my first real motorcycle engine

lifanboy · 08-24-2024, 06:40 PM

hi all,
being from the Netherlands means i had a youth full of classic mopeds. Never knew those Kreidlers, Zundapps and Honda's would get so expensive, I rode a Puch 50, then a Tomos 50, and i learned about souping them up. This grew into me becoming the local 'garage' for people with Puch and Tomos oldtimers. I've had tons of those, with the BT50S and NTX being my favorite, the last one was perfect for crossing the metro and tram lines in Amsterdam. I also owned a Puch M50 Jet that was the fastest thing I had so far, with a 6 speed engine.
After moving to the US, I got a 1959 Puch MS50 first ($300), then I had to get a bunch of parts from the Netherlands, which added another $300 (incl shipping).
I'd found an engine of a Puch Cross 60 on eBay, which I bought (in the Netherlands these so called 'R-engines' are kind of legend) but unfortunately, seller had lied about it being turn key. I had to get the gearbox welded, replace sprockets, and the crankshaft. So, another $350 in total spent.
Next I found a 1968 Honda CT90 Trail, and tried to get that engine running, but to no avail (later i discovered the importance of Compression with these engines). I cleaned the oil filter that was clogged (sprocket metal), and put in a new kickstart spring. And a new ignition coil and cable and spark plug. It still wouldn't move.
So finally, after talking with Honda riders, I got me a 125cc Lifan engine. Made the parts to connect it to the frame. Now working on the lights, I want to register this bike as a daily rider.
I hope to find information about the engine in this forum.

Okay, now you know more about who I am, ready to ride!

bigdano711 · 08-24-2024, 06:43 PM

Welcome to the forum. Check out Minibike Mike. He's doing pretty much what you are and can help. He has a YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MiniBikeMike

Mudflap · 08-25-2024, 06:36 AM

I too have a 68 Trail 90 with a Lifan engine, 140cc. Excellent little bike, much better than the original Honda engine. I went with a battery less electrical system.

08-24-2024, 06:40 PM	#1
lifanboy Join Date: Aug 2024 Posts: 1	my first real motorcycle engine hi all, being from the Netherlands means i had a youth full of classic mopeds. Never knew those Kreidlers, Zundapps and Honda's would get so expensive, I rode a Puch 50, then a Tomos 50, and i learned about souping them up. This grew into me becoming the local 'garage' for people with Puch and Tomos oldtimers. I've had tons of those, with the BT50S and NTX being my favorite, the last one was perfect for crossing the metro and tram lines in Amsterdam. I also owned a Puch M50 Jet that was the fastest thing I had so far, with a 6 speed engine. After moving to the US, I got a 1959 Puch MS50 first ($300), then I had to get a bunch of parts from the Netherlands, which added another $300 (incl shipping). I'd found an engine of a Puch Cross 60 on eBay, which I bought (in the Netherlands these so called 'R-engines' are kind of legend) but unfortunately, seller had lied about it being turn key. I had to get the gearbox welded, replace sprockets, and the crankshaft. So, another $350 in total spent. Next I found a 1968 Honda CT90 Trail, and tried to get that engine running, but to no avail (later i discovered the importance of Compression with these engines). I cleaned the oil filter that was clogged (sprocket metal), and put in a new kickstart spring. And a new ignition coil and cable and spark plug. It still wouldn't move. So finally, after talking with Honda riders, I got me a 125cc Lifan engine. Made the parts to connect it to the frame. Now working on the lights, I want to register this bike as a daily rider. I hope to find information about the engine in this forum. Okay, now you know more about who I am, ready to ride!
	3

08-24-2024, 06:43 PM	#2
bigdano711 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Big Piney, WY Posts: 617	Welcome to the forum. Check out Minibike Mike. He's doing pretty much what you are and can help. He has a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MiniBikeMike __________________ 2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
	1

08-25-2024, 06:36 AM	#3
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,929	I too have a 68 Trail 90 with a Lifan engine, 140cc. Excellent little bike, much better than the original Honda engine. I went with a battery less electrical system.
	0