My finally finsihed John Deere Project!

My John Deere Project!

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Finally done, I guess I am one of the few to try out these new 49cc 4-stroke kits. I made many modifications, and some additions, and thought the crew would like my comments.
The engine runs nice. No complaints there. I added some motor mounts by slicing off the rubber ends of some tire valves, because everyone complained about vibration. They work well.
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I ditched the chain tensioner wheel but kept the bracket and added a spring loaded glide wheel made for a single speed bike. This really helps, as the spring jumps back and forth under accel/deaccelleration.
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The decals came off a child's Peg-Prego JD pedal tractor. A 6v battery runs just the lights (rear turn signals, brake light and front lights) I added a solar charger to keep it charged instead of recharging it all the time from an AC outlet. With the Georgia sun, it stays charged.
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I added a rear brake switch to the rear brake, so the rear light lights up when I hit the brake handle. I added 2 bulbs between the turn signal bulbs for this. I fashioned a few parts to run a double set of rear side-pull brakes, with a dual pull brake handle just for the rear. I don't think too many people have tried that, but I figured I needed more braking power.
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The Dash of 3 switches controls the main power, lights, and power to the rear. One lights up a Green LED. I have a horn switch but have yet to find a good 6v horn yet. A mini compass fits in the middle stem. I even added a cordless radar detector! Everything on the bike is either Black, Yellow, or Green.
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I am just using it around the island where I live, the speed limits are 25-35 so it is perfect. Added a double kick-stand, the kind from Switzerland. NICE Product! Bought a yellow JD embossed seat from Nirve for $25 to match. Did add some lithium grease to the transmission to quiet it down some. First I painted the engine and exhaust high-temp black (not the carb). After 100 miles, it has come off the exhaust tube. Added yellow reflective tape swatches. Still need a longer analog speedometer cable, as I added shocks which raised the bike up quite a bit, but the digital one works well for now.
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Hope you like it, Lord knows the kids, both big and small, sure like it around here! I have had a blast riding it around!
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excellent work john, that takes true craftsmanship :D

excellent, A+ on all your work. i love the 4 stroke engine setup

jon
 
great realy well done you can try to kid people that john deer make bikes now.should be a real talking point whenever you park up.
 
Thanks for all the cool comments

In answer to some questions, I did spend some time on it knowing I would be spending some time riding it. The dual rear brakes work, but you probably would be better off with a single set with long pads. The chain does not jump off the glide wheel after I made sure the alignment was right by shimming one side with a piece of cork from a wine bottle. You can see this sticking out on the left of the glide wheel shot. Top speed is about 38, but I normally go about 25-30. Still on the first gallon of gas, with 110 miles showing on the odometer.
 
John Deere bike

Hi very nice build! I too have one of those 4-strokes set up in an old bike, but I only get about 30mph with a 44 rear sprocket. It accellerates very well, but does vibrate badly.
What have you done in drivetrain? Is it 10-44 like mine? Secondly, what are you using for gearbox lube? I've been experimenting, and am currently running a mix of 50wt engine oil, and a cream colored high-temp wheelbearing grease.
The rubber mount is a good idea, and it looks like that it will be just fine as long as you keep an eye out for deteriotion of the little rubbers?

Good job, and please clock it for me, as I'm wondering about my 30mph which I have clocked.

Mike
 
Replies to questions

Re: Simpson Motor Bikes Questions
If you are only getting 30mph on a 44t sprocket, your clutch is slipping. I don't recommend any oils except grease in the tranny. I read (here) that a guy filled it with 10W40 and it all shot out like a stream. I took my tranny's cover off just to see how it worked, and what grease they used. They use White Grease. I added some Black Lithium Grease, the kind you buy at any auto store, and put just a little in. I noticed just a C-hair has seeped out around the bolts (which is a hair loose on top to let it) and the drive sprocket (which also slipped, and needed tightening with a 19mm socket), so I think I have it right. I think you should take it off, or leave it on and use degreaser from the top and start again, drain it of any oil, and just make sure it has a very small amount of heavy black lithium grease in it, see if your clutch is still slipping at speed (Its tough to notice that it is actually slipping), then add a hair more grease.
Yes, the mounts are my idea, I take full credit and expect a $1 everytime someone uses my mounts idea on their bike, as well as any media or movie credits. Better do it or I'll hold my breath......
 
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