OCC Chopper build (seeking advice)

[StoneWaller]

So I just got my hands on an Scwinn OCC Chopper and was seeking advice on some of the aspects of the build.

I just had a few questions before I actually tear into this thing. The goal for this bike is just to be a cruiser to and from work/occasional rides around town.



1: I know they sell two types of engine mounts for these bikes. Which mount would be better??? The mount with just the two pegs sticking out or the bracket mount where you bolt into it??? Also is there any way to add more stability since it's technically not forming another "connective structure" like in a Beach Cruiser build. The bike frame feel pretty sturdy, but I want to do my best to help relieve the stress of what the engine does to the frame. I was going to stick some rubber at the connecting points to try and reduce excessive vibration.

I have the option of putting either the 80/66cc engine I have or the BT100V2 Engine.

2: I've read that some people replaced the rear tire with a real motorcycle tire but it adds some weight. Is it worth it to add it??? I know there is a BBR/Zeda chopper kit that's inspired by the OCC, would it be possible for me to just purchase the rear wheel/tire since they're already going to disc brake ready??? I was planning on just getting another chrome front end wheel like I had for my beach cruiser build.

3. I haven't ridden it motorized yet, but I'm assuming I'll end up replacing the front forks for a better suspension, does anyone have any brands they recommend for replacement forks???

4: my last question is what are some general tips for these types of builds???

 

[Gordy]

Occ builds get complicated and expensive. I've read that the plate with tubes sticking out is a better mount. You'll have to find mountain bike forks for a 1 1/8 tube that is long enough for suspension, but it will throw the rake off. For the rear of the frame you want to triangulate the rear chain stays.

 

[Wrench]

Good luck with your build, maybe this can help ya get some Ideas, they have everything you need

PedalChopper - Home

Custom built motorized bikes - gas & electric.High quality bikes that look cool, but have comfort in mind.Specializing in adult size OCC Schwinn choppers.We offer parts and kits to motorize your Schwinn chopper or regular bike.We sell bike accessories.We have our own line of custom machine...

pedalchopper.com

 

[michael whiteman]

Maybe I can help you like everyone here, espicially Gordy, helped me with my OCC build. I pretty much documented mine intitled Building Michael's OCC with a 79cc Predator. Gordy is not kidding when he states it's complicated and expensive. I used a 79cc Predator 4 stroke. I ended up with a very expensive custom made rear wheel and hub that uses a 4 inch wide electric bike fat tire. Motorcycle tires are an overkill and too damn heavy. What I didn't realize at the time was my new tire is shorter than the stock 4.5 in. OCC tire. This made a dramatic change in my overall gear ratio and top speed which brings me to the point.........................before you make any decisions you must figure your individule gear ratios, rpm range and desired top speed. Because choppers do not have a 26" wheel it forced me to use a jackshaft. I don't know if a 2 stroke will require one or not. Your drive train is the first thing you will need to figure out. This is the most user friendly calculator that I have found.

https://electricscooterparts.com/motor-jackshaft-wheel-gear-ratio.html

Designing the rear wheel is the most complicated thing on this build. My custom wheel has 12ga SS spokes. A lot of people just use the stock 14ga ones. The stock OCC tires are somewhat of a challenge to find and a little more expensive but overall the best choice if you decide to use the stock wheel. Forget about disc brakes on the rear. The frame spacing is really tight and there's no way to mount the disk to the hub. My "V" brakes with good pads stop my bike just fine because I have a hydraulic disk up front. I totall dislike rag joints but there is no other alternative on an OCC hub if you intend to keep the pedals functional, which I did. That's why I was forced to make a custom wheel. Now, if you intend to remove the pedals, which technically turns your bike into a motorcycle, there is a better way. I wanted to keep my pedals so I would have a valid arguement when the cops question me. The better way being...... screw a disk brake adapter ring onto the freewheel threads using LocTite and a PIN. Flip the wheel over and bolt your big sprocket to the adapter.

When you have all this figured out, and you come back, I will be more than glad to share anything that will make your build easier and less expensive. Don't worry about the suspension forks untill the very last. You might not need them. I didn't. And as far as frame bracing, mine was minimal and I have had no issues. Best wishes.

 

[Gordy]

Maybe I can help you like everyone here, espicially Gordy, helped me with my OCC build. I pretty much documented mine intitled Building Michael's OCC with a 79cc Predator. Gordy is not kidding when he states it's complicated and expensive. I used a 79cc Predator 4 stroke. I ended up with a very expensive custom made rear wheel and hub that uses a 4 inch wide electric bike fat tire. Motorcycle tires are an overkill and too damn heavy. What I didn't realize at the time was my new tire is shorter than the stock 4.5 in. OCC tire. This made a dramatic change in my overall gear ratio and top speed which brings me to the point.........................before you make any decisions you must figure your individule gear ratios, rpm range and desired top speed. Because choppers do not have a 26" wheel it forced me to use a jackshaft. I don't know if a 2 stroke will require one or not. Your drive train is the first thing you will need to figure out. This is the most user friendly calculator that I have found.

https://electricscooterparts.com/motor-jackshaft-wheel-gear-ratio.html

Designing the rear wheel is the most complicated thing on this build. My custom wheel has 12ga SS spokes. A lot of people just use the stock 14ga ones. The stock OCC tires are somewhat of a challenge to find and a little more expensive but overall the best choice if you decide to use the stock wheel. Forget about disc brakes on the rear. The frame spacing is really tight and there's no way to mount the disk to the hub. My "V" brakes with good pads stop my bike just fine because I have a hydraulic disk up front. I totall dislike rag joints but there is no other alternative on an OCC hub if you intend to keep the pedals functional, which I did. That's why I was forced to make a custom wheel. Now, if you intend to remove the pedals, which technically turns your bike into a motorcycle, there is a better way. I wanted to keep my pedals so I would have a valid arguement when the cops question me. The better way being...... screw a disk brake adapter ring onto the freewheel threads using LocTite and a PIN. Flip the wheel over and bolt your big sprocket to the adapter.

When you have all this figured out, and you come back, I will be more than glad to share anything that will make your build easier and less expensive. Don't worry about the suspension forks untill the very last. You might not need them. I didn't. And as far as frame bracing, mine was minimal and I have had no issues. Best wishes.

Hey Micheal, it's been a while! How's everything going? Have you gotten that rear wheel on your bike yet?

 

[michael whiteman]

Give me a call sometime Gordy. A lot's happened since we last spoke.

 

[Gordy]

Give me a call sometime Gordy. A lot's happened since we last spoke.

Will do. I've been meaning to. Come spring I'm finally gonna get around to my OCC

 

[StoneWaller]

Good luck with your build, maybe this can help ya get some Ideas, they have everything you need

PedalChopper - Home

Custom built motorized bikes - gas & electric.High quality bikes that look cool, but have comfort in mind.Specializing in adult size OCC Schwinn choppers.We offer parts and kits to motorize your Schwinn chopper or regular bike.We sell bike accessories.We have our own line of custom machine...

pedalchopper.com

Thank you for this link, I ended up adding a lot of parts from this onto my build list.


I did more research and realized the BT100 won't fit due to the exhaust so I'm going to go with the 80/66 with a 38tooth sprocket. I was planning on keeping the stock wheel, since I can't seem to find the rear wheel for the Zeda Chopper or the Bike Berry Chopper. I also decided to replace the front wheel with a 26inch wheel with a built in drum brake.

I keep trying to find information on these bikes but there isn't a lot. I also was wondering will the rear fender hold up to a motorized build? or do I need to remove it???

Also I found this on that website, would this be a good upgrade??? or will it not actually help???

Here is the current condition for those who are interested.

 

[Gordy]

Tue rear fender will interfere with the chain, but if you trim it it holds up just fine. The brace isn't bad, but it's better to fully weld a new piece in.

 

[Chainlube]

Thank you for this link, I ended up adding a lot of parts from this onto my build list.


I did more research and realized the BT100 won't fit due to the exhaust so I'm going to go with the 80/66 with a 38tooth sprocket. I was planning on keeping the stock wheel, since I can't seem to find the rear wheel for the Zeda Chopper or the Bike Berry Chopper. I also decided to replace the front wheel with a 26inch wheel with a built in drum brake.

I keep trying to find information on these bikes but there isn't a lot. I also was wondering will the rear fender hold up to a motorized build? or do I need to remove it???

Also I found this on that website, would this be a good upgrade??? or will it not actually help???
View attachment 226581
Here is the current condition for those who are interested.

All you need is one brace from the bottom to top. I just welded one in. I'm going to use motorcycle and moped wheels. The rear wheel to me seem extra flimsy. I put a sprocket on it, but there where the build stalled out, didn't like the wheel. I'm going to try a rear wheel from a 85 cc dirt bike, 14 X 100 or something like that. I have it, just haven't looked at it in a while.