Counterbalanced engines

[dpl096]

I'm trying to make a decision between the Hawk and Bashan bikes which naturally brings with it, among other things, the question of counterbalanced vs non CB engines. More parts vs fewer .... also how to easily visually identify the difference between the two - is it the "lobe" on the left side of the motor at the 10 o'clock position? ? ?

So please folks .... offer up your opinions and advice. I can use any and all info !!

Thanx

[SpudRider]

Compare the front of the engines in the two photographs below. The CSC TT250 has the counter balanced engine.

[Mudflap]

Recently I replaced the counterbalanced 163FML-2M (200cc) in my Lifan GY5 with a new 163FML non counterbalanced Lifan 200. It vibrates just slightly more and is perfectly acceptable. Other manufacturers engines could be different, and the 230cc engines could be different. Whether an engine is counterbalanced or not would not be near the top of my wish list when shopping for a bike.

The counterbalanced CG engines are nearly identical to the non counterbalanced type but use a chain driven oil pump. Chains eventually wear out which mine did after about 50,000 miles. The non counterbalanced engines have a gear driven oil pump, same as the original Honda CG engines.

[dpl096]

Thanx for the pix Spud - - now I see it! I was looking at the left side

[SeerAtlas]

I too am very curious as to the actual "seat of the pants" diff between the Hawk's non balanced engine, and the tt250 w the zong balanced motor, enough so that i've bought one of each. in a matter of weeks i should have some actual hands on differences (and similarities to report when my tt250 gets here.. If you need a bike now,can't wait, and are not in california or the few other states that will not let you plate a hawk, i can recommend that bike w/o reservation, I'll let the bashan guys give their own recommendations.

as to the question of engine vibration, our hawks (we have 2) do not exhibit objectionable vibration and are in fact susprisingly less buzzy than my klrs,and my "Yamahoppy" XT600 (named by a girlfriend actress who did shows like Gunsmoke,The Rifleman etc.- Still got the bike, still see the girlfriend lol.)

[2LZ]

I'm looking forward to the counter balanced motor to compare also...but I think the bigger question lately, if I was choosing between the two bikes is which one can I register in my state! The Storm comes with all the smog stuff and apparently has the right MSO. Has anyone had any DMV issues with a Storm?

[dpl096]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

I'm looking forward to the counter balanced motor to compare also...but I think the bigger question lately, if I was choosing between the two bikes is which one can I register in my state! The Storm comes with all the smog stuff and apparently has the right MSO. Has anyone had any DMV issues with a Storm?

Barlow lives roughly 8 miles away from me and he sailed through the DMV in Mattoon Hellinois . . But others on this site up in the Northern part of the state had no trouble with the Hawks - - Personally I think the State is so broke that if you are willing to pay the exorbitant title/registration/sales tax fees they'll OK a motorized soapbox bike.
Here's another quirk from good ol Hellinois ... These local meth freaks and potato heads are running around on their little motorized bicycles with no titles no registration and no insurance. So when one of these welfare recipients runs the damn thing into the side of your vehicle and does $1000 damage in the blink of an eye you're SOL ..... 5 more years until my wife retires and then I'll be the the roadrunner and this armpit of America will be a bad memory!

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by dpl096

Barlow lives roughly 8 miles away from me and he sailed through the DMV in Mattoon Hellinois . . But others on this site up in the Northern part of the state had no trouble with the Hawks - - Personally I think the State is so broke that if you are willing to pay the exorbitant title/registration/sales tax fees they'll OK a motorized soapbox bike.
Here's another quirk from good ol Hellinois ... These local meth freaks and potato heads are running around on their little motorized bicycles with no titles no registration and no insurance. So when one of these welfare recipients runs the damn thing into the side of your vehicle and does $1000 damage in the blink of an eye you're SOL ..... 5 more years until my wife retires and then I'll be the the roadrunner and this armpit of America will be a bad memory!

Thank you dpl... for that inspiring post

[BlackBike]

Here is my Bashan left side pic that is to my understanding a counterbalanced design Lifan 229cc motor. Sure runs mighty smooth as far as I can tell. Bashan Has more street able tires then the hawk so that may cause more buzzyness. Hard to be objective with only one unit. Seer atlas will be the ultimate source for the answer to this question after he checks it out.I love the Hawks design (apparently so do alot others) and don't want to be a fanboy.
If I manage to put 50k miles on this bike I think I will respectfully retire it to the junkheap, counterbalanced or not.

[dpl096]

Thanks Blackbike !! Lifan engine have been around for a while ....parts should be readily available I would think !!

[Mag00]

I picked the Storm for many reasons. Gas tank size is larger, not as tall seat height, inverted forks, and the counter balanced engine. I had mine up to 65mph, no buzz or vibes.

[dpl096]

Originally Posted by Mag00

I picked the Storm for many reasons. Gas tank size is larger, not as tall seat height, and the counter balanced engine. I had mine up to 65mph, no buzz or vibes.

Thank you Mag.... Any mods ?

[Mag00]

Pro Taper bars, new footpegs is about all. I have another set of wheels I may install to get the 18/21 combo, stock is 17/19, which makes the Hawk better for getting off road tires. The stock tires do rather well off road and on.

Biggest issue now is standing position for tougher uphill climbs. The footpegs need to be moved back some so I am not eating the bars so much. Then again, I have 2 Honda 250's that need fixing, for those trails. The older one will most likely get the Apollo non counter balanced engine to get it going.

edit, also changed out the rear sprocket to a 45t I believe. Headlight is weak on the Bashan.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by Mag00

I picked the Storm for many reasons. Gas tank size is larger, not as tall seat height, inverted forks, and the counter balanced engine. I had mine up to 65mph, no buzz or vibes.

Really like these bikes! I do way more asphalt and twisties than dirt and this setup is nice. I wonder if that front rim would bolt right onto a TT250? Same forks....