Wow! Long Time Ago!
Yes, I toyed with the Tanaka 40cc upgrade idea for a while.
& I am certain it WILL do the job!
I purchased the Robin without doing enough research.
Great little engine but no speed at all.
Just not what it was designed for though....Oh well...live & learn.
I became so tired of having to re-weld the engine bracket(s) on the GEBE system I looked in another sturdier direction.
They break where the "bends'" or curves below where the motor mounts too easily for my taste.
I finally had someone make a completely new bracket that I created.
We designed it "Double thickness & strength" so no problems after that.
It is only the original thickness where the engine mounts & at the axle.
But I had too much invested in that deal to get another engine so I went the "Happy Timer" route.
I have the Honda GXH50 mounted on another mountain bike.
Purchased the kit from Bird Dog in Montana.
Very good company & great people to deal with!
They even included a thank you card with my purchase!
Now, this kit was NOT an easy install....but they were there when I needed help.
My Dad to be totally honest did an incredible job putting this bike together!
I did not have the skills nor patience to do it right.
Now, the kit was not without it's problems I will not lie.
Thing would not get out of it's tracks until I figured out it did not have the proper carby as the Hussein engine had that was the cheaper option.
But I HAD to have the Honda.....oh well...My bad....LOL!
BUT a fine gentleman from this very site directed me in the right direction & I purchased a Carb from Dax & have never looked back.
I have tried to find the very informative note he sent me instructing me what to purchase & where to thank him!
At present, I can't find it.
I have been spending so much time riding that machine that I am never on here anymore.
Maybe it is contained in a thread instead of a PM.
Anyway, Thank you!
To sum up, the Bike (I mounted the kit on a nearly brand new never ridden Huffy Yosimite early 90's 26' mountain Bike) runs like a scalded dog!!
I have no idea how fast it might really go as I do not trust the old fashioned brakes LOL!
Suffice it to say, my cateye speedometer clocked a max speed of 38.5 on a flat heading towards one of those police speed meters which also displayed 38 MPH before I let off the gas.
I think that is plenty of speed for a bicycle & have no intention of running it any faster LOL!
The thing will probably do 40 Mph but I don't need or want to know about it.
With that said, I still enjoy my GEBE fitted bike with the Robin on occasion as it still rides & behaves more like a natural Bicycle.
In fact I rode around 30 miles a few days ago & enjoyed myself.
& If I had all the knowledge I have now back then, I would purchase the Tanaka 40cc.
I personally think that you can't have enough HP or speed.
I mean, you don't have to use it!
But it sure comes in handy when you are commuting with these crazy drivers trying to run you down!
The Honda fitted bike behaves more like a motorcycle to be honest.
& pedaling it for exercise is not a fun option.
But it IS fast & powerful!
Straight up steep hills at 25!
& I weigh 215!
The GEBE bike, is well....still a bicycle & I LIKE that!
I wish those kits were not so expensive or I might purchase another.
But that is not an option at this time.
So....2 Bikes of different types & design work for me at present.
Kudos to all of you who purchased the Tanaka GEBE system!
Wish I had!
Ride safe, as that engine rocks!
