I am planing on building a 4 stroke motorized bicycle sometime mid 2015. I want to use a 2015 Schwinn coffee but I am open to recommended bikes for a build. I do kinda have my heart set on the Schwinn coffee and it looks like it could be a good engine fit without being to tall for me. I am pretty short (5 feet 7 inches) so I don't want a bike that's exceedingly, uncomfortably tall like most motorized bikes seem to be. and from what I've noticed it looks like they wouldn't need that big of a frame size. just seems like more extra unneeded space and frame height. I've ridden on a motorized bike that was to tall for me and it wasn't a very comfortable ride especially during stops and red lights. What 4 stroke bike motors are legal in California and what are reliable brands? I'm looking for something in the 50cc range. (the most common size anyway) So any experts on motorized bicycle building would be appreciated.
Starting a build in a few months, need advice.
- Thread starter bikejock
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@bikejock I'm making my motor bike form a 20 inch 17-year old steel frame mountain bike and this (seemingly fits anything) rack is what I'm using: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121172665353
It has adjustments galore!
It has adjustments galore!
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jhammondcpa
Active Member
You made me reconsider a rack! That's good looking and versatile!
Jimmy
Jimmy
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KCvale
In memory of KCvale 1959 - 2019
I like the rack with collapsible baskets, you can fold them in when not being used so you don't have to throw your leg around it.
So I'm going to order the Grubbee Skyhawk 4G 4 stroke motor kit in about 3 to 4 months. Does anyone know of any reputable sellers from witch to buy that kit from? I was thinking of pistonbikes.com because they seem to sell it for a little less than phantombikes.com. I'm on a pretty tight budget for this build now. I can probably go as high as $350 for the 4 stroke motor kit. Phantombikes sells their kit for a little over $400 which is a little to much for my budget. I also want to get a fully built bike for around $200 to $400. what are some inexpensive bikes that can fit a 5 foot 7 inch adult male and a 4 stroke motor? I'm looking for a cruiser bike with mounting holes for a rear rack and speeds. If it doesn't have speeds I can live with it. I ask these questions because its hard to find a good fitting bike for both someone of my height and the 4 stroke motor on the internet.
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jhammondcpa
Active Member
You might want to check this site for parts http://custommotoredbicycles.com/. I have ordered several items from Lynn and have always been pleased with phone support and followup from her. I know John King at Phantom Bikes has been really been helpful to me from buying to followup! If you read many posts you will see a lot of frustration regarding some of the vendors. Don't let price push you into a bad decision!
I might chance a firmstrong urban 7 speed cruiser bike or micargi pantera 7 speed cruiser bike on amazon.com and bet the motor kit from another source as they don't seem to sell the grubee skyhawk 4 stroke kit I want. Amazon.com has been reliable in my experience though I never bought a bike from them. Those two bikes both have speeds and seem to be big enough to accommodate a 4 stroke engine. I might have to cut the seat post socket an inch lower so I can move the seat post down short enough and looks like I'll need to drill holes for the rear cargo rack.
KCvale
In memory of KCvale 1959 - 2019
There are multiple 4G variations, all use the HS 142 short shaft engine with the clutch attached.
The clutch is on a bearing built into case itself, the other units like the 7G use the HS 142 long shaft with no clutch, the clutch is with the 7G and rides on the shaft on a bushing.
The 4G's are considerably more expensive because of the better clutch.
I like the 20T/80T freewheel model, it is not as tall as the 20T/100T drives but the 80T freewheels and it has a 9T output sprocket.
Don't discount the 7G however if money is tight, gasbike has the 4-stroke 7G kit for $200.
http://www.gasbike.net/ghost-racer-4-stroke-kit.html
The Pantera is a bit tight but it takes both kits.
Are you going direct drive or a shifter?
Here are few direct drives I've built.
http://kcsbikes.com/KCsBuilds.asp?motor=4-stroke&Drive=No
And here are a few shifters.
http://kcsbikes.com/KCsBuilds.asp?motor=4-stroke&Drive=Yes
I'll take a look at gasbikes. I have to get the direct drive. Legaly the engine can't have gears and it must have an automatic transmission (California laws)
If I got that $200 7G from gasbike.net, could I swap the clutch easily for the 4G clutch? I'd have to do it that way if I want the better clutch because I'm on a $500 budget. most of that money is going towards tools for the build and a bike that will work for the 4 stroke. I have some experience with 2 stroke kits but no experience with 4 stroke kits.
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