Motorizedbikes better than motorcycles because...

First of all, I am 61, and have been riding motorcycles since I was 8 years old. I have not been without one since. I currently have 2 motorcycles (one street and one dual sport) and a Vespa GT200 scooter. have had 3 motorized bicycles during the past 10 years. They just don't last. and require constant working on. Now, I actually enjoy tinkering with such things, but I don't like them breaking down all the time. I am partially disabled, and it is easy to ride a MB way farther from home than I could possibly pedal it back when it breaks down, leaving me stranded. I am disappointed that there are STILL no quality parts to build a MB with. After all these years, people are still using those total POS plastic and tin chainstay mounted chain tensioners and rag joint rear sprocket mounts. Yes you can get engine mounted spring loaded tensioners and clamshell mounts for the rear sprocket, which I currently have. They are better, but far from what they could be. And the engine is still junk. And they don't fit properly on a lot of bikes. You have to rig almost everything. I wish somebody would sell a factory made MB, kind of like the Whizzers from 20 years ago, only with a 48cc motor, as the Whizzer motor was too big to be legal in my state. I used to be into mopeds, like Tomos and Puch, and they were high quality and never broke down. And they had 2 speeds, so you could climb some pretty steep hills with them. And with pedals, you only needed a regular drivers license in my state.

Another issue with MBs is that you can't climb hills without super low gearing, which makes them worthless on flat roads. For that you have to build a shifter bike. Those are super expensive, and the parts don't fit on so many bikes. Again it would be nice if someone built a high quality bike frame designed specifically for these kits. One of my MBs was a friction drive, and it was by far the most reliable. But it was limited to flat level roads.
 
JunkyardDog, why don't you sell one of those m/c's and build you a MAB with one of those frames fitted for an inframe build? Put a Honda GXH50 in there w/a shift kit and you'll have a great quality bike you can enjoy and be reliable. Don't cheap out use the m/c proceeds to do it right. Seems that's what your looking for.
 
grinningremlin said:
Had a little inspiration for a tongue-in-cheek list why I prefer MAB's to motorcycles/scooters.Add yours.

1) I can pick it up with one hand
2) I store it in the house (enclosed porch)
3) It costs next to nothing if I don't ride it (no insurance/reg)
4) Like a bird, it has two forms of locomotion
5) Once built, costs little to maintain all of which I can do
6) Quite whimsical
7) Quite utilitarian
8) I get into what I call "VW mode" riding, you can't go fast, so relaxxxx
9) The little kids gawking
10) Gets me biking 10 times more than usual
11) Grocery runs are fun, instead of a chore
12) I've driven minibikes to tractor-trailers, I feel more in tune with the MB
13) They are still obscure, not a corrupted product, more personality
14) Low footprint, high savings
15) Shortcuts shortcuts shortcuts
16) GETTING OVER ON THE MAN
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, due to state law in PA & NJ, you DO have to register it and carry moped insurance. If it has an engine with at least 1.5 Bhp, and goes faster, on level ground, than 20mph, it has to be registered and insured.
 
JunkyardDog said:
First of all, I am 61, and have been riding motorcycles since I was 8 years old. I have not been without one since. I currently have 2 motorcycles (one street and one dual sport) and a Vespa GT200 scooter. have had 3 motorized bicycles during the past 10 years. They just don't last. and require constant working on. Now, I actually enjoy tinkering with such things, but I don't like them breaking down all the time. I am partially disabled, and it is easy to ride a MB way farther from home than I could possibly pedal it back when it breaks down, leaving me stranded. I am disappointed that there are STILL no quality parts to build a MB with. After all these years, people are still using those total POS plastic and tin chainstay mounted chain tensioners and rag joint rear sprocket mounts. Yes you can get engine mounted spring loaded tensioners and clamshell mounts for the rear sprocket, which I currently have. They are better, but far from what they could be. And the engine is still junk. And they don't fit properly on a lot of bikes. You have to rig almost everything. I wish somebody would sell a factory made MB, kind of like the Whizzers from 20 years ago, only with a 48cc motor, as the Whizzer motor was too big to be legal in my state. I used to be into mopeds, like Tomos and Puch, and they were high quality and never broke down. And they had 2 speeds, so you could climb some pretty steep hills with them. And with pedals, you only needed a regular drivers license in my state.

Another issue with MBs is that you can't climb hills without super low gearing, which makes them worthless on flat roads. For that you have to build a shifter bike. Those are super expensive, and the parts don't fit on so many bikes. Again it would be nice if someone built a high quality bike frame designed specifically for these kits. One of my MBs was a friction drive, and it was by far the most reliable. But it was limited to flat level roads.
Click to expand...
There are things you can do to make your MB more reliable. Hell, I can't remember the last time I got stranded, it's been over 2 years, however I usually carry some basic tools with me and have made adjustments on the side of the road, usually tightening a screw or nut.
 
writingscifi65 said:
Unfortunately, due to state law in PA & NJ, you DO have to register it and carry moped insurance. If it has an engine with at least 1.5 Bhp, and goes faster, on level ground, than 20mph, it has to be registered and insured.
Click to expand...
I have seen a pa state cop on my 49cc motorized bike. I have went past at least 3 other cops before the back wheel/ clutch ruined itself and they didn't do anything. Unless officer petty wants to stop a bicycle with an engine and the top speed is 25 I believe. 20mph is only Ebike.
 
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