Full Suspension MTB gas motor, can it be done?

[just-curious]

I have a huffy trail runner full suspension MTB that I want to put a motor on, the trouble I’m running into is that it would have to be rear rack mount and I am concerned about how the chain would run with the motor being directly above the rear tire. This would be my first build (had to go the hard way) the bike was gifted by a friend so as of right now I don’t have anything financially into it. Link below is the bike in question

https://www.walmart.com/ip/398692275

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

this was another one I was able to find, still maybe not beginner, but wanted to see if anyone one here tried a similar build out


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa9QGgqrdxo

Right from the get-go, I'm seeing a design flaw. The opening of the exhaust is facing the front. There's going to be a constant battle between air being forced out and air being forced in. Then when you're sitting idle you'll be breathing exhaust fumes.

As I said before sell the full suspension bike and use the money to pay for a bike better suited for a gas engine. Check Craigslist, pawn shops, flea markets, and yard sales if you can't afford a new bike.

Since y'all only have 1 car and your wife works a lot, you should get a job also then y'all could afford 2 cars. This way you wouldn't have to rely on a motorized bicycle as your main source of transportation; unless you've lost your driving privileges. Some places still have license requirements even for motorized bicycles/mopeds. My state Tennessee requires a driver's license to operate a motorized bicycle.

Have you looked up your local legal statutes for motorized bicycles/mopeds? If you don't know your local statutes then you don't know the law. My state Tennessee statute is 55-8-101(35). Just so you'll know in the USA there isn't a national 50cc and under law. The laws vary from state to state. Some states don't allow self built motorized vehicles on their public roadways at all. Some states though they may have strict guidelines won't harass you as long as you obey all traffic laws; while other states strictly enforce their guidelines. Location is everything, before investing time and money look up your local legal statutes.

 

[fivestar45]

It looks to me simplest way to go with that suspension bike would be a Staton Friction Drive Kit powered with a Zenoah or Honda,.
It might cost a bit more than the Chinese stuff or the E motor, but the ease of the install, and reliability in my opinion would more than make up for it.

 

[Amwicr]

There is NO way in hell I would try to motorise that...

What about in Murica?

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

It looks to me simplest way to go with that suspension bike would be a Staton Friction Drive Kit powered with a Zenoah or Honda,.
It might cost a bit more than the Chinese stuff or the E motor, but the ease of the install, and reliability in my opinion would more than make up for it.

A Friction drive isn't going to work very well on a suspension wheel system. The engine will constantly be bouncing all over the place.

 

[fivestar45]

If the U bracket is clamped tight, and the support struts are tight I can't figure how it will loose wheel contact. I would think situation would be the same for anything that is fastened to the suspended section of the bike.

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

I did some research for you. In your state Illinois if it uses gas but 50cc or less it has to be classified as a moped. You'll need a driver's license, registration, and insurance.

If it's an electric the motor can't be over 750 watts. You don't need a license but you do have it classified by the DMV as being a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 motorized bicycle.

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

If the U bracket is clamped tight, and the support struts are tight I can't figure how it will loose wheel contact. I would think situation would be the same for anything that is fastened to the suspended section of the bike.

This means the engine would have to pivot with the wheel to stay in contact with it. I have a Staton Inc rear rack mount. To create a pivot point, bearings would have to be put into the U bracket or the engine mounting plate. As well as the U bracket needing to be reinforced due to the engine bouncing up and down instead of being stationary.

 

[fivestar45]

I have a Staton F/D on my Mongoose bike. The motor mount channel does pivot on the U bracket. This allows the amount of pte-load yo be adjusted. ponce it's set the support struts are locked and the motor is lucked stationary. So essentially the motor & platform are fastened at four points. Unless the NyLoc nuts let loose, or there is a fracture (doubtful) everything stays put.

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

I have a Staton F/D on my Mongoose bike. The motor mount channel does pivot on the U bracket. This allows the amount of pte-load yo be adjusted. ponce it's set the support struts are locked and the motor is lucked stationary. So essentially the motor & platform are fastened at four points. Unless the NyLoc nuts let loose, or there is a fracture (doubtful) everything stays put.

If you connect the U bracket to the seat post the engine will clear the seat but it'll have to pivot at the top of the U bracket where it meets with the engine plate. You'd also have to move the front support rods from joining at the U bracket to the mounting on the engine plate. The rear support rods would also have to pivot. Meaning you'd need a bearing there or at least an oil-lite bushing. The constant movement would eventually cause metal fatigue in the U bracket.

If you connected to the seat stay, I'm still correct in that kit won't work on the bike the OP wants to use. I posted a picture as to why it won't work.

 

[fivestar45]

Your pic shows two sets of support struts. The Staton F/D kit has one set of struts (The rear set) that are adjustable for motor mount height. And if further adjustment is needed there are extenders available for to correct the front U bracket.
In the end the mount platform can be adjusted to be horizontal.