Safety of the 212cc motorbike kits?

JohnDoe2887 · 07-12-2016, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

The only reason to build one of these is for the fun of it. You dont really save any money. Ive got well over $2000 into my 200cc bike. Its fun but I would have been better off with a china bike.

Yeah I have also however thought about ditching the kit all together and picking my own parts, parts that I couldn't just put on a hawk....

Merlin · 07-12-2016, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2887

Yeah I have also however thought about ditching the kit all together and picking my own parts, parts that I couldn't just put on a hawk....

Ya I dont do kits. I design all my bikes my self. If your thinking about fabing one of these start thinking about jack shafts and gear ratios.

JohnDoe2887 · 07-12-2016, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

Ya I dont do kits. I design all my bikes my self. If your thinking about fabing one of these start thinking about jack shafts and gear ratios.

Okay good to know what gear ratios do you use? Also how far do you think a 18 HP will go? I wouldn't think that it would be to far from the hawk with a engine like that I think that is also has a tranny.... Water cooled :P I don't know how hard it would be to add a radiator.... Or any of the other goods that would come with water cooling....

http://www.pccmotor.com/4st25zoohcwa.html

Mudflap · 07-12-2016, 02:46 PM

Years ago I build 5 of the 80cc (actually 66cc) engine kit bikes. They worked OK but I don't consider them safe. Bicycles are not made to go that fast. Three of my friends crashed, one seriously injured. Switched to reviving old Honda Cub type bikes, mostly Trail 90s, with new Lifan engines. Much safer.

Merlin · 07-12-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2887

Okay good to know what gear ratios do you use? Also how far do you think a 18 HP will go? I wouldn't think that it would be to far from the hawk with a engine like that I think that is also has a tranny.... Water cooled :P I don't know how hard it would be to add a radiator.... Or any of the other goods that would come with water cooling....

http://www.pccmotor.com/4st25zoohcwa.html

Put that engine on a bike and you could do over 100 mph. I wouldn't recommend it. ( the speed not the engine

). The gear ratio is dependent what you want to do with it. I gear mine with 50 mph cruse speed and lots of low end. I would have to check it out to find the ratio I chose. I will look for the link for the gear ratio program I use. It works great. If you can weld or braze you will have no problem adding a radiator. Start with a strong frame and strong wheels and you will be fine.

JohnDoe2887 · 07-12-2016, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

Put that engine on a bike and you could do over 100 mph. I wouldn't recommend it. ( the speed not the engine

). The gear ratio is dependent what you want to do with it. I gear mine with 50 mph cruse speed and lots of low end. I would have to check it out to find the ratio I chose. I will look for the link for the gear ratio program I use. It works great. If you can weld or braze you will have no problem adding a radiator. Start with a strong frame and strong wheels and you will be fine.

What is the best frame to start with? I want something like a mountain bike frame (or a soft tail beach cruiser would be okay.) to start with what is a cost effective brand for this purpose or will someone just sell me a frame? Also about the speed, would a upgraded tires rims and bearings make it safer or is the light whight it's self the issue?

Merlin · 07-12-2016, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2887

What is the best frame to start with? I want something like a mountain bike frame (or a soft tail beach cruiser would be okay.) to start with what is a cost effective brand for this purpose or will someone just sell me a frame? Also about the speed, would a upgraded tires rims and bearings make it safer or is the light whight it's self the issue?

I use firmstrong frames. For the 212cc use the Chief frame it will give you plenty of room for the engine and a nice long wheel base making it more stable at speed.. I know people that have used this frame and the 212cc for racing. Got to over 100 mph with it. Of course for those speeds ya need speed rated wheels and tires. Yes upgraded wheels make it safer. Thick spokes and double wall rims. Some guys use moped wheels to get speed rated. You can not power a 212cc bike from the spokes. It will tear them clean out. You need to use a jack shaft. And you have to drive the rear wheel with a sprocket. If you dont know how its done let me know and Ill fill you in. (hint think disk brake hub)

JohnDoe2887 · 07-13-2016, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

I use firmstrong frames. For the 212cc use the Chief frame it will give you plenty of room for the engine and a nice long wheel base making it more stable at speed.. I know people that have used this frame and the 212cc for racing. Got to over 100 mph with it. Of course for those speeds ya need speed rated wheels and tires. Yes upgraded wheels make it safer. Thick spokes and double wall rims. Some guys use moped wheels to get speed rated. You can not power a 212cc bike from the spokes. It will tear them clean out. You need to use a jack shaft. And you have to drive the rear wheel with a sprocket. If you dont know how its done let me know and Ill fill you in. (hint think disk brake hub)

Thanks I got it all figured out, or at least for tonight I do....

07-12-2016, 02:46 PM	#4
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,872	Years ago I build 5 of the 80cc (actually 66cc) engine kit bikes. They worked OK but I don't consider them safe. Bicycles are not made to go that fast. Three of my friends crashed, one seriously injured. Switched to reviving old Honda Cub type bikes, mostly Trail 90s, with new Lifan engines. Much safer.
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