My first build was full of problems in the beginning. Then I started to fix everything and learn general maintenance. After a few months I would rarely have a break down. I would do 100km trips every other week and it never let me down after I took care of her right. Now I'm building a souped up motor with lots of torque so I can run a small sprocket and stay reliable in the low Rpms. These kits have a steep learning curve but once you get it right your set
@@KClO3 Not op, but for me biggest thing was changing stock short circuit killswitch to custom break circuit button + sealing magneto cover with heat resistant sealant, especially if you ride in wet conditions would greatly extend life of magneto / CDI (2 stroke chinese experience).
@@KClO3 for 2 stokes after doing the recommended 16:1 break in do not switch to 20:1 like they say but 32:1 instead. Ran with 91+ octane gas you will notice a significantly cleaner motor. Oil isn’t dripping all over everything and less carbon build up in the cylinder and exhaust. Tune your carb right after throwing on an open air filter and opening the exhaust allowing the engine to breath keeping it cooler. And more air means more fuel giving you more power. That stock air box is so restricting. Yeah that’s a lot but you’ll literally only have to worry about making sure all your bolts are tight every other day. Still have the same bike 4 years later riding 10+ miles everyday for work for the first 2 years. Bike still fires right up
My mom got me a motorized bicycle kit for my birthday one time when i was like 12 and im 16 now and mine still runs and works great back when i was younger I could never get it to run good but one day I decided to run a 50:1 fuel mix as aposed to my normal 32:1 and it scored the piston and cylinder so it sat until I gained more experience with engines in general and decided to rebuild it and after the rebuild I got it running great and it still runs great to this day (I replaced the cylinder and piston about 3 years ago)
@@bryanjimenez525 the things I carried before I went to a moped(I got a used taotao racer 50 for cheap) were, 1 Allen key set, 2 6mm, 2 8mm, 2 10mm wenches, spark plugs tool, a cdi, a spark plugs, 1 pack of zip ties, electric tape 1 replacement cable, assortment of nuts bolts and washers various sizes and lengths, replacement break pads, spare tube, tire slime, and airpump all in all about 30-40lbs, but it worked
@@arturomuniz8977The engine kit having issues at times made the bike impossible to pedal, if the chain tensioner comes loose then when you pedal you just wrap the engines chain around the rear wheel, the clutch cam(or cable) can also fail, if that happens you can't pedal since the engine is always engaged, if the sprocket bolts broke it can warp the rear wheel, if the brakes go out you want to stop and fix it then and there or get ran over,if the tire goes flat you aren't meaningfully pedaling it Just pedal isn't really a option, 3/4 times the parts that broke are things that move with the rear wheel engine running or not, and require tools to either fix or disconnect, regardless of the time spent fixing it i spent less time on that then I would have pedaling a normal bike so it was worth it. But as stated after about a year I moved to a moped, then a year after that I got a dual sport, now I have a 650 sport touring bike so I've slowly moved up as far as two wheel vehicles go
I built mine as a 4 stroke and it's been fun and a challenge. My first problem was the exhaust not mounting, coupled with the cheap mounting plate folding under the torque. Managed to bend the exhaust to fit, replaced the mounting plate with the cast iron one. Next my crankshaft snapped, likely due to the transmission getting hot from the lack of exhaust while I drove it home after it fell off. I took apart the transmission and studied it, figuring out what broke and learning it was the crankshaft. I ordered another, popped the old out and replaced it, rebuilt transmission and put it all together. Since then she's ran like a dream for about 300 miles, still counting. Wish me luck everybody.
@@Sigmaruler0199 not to discourage you but I continued breaking transmissions, I'm not riding it at the moment but for top speed you may be happier with a two stroke, but the 4 stroke will get you better torque on hills and maybe less overall pedals
I got sober 15 months ago and bought one,Then I found your channel subscribed learned a lot and still learning.Now I'm upgrading tinkering and love this new hobby here in Minnesota.Cant wait to try it in the snow and eventually build one myself.
@@JackParsons.Cause they're made in China and shipped improperly. They make pretty good 4 strokes at harbor freight that you can use for this same purpose
For me it's all about building something that's close to as reliability as a Honda Ruckus and still will do over 30 MPH comfortably. It's doable with enough trips to the hardware store.
@@calebdavies526 mine did 35-40 depending on wind, hell once(just once) I had a massive tail wind and it went 65, scary but it did and this was on flat ground
My personal gas bike easily does over 40mph…..but it has numerous Performance upgrades, I’m selling a foldable e-bike that goes 34mph, and it’s a 350watt motor…..you ride it you fall in love with it……but it’s not cheap…..E-bikes are usually more expensive, and I barely make a profit off them. I’m building a E-bike with a 1000watt motor, the bike is a extremely light full suspension Mountain bike……I’m expecting it will go over 45mph” depending on a persons weight. I raced a built beach cruiser and barely beat it with my 350watt engine.
Practice checking every single bolt before every ride as if ur life depended on it . Locktite after everything stretches. I’ve done many 50 + mile rides. 3600 miles Without a breakdown. But I’m a mechanic with every tool. My seat is huge it’s off a flywheel bicycle exercise machine. Copper washers squish to fit surfaces. Gas tank studs are some kind of sick joke.
I am gonna buy a 100cc kit off eBay, before I do do you think it's gonna last a decent amount of time in the hands of a retard who knows nothing about engines? I could probably cope with minor fixes but if the shit gonna need drilling holes or welding I can't do that
Motorized bike is the reason why I'm amazed because every time I drive a bike the fact that I get a motor on it and then it's pushing me it just blows me away that I'm actually on a bicycle that has a motor on it and that I wish I would have had this as a kid. Each and every time I ride it it's a whole new experience and it's always still blowing my mind that it's a motorized bicycle and I keep wishing I had it as a kid ,that's awesome
My first week with my build I had everything going wrong and I was getting ready to give up on them but then it all came together and yes you are right they are fun , I have had zero issues for months now my second build went together so well, the first one is your learning curve as I see it, it’s the one you get to know really well lol.
both of my first 2 builds were incredibly frustrating, especially someone with a short temper. one of my kits didnt have the piston installed and it wasn't going in the head like I saw in videos. out of frustration and anger I just started banging it into the head with a rubber mallet, cracked it of course
I built my first bike about three and a half months ago I absolutely love it I ride it everyday whether I have to or not. Absolutely love tinkering with it improving it and customizing it to suit my needs and desires. Thank you
i rlly want one (i’m 14) and i got strict ass parents. Anyway to convince them. Haven’t rlly asked but ik they ain’t to fond of the idea cuz i was gonna get an e scooter but they wouldn’t let. Also aus laws are kinda strict
You know I’ve spent about 1500$ on this hobby. and not just 4 66 motors 3 48ccs and a yd100 but also a cheap 49cc pocket bike centrifugal clutch motor that I fitted to a Meridian 24 inch trike, and over the years I can honestly say that I don’t regret a single purchase. 2 of the mopeds I decided to sell but the other kits I’ve kept around for parts and one of the 48ccs is still running on a 26 inch hyper cruiser. Everything from stressing out my motors racing my buddies on their scooters to taking one of the 48ccs on a 90s huffy scout 10 speed 80 miles into the next town and back, the journey has come a long way. Some folks like spending a grand or two on a nice motorcycle, and some of us like stretching out a grand or two purchasing Chinese single speed chain driven moped kits over a couple years or so and there’s nothing wrong with that, what you break you keep for parts and or potential rebuild, what you ride you enjoy because you have a motorcycle that you crafted yourself! Everyone have a blessed day and ride safe ⛽️ 🚲 🛞 💨
I would also recommend a buyer have a relatively high level of mechanical aptitude! Lots of tools, and the more fabrication equipment, the merrier. You get the kit "in the rough" and it requires a lot of modifications and troubleshooting and general awareness of internal combustion engines.
I have an old Raleigh bike specifically put off to one side (actually hanging from my ceiling) to motorize. I want it for summer evenings of riding back and forth to my shop instead of driving the 6.0L Denali. I expect a few hiccups along the way. I look forward to cheap transportation and fresh air. I've had many motorcycles in my life. Repaired a great many bicycles. Now I want to have the best of both worlds!
It's a blast having these, I have four now with motors, plus a couple motors on the bench. I drive these daily to work year round, The thing that gets most people aggravated, is trying to get more out of something that just doesn't got it,, well it does just not for long. I tune and run mine to run at half to 3/4 throttle, got 2 that been running for over a year flawless,the others are 6 months and same no issues but that was after proper prep before starting( take em apart and clean up the ports) tune your carb, little love, a bit of cursing. Maintenance is key, it's two things not ment to be together except in an idea,, so have your tools ready, a few spares and have fun
I really appreciated the point about how this is a hobby that you will never "impress" other people with. IMO, this is a very positive thing. Ego is the enemy. Personal happiness should always be the goal.
I found tons of attention while I started to do delivery job with the motocycle. Total strangers came to me to talk about the mocycle, took the pictures etc. I did not need to buy Ferrary to get thumbs ups from the streets.
@@marguskiis7711 It's a different kind of attention tho. There's a certain demographic of people who think motorized bikes are unique and interesting, but they're definitely not a status symbol.
@@ahobimo732 Certain demographic? What do you mean? I have met very different people talking to me. OK, no women dare to talk about it but very different men have came to me to talk about the moto bicycle.
@@marguskiis7711 I just meant that motorized bicycles have a different kind of appeal. They're cool in the sense that they're interesting, but they're not the kind of thing that shallow people use to signal their social status. Nobody will think you're rich and famous because you're riding a motorized bike, which is a good thing. Because what difference does it make if someone is rich and famous?
thats true, practicality does suck. I first got into motorized bikes because I needed transportation but the tinkering and wrench turning was appealing from the get go. Now, Ive got one that pretty well holds up to daily 30 mile plus round trips and goes through rubber faster than parts. It took me a LOT of parts, hours and miles to get here though. Nothing better than a cool sunny day goin down a wide shoulder with everything dialed in and hauling ass.
Did you have any problems with the air intake on the carb? I was wondering if I could drill more holes in the black plastic box, or even replace the stock filter with a less restrictive one
@@Fred_the_1996 Sure, I cut away half of the front part at first- then I just took the the whole thing off but I only ride on the road so it may be more practical for you to keep it on if you get into very dirty conditions, otherwise. The stock air cleaner is really not that restrictive though unless it gets soaked with oil which does happen-then just clean it occaisionally.
End of my 5th summer. I am a Tinker-er, have been ALL my life. In my school years, mini bikes and go karts, B&S engines my favorite. R/C Model aircraft builder and pilot. 2 cycle alcohol fueled engines. Getting Range time and reloading ammo. These gas bikes are NOT for everyone, reason, High Preventive maintenance. It is called "A Hobby". I rework the engine BEFORE even putting it on the frame. Port match all ports, round and smooth internal ports. I hand make all the gaskets. Finally "I Lock Tight" everything. How I started. Got a Old Beach Cruiser, 26 inch, 2.5 in. tires. It just screamed, engine. Stage 1 engines, good start, not so, for long term long distance. Stage 2 engines, balanced crank, better suited for Tuned Pipe, Better Head, more compression, bigger Carburetor. The better a 2 stroke can breath the better. The Sparkplug, NGK over the stock plug. Jets in the carb. Most important to set for best running. Way beyond for most. Fuel Mix. Stehl Chainsaw Oil. Breakin and Normal running. 25 to 1 breakin, 35 to 1 normal, after breakin. 1st run of the engine. Start let run with no load, at an idle. Bring up to operating temp, 2 minute run, shut down, allow to cool completely, repeat. For 2 1/2 Gal of Breakin mix. At least 10-12 times. Near the end of the Breakin the engine will start easier, cool faster, and run smoother. This is a full 2 day process. These small engines need to be warmed up completely. Finally. It's NOT a problem. It's an opportunity to LEARN something new. When asked where I got my bike, I can simply say with a smile, " I built it".
excellent video once again, as with any hobby one has to weigh the PROS and CONS. Some people assume that any hobby can be easy and without head aches, until they have one, all hobbies have a learning curve and that to me is what makes them fun.
My first build . Built a hybrid gas and electric. Love it. Electric comes in at low and hi speed. Great aid for the gas engine. Especially pulling steep hills and taking off from a stand still.
My main means of transportation is a bicycle and I think it would be so much fun to put one of these together and I think it'll be more useful than using my regular old bicycle
@@smartcookie11 it depends on what you plan on doing with it if your gonna keep it on the road the a road one but if you know you have alot of dirt roads and trails your going to be on then a mountain bike
Good talk. I have a few bikes, beta 300rr, pe175, ts185er and dr250 that I love to ride. But the first bike was a motorised bike I got second hand for $5. It required a new stator and a bit of work but it got me into riding. I also now have 3 motorised bike's which I still love to work on and ride. I love your content and the way you embrace the simplicity of the china doll. Regards from Australia
If you get a strong feeling that you should, you should. Do it. If it's in your soul you will feel it. I've built 3 of them and now I'm done. Modern motorcycles are the thing for me. But I'd never trade the memories I've formed on my motorbikes for anything else in this universe. The best times I've had on two wheels is with a Honda CBR 600 and a 50cc Honda motorbike. I'm in love with a Honda Grom that sits squarely between the two. If you feel the need, roll with it. It might not last forever but there might be a real reason for it. Do it. Build it. Make it yours .
I got into motoeized bikes because I wasn't allowed to get my license at 16 and I put the cheapest motor kit from ebay on my Schwinn Ranger mtb (a very small bike frame with very big bottom tube) and rode it for my daily transportation to school and work for just over 3 months until the engine slifhtly exploded. Even rode it through Wisconsin snow, now I have two YD100 builds. Definitely a fun hobby to mess around with while fixing my car takes a very long time.
Thing I've found out about these is you gotta wanna tinker...which I enjoy immensely, but there's a lotta guys out there that just 'splap' them together, they inevitably break down, and they jump on Face Space and call 'em junk. I knew going in that I'd need to constantly work on them, and having a lot of background with Dirtbikes, and their maintenance, I was 'ready', hell, half the fun for me is working on them...
For me, the satisfaction of building a motorized bike comes from building something out of high quality components that works perfectly, every time. That's near impossible to do with the cheap china two strokes. That's why my current build has a Zenoah G43L, which alone costs double what a whole china kit cost. That engine will be good for tens of thousands of miles, so the price per mile is much better despite the extra upfront cost. It's mounted over my rear wheel with a custom belt drive reduction, and a chain drive. It's reliable, maintenance free, and relatively quiet.
I built my first bbr bike 2 years ago and it's been so awesome this mans info has helped me many times and its a great hobby thanks keep up the good work
I had the nuts for the chain tensioner back out and when I pulled the throttle it yanked it right into my rear wheel, taking out half the spokes with a crunch. I bought a cheap bike for 20$, and now I'm gonna swap the wheel and whatever parts I can scavenge. Fun hobby, but infuriating at times. 100% recommended.
I own a 2004 Triumph American motorcycle, and I still love riding my gas bike through the parks and bike trails, if you maintain it gas bikes are very reliable.
I wanted a cheap way to get back into the woods and areas for making videos. So very similar to your reason. Much cheaper then an atv, or any other source for me. I am enjoying my bike and have a 50cc kit shipped, and on its way here now. :) Your vids help inspire me to trying one of the kits, so thanks dude. Thanks for the vid.
@cp renek Thank you, i have posted a vid on the change over and a trail ride and some fishing on my channel. This bike has done exactly what i have wanted and very happy with my decision. Ride safe and all the best.
I had a moped when I was a teenager, then motorcycle, then in my 40's moped again, so going motorized bicycle in my 50's was a natural..you have to be a bit of a gear head to be at these 2-smokers...you forgot to mention the alternative lower maintenance 4-strokers for those that don't enjoy daily wrencing...
While not a motorized bike, I came across a 49cc scooter at our neighborhood semiannual yard sale. I’ve tinkered and fixed, tinkered and fixed some more. You are right it’s a hobby and once you realize that, it becomes fun. I’ve really enjoyed my scooter and will hopefully over the summer do my first bike build.
About 14 years ago I entered this wonderful hobby. My car broke down and I didn't have much money. I discovered motorized bicycles and the rest is history. This can be a practical means of transportation, but it's high maintenance. You've really gotta have mechanical knowledge.
An update….No matter how good you install a engine kit…people still manage to tear them up’ people think they can hope on one and do 35 mile trips to work, and do no maintenance….a gas Bike isn’t for these people. Even using red lock tight on hard parts, and installing a jack shaft kit….ppl still found a way to break them’ usually burning out the clutch’ due to laziness, and refusing to pedal assist up hills. The good news is none of my bikes never popped a chain.
I got into the hobby when I realized I paid $1100 for a used fat tire electric bike that only went 20mph and 19 mile range, it had really weak tork to the point where if you took off while the rear tire was in a bump or you were going up a slight incline the bike would barley move at all and in the less than 25 degree weather the bike only would move about 7mph, sure electric is nice and quite and you can ride on trails that don’t allow motors. With electric you reach a point where you can’t go any faster or further without spending hundreds or thousands on a bigger better more powerful bike. Most manufacturers don’t even make e bikes that go faster than 28mph because of legality and even then that is with pedal assist. At that moment I started researching other options and it blew my mind when I found a motorized 80cc mountain bike for sale on offer up for around $300, the seller told me it had a 100 mile range on one gallon of gas and it goes around 35mph, I bought it and I loved it so much, I took it on a 40 mile ride and when it ran out of gas I poured the oil and filled the tank at a gas station and the bike wouldn’t start. I didn’t realize that the fuel line was full of straight oil because I poured the oil in first without premixing it in a can, lesson learned, I had to Facetime my friend and he helped me work it out and get it running so I could ride home, a few months later I took it on an 80 mile ride from my house all the way to Chicago, threw the city almost to the from Wisconsin to Indiana and back home on one gallon of gas, right as I was pulling into my neghborhood I hit a stick and it ripped threw the back tire and I had to walk a half mile home, fixed it the next day and I was back riding. It’s been maybe 8 or 9 months and I’m already working on a new build.
I am a old guy that would still enjoy riding a genuine Whizzer motorbike. I have ridden full size motorcycles for a lifetime and once motorized a 20 incher with a Fox 2S motor bike kit. I would think that an old Honda Trail 90 would be a more practical solution, as transportation, than building a motorized bike. I can see that a building successful DIY motorbikes might be more fun.
I'm 42 and I love riding my bike around town motor or no motor. But I always get asked why do you ride a bike. I say for 1 it's quicker for around town then my car I can get in and out quick. And because it just keeps you young feeling I'm not going to get old and take it easy
Damn, I started on one of these! I built three successful models. First one was a 66/80CC Mongoose Excursion 24" bike, second one was a 27.5" Schwinn Road Bike with a 48/50 engine. Then I had a final go at a Huffy Cranbrook with a 66/80CC. I'd say the Huffy is probably the best damn thing you can start with. I then bought a 1978 PUCH MAXI. Was a good bike then I worked on it and used it as a tool to learn how every thing works. I will never ever own a German bike again. I now recently acquired a 1998 Yamaha Zuma. It's a 1998 Yamaha Zuma BW. Coming from motorized bicycles and mopeds and seeing how well the scooters are built compared to this shit. It's so so much better . One thing with motorized bicycles is. You take the motor apart and who knows how long it will last and who knows how long you will be able to ride it. Personally I enjoy WORKING on bikes. I think riding them is a pain in the ass. I recently bought a 2000 Subaru Outback as a daily beater car. I had a 2006 Jetta TDI. They are junk sure you get 50MPG but you really don't save that much when it comes to the repairs and how much it will cost to keep the car running that's why I went bikes. My eventual goal is to own a 125CC or a 250CC motorcycle that's legit and I can ride as a hobby. I have also tried to build two friction kits they are junk. Friction sucks. If you want to build a motorized bicycle my advice is to go buy a motorcycle that runs and or buy a cheap kit and put it on a stronger frame. My final attempt with motorized bicycles was a SwitZ CruZ bicycle with a 1000CC Samger. Do NOT BUY from bike Berry. The most I have had luck with was HELIO CYCLES. HELIO CYCLES makes one of the best DAMN engines you can buy. I can not wait for my Zuma build. It's also a bike with turn signals so I can go on the road with it and not get pulled over. If I buy a moped again. I think I may find a Yamaha QT50 but from a insurance prospective it's a lot of money.... Have a good day- W.
I started watching this channel, I went out got a bike of marketplace, got a motor. Built it up slowly, the first day I got it running, it got stolen that night off my porch….. this was a week ago (09/17/24). 😢
At first I thought I'd only make one bike, which I have But I want to build more now, and I love these things, 2 stroke, 4 stroke, and I ride it every day, I'm going to save for a bike and put a 100cc on her as an upgrade, thank you LA for the great content because it's saved me money, given me great info, and is all around enjoyable
I went electric for less noise and maintenance and less police attention. Although on a long trip, being able to go to a fuel station is quicker than charging. Having said that, being able to build a mid drive with a Honda 50cc would be great fun.
I just started mine for the first time today and I have had it for months. Soon I will have a headlight and taillight kit, a new fuel line, and a phone mount for it. I already have a speaker for it and some led's on the wheels for night time riding. Motorized bikes are sick and I wish I had discovered then sooner.
IMO the worst part is the fear of theft. My purring 4-stroke shifter was stolen straight out of my garage, so I now store my eBike indoors. It has an alarm, two locks and a GPS locator and I still don't feel good about leaving it in a bike rack.
My 13 yeard old 49cc Grubbee beach cruiser was stolen out of my garage last Friday and I am still mourning it's loss. IF I do another build, I will chain it to my floor jack-John in Texas
My first Build was over 10years ago. Back then i buyed a used pocketbike motor with 6hp put it in my Mountainbike. With this used Pocketbike engine instead of a chinese trashengine i have never a Problem. And this Thing stillt works. :D
theyre great for cheap personal transport,, i used one for a few years until i could afford a car and got my license.. much more energy efficiant and time saving than using a normal pushbike
I am converting my Mt Bike into a bug out bike that can take me away from the city in a SHTF scenario and to take me on levee rides and fishing along the river.
I built one "just because" and it was a hoot. It might have been the most dangerous thing I've ever ridden. The beach cruiser frame I put it on was a nightmare at 35mph... and it only had back-pedal brakes initially. In the end I sold it along with a bunch of repaired mopeds and scooters - but I refused to sell it to a kid because once I had the chain snap and, well, enough said!
I had my chain snap first 20 minutes of ride time lol, then immediatly got a 415H chain which if I'm correct is pretty much the strongest one available, no problems since then
built one of these bikes a couple years ago and it finally blew up a few weeks ago. upgrading from super cheap motor to kinda cheap phantom 85. love these things to death.
I need something to get me to and from work, cars are expensive, I'm tired of just peddling and I already do a ton of small engine repair and like it, so this looks like it'll work just fine for now
@@LAHover it's great, i cheated a little and bought one half built because i didn't want to have to find a bike too and this was cheap. finished it today and zooming around the country side
I put a 50cc ktaxon on a huffy for $90 for my son's birthday and it has been great! If you have the proper tools and basic know how it'll fire right up!
Chinese motor, bike by Schwinn, ride it out, push it in.. lived w a 2stroke, broke spokes, castings disintegrated, clutches self-destructed. Put on a Honda 4stroke (ex-pressure washer) using a home-made prop, 20mph,reliable. Harley seat, plexi windshield, comfy. 80mpg.
Have a safe 4th my friend. I love the arc chain thingy. My 4 stroke is running perfect. My 2 strokes also. I filled up my Jeep Cherokee in January. 60.00 I still have over 3/4 tank. I still love the look on the gas station folks when I hand them a dollar & say Pump 3 please. :)
@@davysanders4922 2 stroke ain't loud unless you make it that way. 4 stroke is a good choice. Not as peppy as the 2 it's a strong machine. Being crazy I put a Harbor Freight 212cc on a Schwinn Trike. The bike is not stable past 25 mph but it's a hoot to ride. I'm old, the cops don't bother me.
I did a weed wacker 49cc for mine because in Wisconsin that's the biggest motor you can have without a license for these kind of bikes but I hooked it up to where the pedal assembly is taking off the pedals and had a sprocket on one side so I could still use the gear ratio on the right hand side so I got a 4-stroke the 21-speed on a 32 inch mountain bike and I just used a ATV style throttle on the handlebars and I attached pegs to the front rim to mount my feet I've had 40 mph on it easily even with my 250 lb self and I'm sure if I can get back down close to like 190 like I was a few years ago before my knee injury I could pretty easily get up to 45 and that roughly hour and a half trip from Kenosha to Chicago to visit my girlfriend will probably drop down about 20 minutes depending on traffic And with my gallon gas tank I have made it 50 me before I got to about a quarter of the tank
I like mine because I BUILT IT MYSELF. I learned a LOT in the process and am STILL learning about it. It's a BLAST to ride, but I would NEVER let anyone else ride it. These things are a bit DIFFERENT than scooters, motorcycles, and even TRUE MOPEDS. For those that have never ridden one, chances are high that they will have an accident. UNLESS they take a bit of time going slow and LEARN to ride it in a vacant lot, they WILL have a crash. Even then, they probably will have some slight mis-hap. In the process --- ALWAYS carry some tools. You will need them --- TRUST ME. And by the way --- ALWAYS ride with a HELMET. Remember GARY ABUSEY.
I have one for more than a year and i got it for working in uber here in europe, its very cheap and economic since im 22 and im a student, but guys be prepared to learn motor when you get this, EVERYTHING WITH THE TIME will fall apart in your bike, and its good because you can replace it with something u like, but they are very fun, here in europe people keep staring and taking photos all the time, actually in my city almost all ubers and everyone in the city knows me because i ride this bike with a huge uber bag hahaha, but once you assume that character and u are not ashamed its wonderful, people do smille at you. Even after buying a motorcycle ill still have my motorized bike, and my sons will have one day one too.
When my car popped the timing chain, my trusty ol motorised bike became my car for a fortnight. In and out to work for 10 days and 4 days of random messing at the weekend. Only cost about 10 euros for the 2 weeks. The car is back on the road now and im dam glad of that coming into the winter
my first one was a Japanese Step Through Bike with a 50cc 4 stroke engine. I bought one just because, I wanted to try it out and maybe a toy to tinker with you know what.. it's sorta reliable enough to get you to your local shops or to and from work it burns through 1L of fuel per hour on full blast or 0.6-0.8L of fuel per hour on a steady cruise it can cruise at about 30-50kph hills are not so great.. a 1.5hp engine with only 1 gear ratio can only do so much (but you can trade in speed for more wheel torque) the engine's either for helping you out on the hills / giving you a break on those long flat road sections tips would be: get one with a "automatic" centrifugal clutch set up if the engine's not spinning the clutch is disengaged and the engine is disconnected to the wheel completely causing less drag on the wheels as you're pedalling along with a regular diaphragm clutch setup though.. if you disengaged it.. the clutch release bearing would be strained and there's always some drag on the wheels if you're just pedalling it..
I work on something else on my bike pretty much every day. My parents tell me. It's a huge waste of time and I have a car and stuff. I told them it's something I like to do, as when someone spends all day playing video games, or going to the bar. It's a hobby. Something to keep you busy. I don't care how many hours I put into it. I want to keep building it until it's literally. Perfect. There is a whole list. Of things to do on it. And it is never ending.
FYI Some states require that pedaling Wisconsin now has up to 130 CCS you can add to a bicycle but integrated Motors like scooters still have to be 50 ccs but the bicycle has to have working pedals and pedal the bike forward to be legal and for you not have to go and get license plates and registration insurance.
I actually wanted an e-bike but too broke & scared to spend the $1,000 on a 750w mid drive & battery kit not knowing how long it'll actually last or if being caught in the rain a few times will ruin it.... If I knew for sure it'd last for years being rode almost daily for commutes, I'd be more willing to buy one. I heard the 1000w $200 wheel kits burn up quick, same with the 750w geared hub motors.....Those electric unicycles look like fun and would be great transportation in large cities but they're also expensive and always break down.
I'm using one of those 1000w cheap wheels and it's been rock solid. Since I installed the cheap kit 10 months ago I've done nearly 4000 miles commuting and just messing around. Compare that to the countless gas bikes I've built where it was nothing but issues all the time.
I just discovered your channel, and it’s awesome. I have been trying to find a way to get my kids into building motors, and your channel has pointed me in the perfect direction. I love your style of videos, and your humor and self awareness are epic; you deserve many, many more subscribers than you have. Well done.
I hate to admit mine isn't a cheap build😅 I'm in 500$ into it but it doesn't help that my frame was $200 and I put motorcycle tires and upgraded parts for the drive train. OCC chopper life!
Lol, ive got one. It had 2k miles on it (up in maine running trails and every where it wasnt meant to go😂😂) i tinkered on it all the time too, always doing something BECAUSE I WANTED TO. Honestly comes to basic maintenance, i took care of it even tho i abused it. Its been all over the place, i enjoyed it and daily used it, shoot at one point was doing a 60 mile round trip while doing hay. (Im 17 lol) honestly couldnt of loved it more. And yes i say HAD cause it recently died. Working on bringing it back to life RIP RICKSHAW 2019-2021
No way, I just came from drones as well! I was super into FPV for a while, and am now migrating to motorized bikes with the funds I will hopefully get from selling my drone stuff.
I started out with a super cheap 48cc kit, and did everything I could to make it faster. Got the top speed up from 25mph to 36mph. It was a lot of fun for about a year, but it got old after that, because I was running the thing on the edge of its capability for too long. After having about a dozen breakdowns, and rebuilding the thing once, I decided I needed something more reliable. I got a PK80 engine (clone/copy) with a one-piece cylinder and head, so I would never have to deal with a warped head or leaking head gasket again. I slapped all my performance parts on it, and a new high-torque exhaust, and my top speed is now 32mph, but the only time I have to pedal is up steep hills, and I've had zero engine problems. I may have lost 4mph, but I gained enormous reliability and driveability, and I think I'm actually getting almost the same mileage; about 40 miles on 3 liters of fuel. I highly recommend that exhaust to anyone who lives in a hilly area. I think it's called the "torquer." It's a full-length exhaust, with a cone-shaped expansion chamber.
Yes I do think these are a hobby but also is a really good form of transportation and anybody who thinks these motors are garbage I found one in the dump that was run over by a big ass machine the bike was destroyed the motor still works that’s pretty good for a Chyna motor I live in Newfoundland add roughly around 6ro7 takes a gas like across this island wow what a road trip that would be we have great scenery and I know you can’t get to it in a car 🤙
I live downtown where it's just a tad too far for ME to walk around, yet driving is ridiculous, so a motorized bike would be PERFECT and you saying the hobby is so affordable to stay in, and being the hobby seeking person I have always been makes sense that I look into this.
Interesting video. it's too bad gas bikes aren't as good as e-bikes because they are so much cheaper. It would be interesting if someone could come into the gas bike space and make them as practical and easy to use as e-bikes. We would also have to change laws to allow gas bikes to be driven on the sidewalk and bike paths too.
Your not supposed to ride any bike on sidewalk just heads up. I do actually see these safer than ebikes because they are loud easier for ppl n cars to hear n see. Honestly ebikes and motorized bikes need to be regulated if they will be used on the streets for commutes, it's dangerous
In some cities you can ride a bike on a sidewalk if there isn't a dedicated bike lane, you just have to yield to pedestrians. But it is a very regional thing, so you should look at local laws with this.
Thanks for the wealth of good useful info. I'm a noob. Later this year I want to really get into this hobby. And thanks for using good cameras and 60fps footage. I noticed a huge improvement over older videos in 30fps when you're going 20 MPH and faster speeds. 🤓
I’m epileptic with driving restrictions. Y’all have no idea how held backs person like myself is with no car and license for YOUR WHOLE LIFE. and no you don’t get rides from a family, and no friends aren’t there for ya. I walk an extreme amount of miles for a guy. This is why I got into the hobby
@@LAHover dude I so needed that boost today. Lol my bike took a crap again. Time to get my hands dirty. Gotta make it to work tomorrow lol 😂 or I’m walking 🚶♂️
I have had a license since I was 16. Am 36 now and have lost my license due to medical reasons as well. Not being able to get around on your own is something I have taken for granted. Now I ride 40 miles round trip on my Nel Lusso with a BBR stage 4 performance kit engine. At first people laughed but I had to do what I had to do. Love my Nel Lusso and honestly done miss my truck. Except when it rains.
these motors are the key to saving money on gas and the option to travel without car taxes registration insurance ect my china girl is my Wild Horsey !!!!!!!!!!gitty up Cruisers an rippers today we Ride!!!!!!!!!!over 3000 mileys and counting an these were bumpy rush filled 3000 mi
just bought a kit a couple days ago and it’s quite a bit of work but i just got it started today after the magneto coil that came with it was dead, bought a new one and now i’m getting a spark, i’ve learned so much about small engines in the past week, planning on getting a better chain tensioner and a better air intake, maybe even a custom exhaust
I’m literally in the same boat, I brought a used one wanting to try it out. But it was all in pieces so I spent the money waited about a month for parts to come in and even over payed for some parts but it brought a smile to me which I don’t rarely have. So I’ve got around 4 rides into it and I’ve had to replace everything twice so I’ve just stripped the motor and doing a complete build, ported the cylinder, matched the ports with the crank cases and brought every mod for these engines without spending big bucks. Hopefully it turns out well otherwise I’m gonna give it up and just go back to pedalling or even a sur Ron. Way faster and a lot less limitations
I have had mine for just under 5 months as my old one was dying fast and my god when I got it running and I took it for its first ride and man the power like it was only 2.8HP but it felt so fast. Now I have a carrier with a small net over top and I am planning to get new handlebars, a trailer and a bigger fuel tank and most definately a high compression head and a true expanson chamber as I use my bike every weekend to ride down to the tip to go picking and need more power to tow heavy loads ... The experiences I have had are amazing and yes you do have to work on them all the time as my exaust studs always come out no matter what I do, no matter how much red loctite I put on it and also just recently I was riding along and my muffler snapped off and the ride went from 60db to 120db real quick... Overall though, if you like mechanics and having fun on something you dont need a lisence for, I highly reccomend...
I had the exact thing happen 😅, was riding and an exhaust bolt came off, of course the kit has no spares so I just bought a new one with a real expansion chamber which hopefully should last and give it a bit more pep. keeping allen keys on me in the future though...
I'm annoyed that these are illegal as fuck in the UK, cause its technically a motorcycle that has to be taxed and MOTd. I'm still sorely tempted by them lol
Challenge accepted! Just got a kit for myself and my wife got a Phatmoto. I had recently customized a Lifan kpm 200 and when I got done I worked on my old mopeds and now I'm going for the bikes. Great video
@10:27 about being a "Challenge" & "cheap budget hardware on a journey it was never designed for" sums it all up for me. I built my first bike last year out of boredom during the "pandemic". As a result of bicycles being scarce last year I used the wrong type of frame. It was a very dangerous beast I'd built. Since finding your channel I disassembled that bike, sold it off and bought a cranbrook. I am building that up based on things I've seen here. Thank you.
I got into the motorized bike the same way you did, during the pandemic and to cure boredom. However, my bike turned out very differently. I decided on a 4 stroke because I didn't want to mix the oil with gas. I got a Cranbrook for $99, I got a Predator 212 for $99, and a torque converter for $99. I probably spent another 100 on other hardware. I tried to stuff the engine in the Cranbrook frame but it didn't fit. I didn't want to modify the frame, so I built a heavy duty rear mounted rack and put the engine on it. This thing is fast! However, the bad part is it is top and rear heavy. You just have to keep your weight forward and it rides just fine.
3600 reliable miles on my schwinn legacy stage 4. Hasn’t left me stranded yet. Of course I’m a skilled perfectionist mechanic Who did everything in my power to achieve Reliability. It’s so much smoother without a chain tensioner.. find a way , it’s worth it.
@@LAHover I had to fabricate the rear end , the engine mounts are Homemade, welded into the frame . Cables ran through the frame. Temperature sensor, Everything is ported to the max, exhaust like a mirror .. intake dimpled like a golf ball .. squish band machined More work than I’m even willing to type about at the moment. I’ve also got a diamondback sorrento that’s Almost up to that level. Thank you for your videos
I've toured long distance on push bikes. Now 70 I thought to get a Phatmoto. This sober review has made me re-think the idea. It could be fun though; breaking down, meeting a lot of people who have wrenches...
I bought a rear mounted kit online. It's a 4-stroke GX35 clone. It was about a hundred dollars I suppose, maybe a little more. My son and I put it on a Bridgestone Mamachari. It's got a step through frame so it's easier for me to mount. I think was not bad at all to install, a few minor problems, nothing with these is catastrophic. But we completed the installation and I have driven it a few times, it's cool, I enjoy it, and here in the Philippines when I pass through residential neighborhoods I get plenty of hello's and smiles. Eventually I might try a 50cc engine. But the thing is I understood immediately that even though my bike is rugged and tough, it's still just a bike. And at 72 years old I appreciate the added boost it provides.
Yeah, they break easy if you buy the cheapest setups you can. If you actually buy a good branded engine kit they'll do you no wrong. I used to build these guys all the time for myself and others as long as they paid me. They were my main mode of transport for about 10 years. I ride them as far as 40 miles (next town over and back), even had trailers for grocery runs. Had a total of 3 personal bikes over that ten years. The Huffy Davidson was the first and lasted about a year and a half. this was before the hub adapters for the sprocket and the better tensioners, and the engine mounts, etc. So the bike got torn up fast learning the ropes on it. The next was the Schwindian built on a Schwinn cruiser that ran me a good five years or so till the bike frame started to bend really bad. Had a guy at work weld a center stand kickstand on the bike and it weakened the frame. The third was the Lucky Thirteen that ran forever, but sold it in 2020 because I wanted to try and do a trike so I could safely ride in winter. The trike was a nightmare with the jackshaft because it was just so finicky and finally swapped over to electric. I've been thinking about doing another gas bike because the ebikes I have just don't have the range to go where the old ones took me. To be honest I went through tires more often than I had breakdowns once i got a bike dialed in
i removed the bike pedals from mine, and replaced them with dirtbike pegs, and ran the rear brake to a foot pedal. works great
That's sick
How is taking off without pedals? I imagine it takes lots of riding the clutch
Yo where’s the pic of it or vid like do you have Instagram or TikTok
@@Yuigiot do u have discord
@@trfpvVT push start. u ride it around liek a scooter till it starts
My first build was full of problems in the beginning. Then I started to fix everything and learn general maintenance. After a few months I would rarely have a break down. I would do 100km trips every other week and it never let me down after I took care of her right. Now I'm building a souped up motor with lots of torque so I can run a small sprocket and stay reliable in the low Rpms. These kits have a steep learning curve but once you get it right your set
Can you tel me some important tips you learned?
Was it one of those 2 stroke engines? Or the 4 stroke
@@KClO3 Not op, but for me biggest thing was changing stock short circuit killswitch to custom break circuit button + sealing magneto cover with heat resistant sealant, especially if you ride in wet conditions would greatly extend life of magneto / CDI (2 stroke chinese experience).
What's a good kit?
@@KClO3 for 2 stokes after doing the recommended 16:1 break in do not switch to 20:1 like they say but 32:1 instead. Ran with 91+ octane gas you will notice a significantly cleaner motor. Oil isn’t dripping all over everything and less carbon build up in the cylinder and exhaust. Tune your carb right after throwing on an open air filter and opening the exhaust allowing the engine to breath keeping it cooler. And more air means more fuel giving you more power. That stock air box is so restricting. Yeah that’s a lot but you’ll literally only have to worry about making sure all your bolts are tight every other day. Still have the same bike 4 years later riding 10+ miles everyday for work for the first 2 years. Bike still fires right up
My mom got me a motorized bicycle kit for my birthday one time when i was like 12 and im 16 now and mine still runs and works great back when i was younger I could never get it to run good but one day I decided to run a 50:1 fuel mix as aposed to my normal 32:1 and it scored the piston and cylinder so it sat until I gained more experience with engines in general and decided to rebuild it and after the rebuild I got it running great and it still runs great to this day (I replaced the cylinder and piston about 3 years ago)
Why so little oil?
Hey any updates? How’s it running ?
I used a bike for my transportation to work because i had to. It required me to just bring basically all my tools with me in a backpack
Story of my life
@@bryanjimenez525 the things I carried before I went to a moped(I got a used taotao racer 50 for cheap) were, 1 Allen key set, 2 6mm, 2 8mm, 2 10mm wenches, spark plugs tool, a cdi, a spark plugs, 1 pack of zip ties, electric tape 1 replacement cable, assortment of nuts bolts and washers various sizes and lengths, replacement break pads, spare tube, tire slime, and airpump all in all about 30-40lbs, but it worked
Or pedal
@@arturomuniz8977The engine kit having issues at times made the bike impossible to pedal, if the chain tensioner comes loose then when you pedal you just wrap the engines chain around the rear wheel, the clutch cam(or cable) can also fail, if that happens you can't pedal since the engine is always engaged, if the sprocket bolts broke it can warp the rear wheel, if the brakes go out you want to stop and fix it then and there or get ran over,if the tire goes flat you aren't meaningfully pedaling it
Just pedal isn't really a option, 3/4 times the parts that broke are things that move with the rear wheel engine running or not, and require tools to either fix or disconnect, regardless of the time spent fixing it i spent less time on that then I would have pedaling a normal bike so it was worth it.
But as stated after about a year I moved to a moped, then a year after that I got a dual sport, now I have a 650 sport touring bike so I've slowly moved up as far as two wheel vehicles go
Same, had a backpack full of tools, 2 stroke oil, gaskets, wires, and spare hardware lol
I built mine as a 4 stroke and it's been fun and a challenge. My first problem was the exhaust not mounting, coupled with the cheap mounting plate folding under the torque. Managed to bend the exhaust to fit, replaced the mounting plate with the cast iron one. Next my crankshaft snapped, likely due to the transmission getting hot from the lack of exhaust while I drove it home after it fell off. I took apart the transmission and studied it, figuring out what broke and learning it was the crankshaft. I ordered another, popped the old out and replaced it, rebuilt transmission and put it all together. Since then she's ran like a dream for about 300 miles, still counting. Wish me luck everybody.
Nice work sticking with it! Congrats on the build, I hope she pulls you for many, many miles!
Do you think I should build with a 2 stroke or spend a little more for a 4 stroke. I just want speed and long fun rides.
@@Sigmaruler0199 not to discourage you but I continued breaking transmissions, I'm not riding it at the moment but for top speed you may be happier with a two stroke, but the 4 stroke will get you better torque on hills and maybe less overall pedals
I got sober 15 months ago and bought one,Then I found your channel subscribed learned a lot and still learning.Now I'm upgrading tinkering and love this new hobby here in Minnesota.Cant wait to try it in the snow and eventually build one myself.
Hey bro I am in MN too, south Minneapolis. Hit me up if you want to ride
Good for you brother I'll get sober eventually when my beer Runs Out no but seriously though take care stay on the straight and narrow
Scam
@@Ben.N no your a scam
Same here! Building g one cause car engine blew!! Now I got $100 to try & find a decent 100cc motor asap for work commute!! 😢
When he says you’re working on it ALL THE TIME. he’s not playing, all the time 😂🤷♂️
@cp renek 👏
@cp renek It's hit or miss, but if you hit, they do last. There's simply not enough quality control on the machining for these engines.
That's why I went electric instead. Felt like I spent more time working on the engine than actually riding the thing.
@@JackParsons.Cause they're made in China and shipped improperly. They make pretty good 4 strokes at harbor freight that you can use for this same purpose
7:50 so true😭
For me it's all about building something that's close to as reliability as a Honda Ruckus and still will do over 30 MPH comfortably. It's doable with enough trips to the hardware store.
what cc motor would you need for 30 mph+?
@@mohammadzarrar2269 most 80 (66) cc 2 strokes will do 30mph
@@calebdavies526 thanks for the info
@@calebdavies526 mine did 35-40 depending on wind, hell once(just once) I had a massive tail wind and it went 65, scary but it did and this was on flat ground
My personal gas bike easily does over 40mph…..but it has numerous Performance upgrades, I’m selling a foldable e-bike that goes 34mph, and it’s a 350watt motor…..you ride it you fall in love with it……but it’s not cheap…..E-bikes are usually more expensive, and I barely make a profit off them.
I’m building a E-bike with a 1000watt motor, the bike is a extremely light full suspension Mountain bike……I’m expecting it will go over 45mph” depending on a persons weight.
I raced a built beach cruiser and barely beat it with my 350watt engine.
Practice checking every single bolt before every ride as if ur life depended on it . Locktite after everything stretches.
I’ve done many 50 + mile rides.
3600 miles Without a breakdown.
But I’m a mechanic with every tool.
My seat is huge it’s off a flywheel bicycle exercise machine.
Copper washers squish to fit surfaces.
Gas tank studs are some kind of sick joke.
I am gonna buy a 100cc kit off eBay, before I do do you think it's gonna last a decent amount of time in the hands of a retard who knows nothing about engines? I could probably cope with minor fixes but if the shit gonna need drilling holes or welding I can't do that
Yup my tank studs ripped right out i replaced my tank with a plastic one from a power washer. 50 cent fillups lol
Motorized bike is the reason why I'm amazed because every time I drive a bike the fact that I get a motor on it and then it's pushing me it just blows me away that I'm actually on a bicycle that has a motor on it and that I wish I would have had this as a kid. Each and every time I ride it it's a whole new experience and it's always still blowing my mind that it's a motorized bicycle and I keep wishing I had it as a kid ,that's awesome
My first week with my build I had everything going wrong and I was getting ready to give up on them but then it all came together and yes you are right they are fun , I have had zero issues for months now my second build went together so well, the first one is your learning curve as I see it, it’s the one you get to know really well lol.
And how good does it feel the first time you get that cheap china engine really singing.
both of my first 2 builds were incredibly frustrating, especially someone with a short temper. one of my kits didnt have the piston installed and it wasn't going in the head like I saw in videos. out of frustration and anger I just started banging it into the head with a rubber mallet, cracked it of course
Boy is this the truth lol
@@boringbill and I broke my chain last night lol.
@@ferrelli76 I can't say I've ever done that lol
I built my first bike about three and a half months ago I absolutely love it I ride it everyday whether I have to or not. Absolutely love tinkering with it improving it and customizing it to suit my needs and desires. Thank you
Man I remember building my first one at 14, so many stranded cold times riding around the city all seasons, good times.
I built mine at 12 (14 now) and I ride it around the mountains and boy oh boy you get stranded at the worst times
@@TrevPilote-bj4bc Is there ever a good time to be stranded? Being 55, I've been stranded so many many times through the years!
i rlly want one (i’m 14) and i got strict ass parents. Anyway to convince them. Haven’t rlly asked but ik they ain’t to fond of the idea cuz i was gonna get an e scooter but they wouldn’t let. Also aus laws are kinda strict
Ya walking it home with missing parts was fun lmao but it really helped me get into working on motorcycles
You know I’ve spent about 1500$ on this hobby. and not just 4 66 motors 3 48ccs and a yd100 but also a cheap 49cc pocket bike centrifugal clutch motor that I fitted to a Meridian 24 inch trike, and over the years I can honestly say that I don’t regret a single purchase. 2 of the mopeds I decided to sell but the other kits I’ve kept around for parts and one of the 48ccs is still running on a 26 inch hyper cruiser. Everything from stressing out my motors racing my buddies on their scooters to taking one of the 48ccs on a 90s huffy scout 10 speed 80 miles into the next town and back, the journey has come a long way. Some folks like spending a grand or two on a nice motorcycle, and some of us like stretching out a grand or two purchasing Chinese single speed chain driven moped kits over a couple years or so and there’s nothing wrong with that, what you break you keep for parts and or potential rebuild, what you ride you enjoy because you have a motorcycle that you crafted yourself! Everyone have a blessed day and ride safe ⛽️ 🚲 🛞 💨
I would also recommend a buyer have a relatively high level of mechanical aptitude! Lots of tools, and the more fabrication equipment, the merrier. You get the kit "in the rough" and it requires a lot of modifications and troubleshooting and general awareness of internal combustion engines.
I have an old Raleigh bike specifically put off to one side (actually hanging from my ceiling) to motorize. I want it for summer evenings of riding back and forth to my shop instead of driving the 6.0L Denali. I expect a few hiccups along the way. I look forward to cheap transportation and fresh air. I've had many motorcycles in my life. Repaired a great many bicycles. Now I want to have the best of both worlds!
100 percent right about working on them all the time, I have 5 now but I never have all 5 running at once 😂!
It's a blast having these, I have four now with motors, plus a couple motors on the bench.
I drive these daily to work year round,
The thing that gets most people aggravated, is trying to get more out of something that just doesn't got it,, well it does just not for long.
I tune and run mine to run at half to 3/4 throttle, got 2 that been running for over a year flawless,the others are 6 months and same no issues but that was after proper prep before starting( take em apart and clean up the ports) tune your carb, little love, a bit of cursing.
Maintenance is key, it's two things not ment to be together except in an idea,, so have your tools ready, a few spares and have fun
I really appreciated the point about how this is a hobby that you will never "impress" other people with.
IMO, this is a very positive thing. Ego is the enemy. Personal happiness should always be the goal.
I found tons of attention while I started to do delivery job with the motocycle. Total strangers came to me to talk about the mocycle, took the pictures etc. I did not need to buy Ferrary to get thumbs ups from the streets.
@@marguskiis7711 It's a different kind of attention tho. There's a certain demographic of people who think motorized bikes are unique and interesting, but they're definitely not a status symbol.
@@ahobimo732 Certain demographic? What do you mean? I have met very different people talking to me. OK, no women dare to talk about it but very different men have came to me to talk about the moto bicycle.
@@marguskiis7711 you called it a motorcycle. Why?
@@marguskiis7711 I just meant that motorized bicycles have a different kind of appeal. They're cool in the sense that they're interesting, but they're not the kind of thing that shallow people use to signal their social status. Nobody will think you're rich and famous because you're riding a motorized bike, which is a good thing. Because what difference does it make if someone is rich and famous?
thats true, practicality does suck. I first got into motorized bikes because I needed transportation but the tinkering and wrench turning was appealing from the get go. Now, Ive got one that pretty well holds up to daily 30 mile plus round trips and goes through rubber faster than parts. It took me a LOT of parts, hours and miles to get here though. Nothing better than a cool sunny day goin down a wide shoulder with everything dialed in and hauling ass.
Hmm, what the problems with practicality?
@@marguskiis7711 comment in direct response to a statement on the vid.
Did you have any problems with the air intake on the carb? I was wondering if I could drill more holes in the black plastic box, or even replace the stock filter with a less restrictive one
@@Fred_the_1996 Sure, I cut away half of the front part at first- then I just took the the whole thing off but I only ride on the road so it may be more practical for you to keep it on if you get into very dirty conditions, otherwise. The stock air cleaner is really not that restrictive though unless it gets soaked with oil which does happen-then just clean it occaisionally.
End of my 5th summer.
I am a Tinker-er, have been ALL my life. In my school years, mini bikes and go karts, B&S engines my favorite.
R/C Model aircraft builder and pilot. 2 cycle alcohol fueled engines. Getting Range time and reloading ammo.
These gas bikes are NOT for everyone, reason, High Preventive maintenance. It is called "A Hobby".
I rework the engine BEFORE even putting it on the frame. Port match all ports, round and smooth internal ports. I hand make all the gaskets. Finally "I Lock Tight" everything.
How I started. Got a Old Beach Cruiser, 26 inch, 2.5 in. tires. It just screamed, engine.
Stage 1 engines, good start, not so, for long term long distance.
Stage 2 engines, balanced crank, better suited for Tuned Pipe, Better Head, more compression, bigger Carburetor. The better a 2 stroke can breath the better. The Sparkplug, NGK over the stock plug. Jets in the carb. Most important to set for best running. Way beyond for most. Fuel Mix. Stehl Chainsaw Oil. Breakin and Normal running. 25 to 1 breakin, 35 to 1 normal, after breakin. 1st run of the engine. Start let run with no load, at an idle. Bring up to operating temp, 2 minute run, shut down, allow to cool completely, repeat. For 2 1/2 Gal of Breakin mix. At least 10-12 times. Near the end of the Breakin the engine will start easier, cool faster, and run smoother. This is a full 2 day process.
These small engines need to be warmed up completely.
Finally. It's NOT a problem. It's an opportunity to LEARN something new.
When asked where I got my bike, I can simply say with a smile,
" I built it".
excellent video once again, as with any hobby one has to weigh the PROS and CONS. Some people assume that any hobby can be easy and without head aches, until they have one, all hobbies have a learning curve and that to me is what makes them fun.
its not a hobby with out a challenge, right lol !
My first build . Built a hybrid gas and electric. Love it. Electric comes in at low and hi speed. Great aid for the gas engine. Especially pulling steep hills and taking off from a stand still.
What electric kit did you go with? I'd like to do the same but am unsure of which one to go with
@@sk8erboig55 does the gas motor charge the battery?
My main means of transportation is a bicycle and I think it would be so much fun to put one of these together and I think it'll be more useful than using my regular old bicycle
Absolutely! Hope you got it done 👍
Do you recommend it on a road bike or a mountain bike
@@smartcookie11 it depends on what you plan on doing with it if your gonna keep it on the road the a road one but if you know you have alot of dirt roads and trails your going to be on then a mountain bike
@@kusinx_tried7251 should a gravel bike be motorized for roading and mounting
Agreed
Good talk. I have a few bikes, beta 300rr, pe175, ts185er and dr250 that I love to ride. But the first bike was a motorised bike I got second hand for $5. It required a new stator and a bit of work but it got me into riding. I also now have 3 motorised bike's which I still love to work on and ride. I love your content and the way you embrace the simplicity of the china doll. Regards from Australia
If you get a strong feeling that you should, you should. Do it. If it's in your soul you will feel it. I've built 3 of them and now I'm done. Modern motorcycles are the thing for me. But I'd never trade the memories I've formed on my motorbikes for anything else in this universe. The best times I've had on two wheels is with a Honda CBR 600 and a 50cc Honda motorbike. I'm in love with a Honda Grom that sits squarely between the two. If you feel the need, roll with it. It might not last forever but there might be a real reason for it. Do it. Build it. Make it yours .
I got into motoeized bikes because I wasn't allowed to get my license at 16 and I put the cheapest motor kit from ebay on my Schwinn Ranger mtb (a very small bike frame with very big bottom tube) and rode it for my daily transportation to school and work for just over 3 months until the engine slifhtly exploded. Even rode it through Wisconsin snow, now I have two YD100 builds. Definitely a fun hobby to mess around with while fixing my car takes a very long time.
Thing I've found out about these is you gotta wanna tinker...which I enjoy immensely, but there's a lotta guys out there that just 'splap' them together, they inevitably break down, and they jump on Face Space and call 'em junk. I knew going in that I'd need to constantly work on them, and having a lot of background with Dirtbikes, and their maintenance, I was 'ready', hell, half the fun for me is working on them...
For me, the satisfaction of building a motorized bike comes from building something out of high quality components that works perfectly, every time. That's near impossible to do with the cheap china two strokes. That's why my current build has a Zenoah G43L, which alone costs double what a whole china kit cost. That engine will be good for tens of thousands of miles, so the price per mile is much better despite the extra upfront cost. It's mounted over my rear wheel with a custom belt drive reduction, and a chain drive. It's reliable, maintenance free, and relatively quiet.
I ride mine to school and it is the most fun thing, to build and to ride recommend this for anyone interested in bikes and engines
I built my first bbr bike 2 years ago and it's been so awesome this mans info has helped me many times and its a great hobby thanks keep up the good work
So true. I just bought my first gas bike last week and after riding it about 30 miles the first day I was hooked and was looking for upgrades online.
I had the nuts for the chain tensioner back out and when I pulled the throttle it yanked it right into my rear wheel, taking out half the spokes with a crunch. I bought a cheap bike for 20$, and now I'm gonna swap the wheel and whatever parts I can scavenge. Fun hobby, but infuriating at times. 100% recommended.
I own a 2004 Triumph American motorcycle, and I still love riding my gas bike through the parks and bike trails, if you maintain it gas bikes are very reliable.
I wanted a cheap way to get back into the woods and areas for making videos. So very similar to your reason. Much cheaper then an atv, or any other source for me. I am enjoying my bike and have a 50cc kit shipped, and on its way here now. :) Your vids help inspire me to trying one of the kits, so thanks dude. Thanks for the vid.
@cp renek Thank you, i have posted a vid on the change over and a trail ride and some fishing on my channel. This bike has done exactly what i have wanted and very happy with my decision. Ride safe and all the best.
I had a moped when I was a teenager, then motorcycle, then in my 40's moped again, so going motorized bicycle in my 50's was a natural..you have to be a bit of a gear head to be at these 2-smokers...you forgot to mention the alternative lower maintenance 4-strokers for those that don't enjoy daily wrencing...
While not a motorized bike, I came across a 49cc scooter at our neighborhood semiannual yard sale. I’ve tinkered and fixed, tinkered and fixed some more. You are right it’s a hobby and once you realize that, it becomes fun. I’ve really enjoyed my scooter and will hopefully over the summer do my first bike build.
About 14 years ago I entered this wonderful hobby. My car broke down and I didn't have much money. I discovered motorized bicycles and the rest is history. This can be a practical means of transportation, but it's high maintenance. You've really gotta have mechanical knowledge.
An update….No matter how good you install a engine kit…people still manage to tear them up’ people think they can hope on one and do 35 mile trips to work, and do no maintenance….a gas Bike isn’t for these people.
Even using red lock tight on hard parts, and installing a jack shaft kit….ppl still found a way to break them’ usually burning out the clutch’ due to laziness, and refusing to pedal assist up hills.
The good news is none of my bikes never popped a chain.
I got into the hobby when I realized I paid $1100 for a used fat tire electric bike that only went 20mph and 19 mile range, it had really weak tork to the point where if you took off while the rear tire was in a bump or you were going up a slight incline the bike would barley move at all and in the less than 25 degree weather the bike only would move about 7mph, sure electric is nice and quite and you can ride on trails that don’t allow motors. With electric you reach a point where you can’t go any faster or further without spending hundreds or thousands on a bigger better more powerful bike. Most manufacturers don’t even make e bikes that go faster than 28mph because of legality and even then that is with pedal assist. At that moment I started researching other options and it blew my mind when I found a motorized 80cc mountain bike for sale on offer up for around $300, the seller told me it had a 100 mile range on one gallon of gas and it goes around 35mph, I bought it and I loved it so much, I took it on a 40 mile ride and when it ran out of gas I poured the oil and filled the tank at a gas station and the bike wouldn’t start. I didn’t realize that the fuel line was full of straight oil because I poured the oil in first without premixing it in a can, lesson learned, I had to Facetime my friend and he helped me work it out and get it running so I could ride home, a few months later I took it on an 80 mile ride from my house all the way to Chicago, threw the city almost to the from Wisconsin to Indiana and back home on one gallon of gas, right as I was pulling into my neghborhood I hit a stick and it ripped threw the back tire and I had to walk a half mile home, fixed it the next day and I was back riding. It’s been maybe 8 or 9 months and I’m already working on a new build.
I am a old guy that would still enjoy riding a genuine Whizzer motorbike. I have ridden full size motorcycles for a lifetime and once motorized a 20 incher with a Fox 2S motor bike kit. I would think that an old Honda Trail 90 would be a more practical solution, as transportation, than building a motorized bike. I can see that a building successful DIY motorbikes might be more fun.
I have to say I bought the cheapest EBAY kit I could find about 5 years ago and installed it on a $50 markeplace find mountain bike. All in costs were
I'm 42 and I love riding my bike around town motor or no motor. But I always get asked why do you ride a bike. I say for 1 it's quicker for around town then my car I can get in and out quick. And because it just keeps you young feeling I'm not going to get old and take it easy
Damn, I started on one of these! I built three successful models. First one was a 66/80CC Mongoose Excursion 24" bike, second one was a 27.5" Schwinn Road Bike with a 48/50 engine. Then I had a final go at a Huffy Cranbrook with a 66/80CC. I'd say the Huffy is probably the best damn thing you can start with. I then bought a 1978 PUCH MAXI. Was a good bike then I worked on it and used it as a tool to learn how every thing works. I will never ever own a German bike again. I now recently acquired a 1998 Yamaha Zuma. It's a 1998 Yamaha Zuma BW. Coming from motorized bicycles and mopeds and seeing how well the scooters are built compared to this shit. It's so so much better . One thing with motorized bicycles is. You take the motor apart and who knows how long it will last and who knows how long you will be able to ride it. Personally I enjoy WORKING on bikes. I think riding them is a pain in the ass. I recently bought a 2000 Subaru Outback as a daily beater car. I had a 2006 Jetta TDI. They are junk sure you get 50MPG but you really don't save that much when it comes to the repairs and how much it will cost to keep the car running that's why I went bikes. My eventual goal is to own a 125CC or a 250CC motorcycle that's legit and I can ride as a hobby. I have also tried to build two friction kits they are junk. Friction sucks. If you want to build a motorized bicycle my advice is to go buy a motorcycle that runs and or buy a cheap kit and put it on a stronger frame. My final attempt with motorized bicycles was a SwitZ CruZ bicycle with a 1000CC Samger. Do NOT BUY from bike Berry. The most I have had luck with was HELIO CYCLES. HELIO CYCLES makes one of the best DAMN engines you can buy. I can not wait for my Zuma build. It's also a bike with turn signals so I can go on the road with it and not get pulled over. If I buy a moped again. I think I may find a Yamaha QT50 but from a insurance prospective it's a lot of money.... Have a good day- W.
I started watching this channel, I went out got a bike of marketplace, got a motor. Built it up slowly, the first day I got it running, it got stolen that night off my porch….. this was a week ago (09/17/24). 😢
At first I thought I'd only make one bike, which I have
But I want to build more now, and I love these things, 2 stroke, 4 stroke, and I ride it every day, I'm going to save for a bike and put a 100cc on her as an upgrade, thank you LA for the great content because it's saved me money, given me great info, and is all around enjoyable
Yes its YD100 time
You need at least 3 of these anyway
I went electric for less noise and maintenance and less police attention. Although on a long trip, being able to go to a fuel station is quicker than charging.
Having said that, being able to build a mid drive with a Honda 50cc would be great fun.
Yes Excatly
I just started mine for the first time today and I have had it for months. Soon I will have a headlight and taillight kit, a new fuel line, and a phone mount for it. I already have a speaker for it and some led's on the wheels for night time riding. Motorized bikes are sick and I wish I had discovered then sooner.
Lol I love mine and yes I do work on it all the time and it brakes the chain all the time
IMO the worst part is the fear of theft. My purring 4-stroke shifter was stolen straight out of my garage, so I now store my eBike indoors. It has an alarm, two locks and a GPS locator and I still don't feel good about leaving it in a bike rack.
My 13 yeard old 49cc Grubbee beach cruiser was stolen out of my garage last Friday and I am still mourning it's loss. IF I do another build, I will chain it to my floor jack-John in Texas
People are degenerates
My first Build was over 10years ago. Back then i buyed a used pocketbike motor with 6hp put it in my Mountainbike. With this used Pocketbike engine instead of a chinese trashengine i have never a Problem. And this Thing stillt works. :D
theyre great for cheap personal transport,, i used one for a few years until i could afford a car and got my license.. much more energy efficiant and time saving than using a normal pushbike
Yep. Perfect explanation and description of this hobby.
I am converting my Mt Bike into a bug out bike that can take me away from the city in a SHTF scenario and to take me on levee rides and fishing along the river.
I built one "just because" and it was a hoot. It might have been the most dangerous thing I've ever ridden. The beach cruiser frame I put it on was a nightmare at 35mph... and it only had back-pedal brakes initially. In the end I sold it along with a bunch of repaired mopeds and scooters - but I refused to sell it to a kid because once I had the chain snap and, well, enough said!
I had my chain snap first 20 minutes of ride time lol, then immediatly got a 415H chain which if I'm correct is pretty much the strongest one available, no problems since then
built one of these bikes a couple years ago and it finally blew up a few weeks ago. upgrading from super cheap motor to kinda cheap phantom 85. love these things to death.
Oh if you bought you p85 in the past few weeks you are going to love it! The first batch was a mess but the updated ones are nice. Lots of power!
@@LAHover yeah for sure. heard lots about brass bushings but i guess its updated now
I need something to get me to and from work, cars are expensive, I'm tired of just peddling and I already do a ton of small engine repair and like it, so this looks like it'll work just fine for now
In your situation, I think you will enjoy it.
@@LAHover it's great, i cheated a little and bought one half built because i didn't want to have to find a bike too and this was cheap. finished it today and zooming around the country side
I put a 50cc ktaxon on a huffy for $90 for my son's birthday and it has been great! If you have the proper tools and basic know how it'll fire right up!
Chinese motor, bike by Schwinn, ride it out, push it in.. lived w a 2stroke, broke spokes, castings disintegrated, clutches self-destructed. Put on a Honda 4stroke (ex-pressure washer) using a home-made prop, 20mph,reliable. Harley seat, plexi windshield, comfy. 80mpg.
Have a safe 4th my friend. I love the arc chain thingy. My 4 stroke is running perfect. My 2 strokes also. I filled up my Jeep Cherokee in January. 60.00 I still have over 3/4 tank. I still love the look on the gas station folks when I hand them a dollar & say Pump 3 please. :)
@@davysanders4922 Wow, that's the hardest question you can ask me. They are both really relieiable, I think the 2 stroke cause there just more fun.
@@davysanders4922 2 stroke ain't loud unless you make it that way. 4 stroke is a good choice. Not as peppy as the 2 it's a strong machine. Being crazy I put a Harbor Freight 212cc on a Schwinn Trike. The bike is not stable past 25 mph but it's a hoot to ride. I'm old, the cops don't bother me.
I did a weed wacker 49cc for mine because in Wisconsin that's the biggest motor you can have without a license for these kind of bikes but I hooked it up to where the pedal assembly is taking off the pedals and had a sprocket on one side so I could still use the gear ratio on the right hand side so I got a 4-stroke the 21-speed on a 32 inch mountain bike and I just used a ATV style throttle on the handlebars and I attached pegs to the front rim to mount my feet I've had 40 mph on it easily even with my 250 lb self and I'm sure if I can get back down close to like 190 like I was a few years ago before my knee injury I could pretty easily get up to 45 and that roughly hour and a half trip from Kenosha to Chicago to visit my girlfriend will probably drop down about 20 minutes depending on traffic
And with my gallon gas tank I have made it 50 me before I got to about a quarter of the tank
I like mine because I BUILT IT MYSELF.
I learned a LOT in the process and am
STILL learning about it.
It's a BLAST to ride, but I would NEVER
let anyone else ride it.
These things are a bit DIFFERENT than
scooters, motorcycles, and even
TRUE MOPEDS.
For those that have never ridden one,
chances are high that they will have an
accident.
UNLESS they take a bit of time going slow
and LEARN to ride it in a vacant lot, they
WILL have a crash.
Even then, they probably will have some
slight mis-hap.
In the process --- ALWAYS carry some tools.
You will need them --- TRUST ME.
And by the way --- ALWAYS ride with a HELMET.
Remember GARY ABUSEY.
To the one person who disliked the video…. Your opinion is wrong. Great content and quality. Love the vids
I appreciate that!
I have one for more than a year and i got it for working in uber here in europe, its very cheap and economic since im 22 and im a student, but guys be prepared to learn motor when you get this, EVERYTHING WITH THE TIME will fall apart in your bike, and its good because you can replace it with something u like, but they are very fun, here in europe people keep staring and taking photos all the time, actually in my city almost all ubers and everyone in the city knows me because i ride this bike with a huge uber bag hahaha, but once you assume that character and u are not ashamed its wonderful, people do smille at you. Even after buying a motorcycle ill still have my motorized bike, and my sons will have one day one too.
When my car popped the timing chain, my trusty ol motorised bike became my car for a fortnight. In and out to work for 10 days and 4 days of random messing at the weekend. Only cost about 10 euros for the 2 weeks. The car is back on the road now and im dam glad of that coming into the winter
my first one was a Japanese Step Through Bike with a 50cc 4 stroke engine.
I bought one just because, I wanted to try it out and maybe a toy to tinker with
you know what..
it's sorta reliable enough to get you to your local shops or to and from work
it burns through 1L of fuel per hour on full blast or 0.6-0.8L of fuel per hour on a steady cruise
it can cruise at about 30-50kph
hills are not so great.. a 1.5hp engine with only 1 gear ratio can only do so much (but you can trade in speed for more wheel torque)
the engine's either for helping you out on the hills / giving you a break on those long flat road sections
tips would be:
get one with a "automatic" centrifugal clutch set up
if the engine's not spinning the clutch is disengaged and the engine is disconnected to the wheel completely causing less drag on the wheels as you're pedalling along
with a regular diaphragm clutch setup though.. if you disengaged it.. the clutch release bearing would be strained and there's always some drag on the wheels if you're just pedalling it..
I got a mantis 21.2 cc tiller motor, roughly 40 to1 ratio, front wheel drive,six speed, 27.3 mph😎👍
Who the hell dislikes my man's videos??Always great quality.
I work on something else on my bike pretty much every day. My parents tell me. It's a huge waste of time and I have a car and stuff. I told them it's something I like to do, as when someone spends all day playing video games, or going to the bar. It's a hobby. Something to keep you busy. I don't care how many hours I put into it. I want to keep building it until it's literally. Perfect. There is a whole list. Of things to do on it. And it is never ending.
Same thin g here
FYI Some states require that pedaling Wisconsin now has up to 130 CCS you can add to a bicycle but integrated Motors like scooters still have to be 50 ccs but the bicycle has to have working pedals and pedal the bike forward to be legal and for you not have to go and get license plates and registration insurance.
I actually wanted an e-bike but too broke & scared to spend the $1,000 on a 750w mid drive & battery kit not knowing how long it'll actually last or if being caught in the rain a few times will ruin it.... If I knew for sure it'd last for years being rode almost daily for commutes, I'd be more willing to buy one. I heard the 1000w $200 wheel kits burn up quick, same with the 750w geared hub motors.....Those electric unicycles look like fun and would be great transportation in large cities but they're also expensive and always break down.
the electric ones are 10x more reliable he's talking about gas bikes
I'm using one of those 1000w cheap wheels and it's been rock solid. Since I installed the cheap kit 10 months ago I've done nearly 4000 miles commuting and just messing around. Compare that to the countless gas bikes I've built where it was nothing but issues all the time.
I just discovered your channel, and it’s awesome. I have been trying to find a way to get my kids into building motors, and your channel has pointed me in the perfect direction. I love your style of videos, and your humor and self awareness are epic; you deserve many, many more subscribers than you have. Well done.
I hate to admit mine isn't a cheap build😅 I'm in 500$ into it but it doesn't help that my frame was $200 and I put motorcycle tires and upgraded parts for the drive train. OCC chopper life!
Lol, ive got one. It had 2k miles on it (up in maine running trails and every where it wasnt meant to go😂😂) i tinkered on it all the time too, always doing something BECAUSE I WANTED TO. Honestly comes to basic maintenance, i took care of it even tho i abused it. Its been all over the place, i enjoyed it and daily used it, shoot at one point was doing a 60 mile round trip while doing hay. (Im 17 lol) honestly couldnt of loved it more. And yes i say HAD cause it recently died. Working on bringing it back to life RIP RICKSHAW 2019-2021
No way, I just came from drones as well! I was super into FPV for a while, and am now migrating to motorized bikes with the funds I will hopefully get from selling my drone stuff.
I started out with a super cheap 48cc kit, and did everything I could to make it faster. Got the top speed up from 25mph to 36mph. It was a lot of fun for about a year, but it got old after that, because I was running the thing on the edge of its capability for too long. After having about a dozen breakdowns, and rebuilding the thing once, I decided I needed something more reliable. I got a PK80 engine (clone/copy) with a one-piece cylinder and head, so I would never have to deal with a warped head or leaking head gasket again. I slapped all my performance parts on it, and a new high-torque exhaust, and my top speed is now 32mph, but the only time I have to pedal is up steep hills, and I've had zero engine problems. I may have lost 4mph, but I gained enormous reliability and driveability, and I think I'm actually getting almost the same mileage; about 40 miles on 3 liters of fuel. I highly recommend that exhaust to anyone who lives in a hilly area. I think it's called the "torquer." It's a full-length exhaust, with a cone-shaped expansion chamber.
Take a portable air pump with you with any bike
Yes I do think these are a hobby but also is a really good form of transportation and anybody who thinks these motors are garbage I found one in the dump that was run over by a big ass machine the bike was destroyed the motor still works that’s pretty good for a Chyna motor I live in Newfoundland add roughly around 6ro7 takes a gas like across this island wow what a road trip that would be we have great scenery and I know you can’t get to it in a car 🤙
I live downtown where it's just a tad too far for ME to walk around, yet driving is ridiculous, so a motorized bike would be PERFECT and you saying the hobby is so affordable to stay in, and being the hobby seeking person I have always been makes sense that I look into this.
Interesting video. it's too bad gas bikes aren't as good as e-bikes because they are so much cheaper. It would be interesting if someone could come into the gas bike space and make them as practical and easy to use as e-bikes. We would also have to change laws to allow gas bikes to be driven on the sidewalk and bike paths too.
Your not supposed to ride any bike on sidewalk just heads up. I do actually see these safer than ebikes because they are loud easier for ppl n cars to hear n see. Honestly ebikes and motorized bikes need to be regulated if they will be used on the streets for commutes, it's dangerous
In some cities you can ride a bike on a sidewalk if there isn't a dedicated bike lane, you just have to yield to pedestrians. But it is a very regional thing, so you should look at local laws with this.
It was SO fun to make mine. I learnt a lot and I can’t wait to mount a real motor and make a fully modded motorbike of my own
Thanks for the wealth of good useful info. I'm a noob. Later this year I want to really get into this hobby. And thanks for using good cameras and 60fps footage. I noticed a huge improvement over older videos in 30fps when you're going 20 MPH and faster speeds. 🤓
I’m epileptic with driving restrictions. Y’all have no idea how held backs person like myself is with no car and license for YOUR WHOLE LIFE. and no you don’t get rides from a family, and no friends aren’t there for ya. I walk an extreme amount of miles for a guy. This is why I got into the hobby
Ride on Builder! May your bike never rust, you motor never fuss, and every cop just pass you by!
@@LAHover dude I so needed that boost today. Lol my bike took a crap again. Time to get my hands dirty. Gotta make it to work tomorrow lol 😂 or I’m walking 🚶♂️
I have had a license since I was 16. Am 36 now and have lost my license due to medical reasons as well. Not being able to get around on your own is something I have taken for granted. Now I ride 40 miles round trip on my Nel Lusso with a BBR stage 4 performance kit engine. At first people laughed but I had to do what I had to do. Love my Nel Lusso and honestly done miss my truck. Except when it rains.
as someone who's borderline based on eyesight. I feel this in my bones.
these motors are the key to saving money on gas and the option to travel without car taxes registration insurance ect my china girl is my Wild Horsey !!!!!!!!!!gitty up Cruisers an rippers today we Ride!!!!!!!!!!over 3000 mileys and counting an these were bumpy rush filled 3000 mi
just bought a kit a couple days ago and it’s quite a bit of work but i just got it started today after the magneto coil that came with it was dead, bought a new one and now i’m getting a spark, i’ve learned so much about small engines in the past week, planning on getting a better chain tensioner and a better air intake, maybe even a custom exhaust
I’m literally in the same boat, I brought a used one wanting to try it out. But it was all in pieces so I spent the money waited about a month for parts to come in and even over payed for some parts but it brought a smile to me which I don’t rarely have. So I’ve got around 4 rides into it and I’ve had to replace everything twice so I’ve just stripped the motor and doing a complete build, ported the cylinder, matched the ports with the crank cases and brought every mod for these engines without spending big bucks. Hopefully it turns out well otherwise I’m gonna give it up and just go back to pedalling or even a sur Ron. Way faster and a lot less limitations
I have had mine for just under 5 months as my old one was dying fast and my god when I got it running and I took it for its first ride and man the power like it was only 2.8HP but it felt so fast. Now I have a carrier with a small net over top and I am planning to get new handlebars, a trailer and a bigger fuel tank and most definately a high compression head and a true expanson chamber as I use my bike every weekend to ride down to the tip to go picking and need more power to tow heavy loads ...
The experiences I have had are amazing and yes you do have to work on them all the time as my exaust studs always come out no matter what I do, no matter how much red loctite I put on it and also just recently I was riding along and my muffler snapped off and the ride went from 60db to 120db real quick...
Overall though, if you like mechanics and having fun on something you dont need a lisence for, I highly reccomend...
I had the exact thing happen 😅, was riding and an exhaust bolt came off, of course the kit has no spares so I just bought a new one with a real expansion chamber which hopefully should last and give it a bit more pep. keeping allen keys on me in the future though...
I just put together my first build. Somehow metal got in the motor. Waiting for my $9 replacement piston. So much work for 5 miles, but so much fun
Most people with a DUI say yes you should build one😂
I'm annoyed that these are illegal as fuck in the UK, cause its technically a motorcycle that has to be taxed and MOTd. I'm still sorely tempted by them lol
Challenge accepted! Just got a kit for myself and my wife got a Phatmoto. I had recently customized a Lifan kpm 200 and when I got done I worked on my old mopeds and now I'm going for the bikes. Great video
Going to be building these for homeless vets and donating them to the vet center.
@10:27 about being a "Challenge" & "cheap budget hardware on a journey it was never designed for" sums it all up for me. I built my first bike last year out of boredom during the "pandemic". As a result of bicycles being scarce last year I used the wrong type of frame. It was a very dangerous beast I'd built. Since finding your channel I disassembled that bike, sold it off and bought a cranbrook. I am building that up based on things I've seen here. Thank you.
I got into the motorized bike the same way you did, during the pandemic and to cure boredom. However, my bike turned out very differently. I decided on a 4 stroke because I didn't want to mix the oil with gas. I got a Cranbrook for $99, I got a Predator 212 for $99, and a torque converter for $99. I probably spent another 100 on other hardware. I tried to stuff the engine in the Cranbrook frame but it didn't fit. I didn't want to modify the frame, so I built a heavy duty rear mounted rack and put the engine on it. This thing is fast! However, the bad part is it is top and rear heavy. You just have to keep your weight forward and it rides just fine.
What do you mean with wrong frame, did it not fit or was the frame made out of the wrong material?
Great message my dude!
3600 reliable miles on my schwinn legacy stage 4.
Hasn’t left me stranded yet.
Of course I’m a skilled perfectionist mechanic
Who did everything in my power to achieve
Reliability.
It’s so much smoother without a chain tensioner.. find a way , it’s worth it.
Congrats on your solid build!
Side note, frames (like this one) that don't have adjustable drop outs almost always need a tensioner.
@@LAHover I had to fabricate the rear end , the engine mounts are Homemade,
welded into the frame . Cables ran through the frame. Temperature sensor, Everything is ported to the max, exhaust like a mirror .. intake dimpled like a golf ball .. squish band machined
More work than I’m even willing to type about at the moment.
I’ve also got a diamondback sorrento that’s
Almost up to that level.
Thank you for your videos
Built mine to ride to work everyday. Hard to argue with the fuel mileage
I've toured long distance on push bikes. Now 70 I thought to get a Phatmoto. This sober review has made me re-think the idea. It could be fun though; breaking down, meeting a lot of people who have wrenches...
I bought a rear mounted kit online. It's a 4-stroke GX35 clone. It was about a hundred dollars I suppose, maybe a little more. My son and I put it on a Bridgestone Mamachari. It's got a step through frame so it's easier for me to mount. I think was not bad at all to install, a few minor problems, nothing with these is catastrophic. But we completed the installation and I have driven it a few times, it's cool, I enjoy it, and here in the Philippines when I pass through residential neighborhoods I get plenty of hello's and smiles. Eventually I might try a 50cc engine. But the thing is I understood immediately that even though my bike is rugged and tough, it's still just a bike. And at 72 years old I appreciate the added boost it provides.
Yeah, they break easy if you buy the cheapest setups you can. If you actually buy a good branded engine kit they'll do you no wrong. I used to build these guys all the time for myself and others as long as they paid me. They were my main mode of transport for about 10 years. I ride them as far as 40 miles (next town over and back), even had trailers for grocery runs. Had a total of 3 personal bikes over that ten years. The Huffy Davidson was the first and lasted about a year and a half. this was before the hub adapters for the sprocket and the better tensioners, and the engine mounts, etc. So the bike got torn up fast learning the ropes on it. The next was the Schwindian built on a Schwinn cruiser that ran me a good five years or so till the bike frame started to bend really bad. Had a guy at work weld a center stand kickstand on the bike and it weakened the frame. The third was the Lucky Thirteen that ran forever, but sold it in 2020 because I wanted to try and do a trike so I could safely ride in winter.
The trike was a nightmare with the jackshaft because it was just so finicky and finally swapped over to electric. I've been thinking about doing another gas bike because the ebikes I have just don't have the range to go where the old ones took me.
To be honest I went through tires more often than I had breakdowns once i got a bike dialed in
LA hover got me into buying a motorised bike ✌️🏴