Turn of the century motor bicycle

So I finally got around to building a proper tank for my 49cc HT bike. It's built on an old non-suspension Stumpjumper. I'm still working the bugs out of it but had some major mounting issues with the stock tank (from the kit). I'm trying for an early motor bicycle look. Here are some pix of the tank. I'll be hanging the tank from straps over the top tube. Bike shots to follow.

 

[bikebum1975]

Nicely done. I am toying with something similar made from copper sheet. How much do you expet the tank will hold? Also how are you planning on mounting it? an't wait to see the finished bike

 

[boogerballs]

Thanks. Here are some pix of the bike in progress...

 

[bikebum1975]

Real nice looking ride.

 

[cgoodwin]

Reminds me of the 1901 NSU from Germany.

 

[cgoodwin]

Or maybe the 1987 Werner from France

 

[KeepOnKeepnOn]

It's amazing what a transformation a nice tank makes. Nice job. Putting some fat fenders on it will go a long way too.

 

[bluegoatwoods]

Oh, yezzz.....

Nice looking build.

 

[boogerballs]

bikebum1975 - I thought originally of brass or copper sheet construction for the tank, then gagged on the price for just the materials! But ****, it would look cool. Good luck with your tank build and I'd love to see your bike. My tank holds about a gallon and a half. I've got welded tube through holes in the tank at three places . I've run a metal strap over the top tube in two spots and one behing the seat tube. I've got a through bolt with an acorn nut at each location.
cgoodwin - I've got both those images (NSU & Werner) in my image files for reference. What I'd really like is if there were a 4-stroke bicycle engine built like those old 1901 type singles (de dion type) available instead of the little two stroke. I bet if one were available that looked like one of those old engines but with newer technology, they would take over the market.
KeepOnKeepnOn - Thanks. I'm looking around for some fate fenders for my bike. The black ones from XYZ bikes.com for $4.95 seem almost too good to be true. Have you seen any good ones?
bluegoatwoods - Thanks.

 

[cgoodwin]

As part of my business I build aluminum tanks, if there were a standard frame used I would make a standard tank, sadly there is not. I have considered making a tank like the early HD where a large rectangular tank sat over the frame tube, that would be fairly universal..

4 stroke - I recently purchased a 4 stroke weed eater and a 4 stroke blower/vac at Home Depot, not a pretty motor though.

Here is a boxer style 80cc motor.