can also go the route I have chosen...No tensioner at all...That means cutting your chains down to exact size to fit once you have the new front mount in positon as well as minor adjustments of motor position for the chains to be tight enough...You may need a half link in place of a full size link to make things fit right...I didn't need a half link, but you may if you choose to go this route...No chain drag noise and easier pedaling when needed.
Pic of my bike without tensioner.

View attachment 184570

Mirror, lights, horn, would also be the basics you should have as well.

Dude, I legit knew you were going to reply about not using a tensioner at all. I've been zooming in on your pics to try to reverse engineer stuff. Really beautiful bike btw.

Also, I meant to ask this, are heads like this any real performance benefit? I'm only asking because I saw a green one that would match nicely with the rest of the bike. Are there any performance upgrades that you really recommend? Any to absolutely avoid(besides the boost bottles)?

 

[GW's Motorized]

I also just ordered my first kit for a bicycle, and I ordered one that was electric and pull start(the bullet train 80cc kit) because I figured it was not a mass production kit. It came with some decent reviews, but it is on the spendy side. It's coming in the mail, should be here by the 4th.

Fyi I didn't order the kit due to the electric start, it looks like a better quality kit that universal performance parts will fit on and has a centrifugal clutch so I can register the bike as a moped.