Molotov256
Member
This is probably going to turn out as more of a "stream of consciousness" thing, but I've got a handful of issues brewing between 2 and a half bikes, and it's all leading me in the same direction.
I've bought 2 generic brand Chinese made 2-stroke kits in the last couple years, and I've built maybe four or five bikes between the two by moving the motors and parts around on different yard sale bikes. Between all the frames, wheels, and sprockets I've combined in various backyard mechanic fashions, I keep on struggling with the same issues, so I want to use this post as a sounding off point for educated opinions regarding these struggles.
The first matter is the engine mounts. I've mounted the motor on road bike, mountain bike, and beach cruiser frames. I've also broken or lost motor mount bolts an all but one build. I've broken more rear mounts than front mounts, but I have broken bolts on both. As an example, I currently have a motor in my garage with THREE OUT OF FOUR (yes, literally, three of four) bolts sheared off below the surface of the motor. That indicates a weak spot to me.
The next matter is the engine-side drive sprocket mount. The stock "rag mount" system is really hard to true, and because the bolts which secure the sprocket to the wheel rely on friction and torque against the spokes, it totally destroys my back rims.
I've googled my issues and used the search function on this forum as well as on another prominent MB thread. I've seen pictures of and read testimonials about the mounts and sprockets MANIC Mechanic makes out of Florida. I've also read posts about guys using U clamps and hockey pucks to hold the motor down.
Some folks say the ragmount sprocket mount is fine if you spend enough time truing it and carefully counting sequential bolt rotations. Others say the ragmount is the spawn of Satan and must be replaced with a clamshell mount.
My love for the motorbike is strong, and my path has been chosen. :Mr-T: I must now find my way. (looked for a ninja emoticon but all I could find was a ninja turtle and Mr T.)
If I'm doing something wrong which is causing my repeated failure, I want to be corrected so I can progress. If I'm repeatedly failing because I'm overlooking a bare bones upgrade or improvement, I want to know about what I'm missing. I'm willing to accept that either my mechanical skills are lacking or I need to spend more money on better components. I'm also willing to accept that making motorbikes with a $120 universal engine kit is a bad idea which is doomed for failure, but if that's the case, I don't want to make them anymore
THE POINT OF THIS POST IS:
I'd like to hear success stories about motor mounts as well as successful methods of mounting sprockets to bicycle wheels.
I've bought 2 generic brand Chinese made 2-stroke kits in the last couple years, and I've built maybe four or five bikes between the two by moving the motors and parts around on different yard sale bikes. Between all the frames, wheels, and sprockets I've combined in various backyard mechanic fashions, I keep on struggling with the same issues, so I want to use this post as a sounding off point for educated opinions regarding these struggles.
The first matter is the engine mounts. I've mounted the motor on road bike, mountain bike, and beach cruiser frames. I've also broken or lost motor mount bolts an all but one build. I've broken more rear mounts than front mounts, but I have broken bolts on both. As an example, I currently have a motor in my garage with THREE OUT OF FOUR (yes, literally, three of four) bolts sheared off below the surface of the motor. That indicates a weak spot to me.
The next matter is the engine-side drive sprocket mount. The stock "rag mount" system is really hard to true, and because the bolts which secure the sprocket to the wheel rely on friction and torque against the spokes, it totally destroys my back rims.
I've googled my issues and used the search function on this forum as well as on another prominent MB thread. I've seen pictures of and read testimonials about the mounts and sprockets MANIC Mechanic makes out of Florida. I've also read posts about guys using U clamps and hockey pucks to hold the motor down.
Some folks say the ragmount sprocket mount is fine if you spend enough time truing it and carefully counting sequential bolt rotations. Others say the ragmount is the spawn of Satan and must be replaced with a clamshell mount.
My love for the motorbike is strong, and my path has been chosen. :Mr-T: I must now find my way. (looked for a ninja emoticon but all I could find was a ninja turtle and Mr T.)
If I'm doing something wrong which is causing my repeated failure, I want to be corrected so I can progress. If I'm repeatedly failing because I'm overlooking a bare bones upgrade or improvement, I want to know about what I'm missing. I'm willing to accept that either my mechanical skills are lacking or I need to spend more money on better components. I'm also willing to accept that making motorbikes with a $120 universal engine kit is a bad idea which is doomed for failure, but if that's the case, I don't want to make them anymore
THE POINT OF THIS POST IS:
I'd like to hear success stories about motor mounts as well as successful methods of mounting sprockets to bicycle wheels.
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