Motorized bike, anyone have one?

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>best buy is a 250cc honda/yamaha v-twin 5-speed light weight low seat height motorcycle&nbsp;....</strong></span><br><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>can find low miles used and much more versatile than a scooter ....</strong></span><br><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>of course my opinion ....</strong></span><br><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>blkjak ....</strong></span>

 

[cb1504]

Here's the one I have my eye on, it's&nbsp;battery operated and can go solar.&nbsp; But I know someone will steal it.<br><img class="fullScreen bbc_img" style="width: 417px; height: 340px; margin-top: 10px; margin-left: 143px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91UQNlbbyEL._SL1500_.jpg" rel="lightbox"><br><br><br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Currie-Techno...G62E33TNS&amp;coliid=I10ZIH3YDBSFQJ&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Currie-Techno...G62E33TNS&amp;coliid=I10ZIH3YDBSFQJ&amp;psc=1</a><br><br><br>

 

[Moby T]

I have a 1974 Honda CT70 that is mounted to the front of my van. &nbsp;100mpg. 150lbs.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg" class="bbc_img"><img rel="lightbox" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg" class="bbc_img"><img rel="lightbox" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg" class="bbc_img">https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg<img rel="lightbox" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217206_1754138261873_1911277_n.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[offroad]

that looks like the moped got stuck in the grill when you hit it.&nbsp;

 

[AltTransBikes]

Haven't been around this forum lately so getting here late with a reply.<br><br>I build MABs, motor assisted bicycles, and have been doing so since 2006. They can be and are a great alternative means of getting around, IE: Alt Trans. IMO, they are especially be well suited to the RV/Van lifestyle. There are a couple things I'd say though from my experience that I would recommend right off the top. <br><br>1st) If you intend to stay with it at all and put real miles on, avoid the cheap Chinese 2 stroke kits, they are noisy, smoky and notoriously unreliable IE need a couple three to keep one running. That ends up being false economy, been there done that.<br><br>2nd) check out and know the laws in your state/s you'll be riding in. I cannot emphasize that enough. It's important for the future viability of MABs to use commonsense about the laws. A majority of states have moped/MAB regs on the books that state something like: 50cc and under, 2 HP and under, 25/30 top speed, automatic clutch. (note: AZ top speed is 20 mph, I mention that because a lot of RV/van folks gravitate there) In many jurisdictions no insurance, reg or inspections are required though usually a drivers license is.&nbsp; <br><br>I've built and had many MABs of all types from the China kits initially to chain, belt and friction drive. I've come to like friction drive the best, with quality Japanese made 35cc Robin Subaru or Honda 4 stroke engines: clean, quiet, <strong>very reliable</strong>, and legal in almost all jurisdictions. These little industrial duty engines weigh only around 8 lbs. (minus drive assembly) and get 150 to 175 mpg. The key to using them is gear ratio, they can be geared for top speed or pulling loads and/or hills. They are a little more money up front but will last thousands of miles and many years. I have some with over 10,000 miles on them. <br><br>I've long been involved with bikes and did quite a bit of bicycle touring, crossed the US twice, and a did a fair amount of local road touring and mountain biking as well. Having entered the geezer stage in life, the hills have gotten steeper than I remember them being, lol. I've found a solution that works for me. <br><br>To level out the hills some, I added an assist, 35cc 4 stroke made by Subaru, industrial duty motor, smooth, quiet and highly reliable. I don't use the assist all the time just when I need it. The system freewheels when not in use, adds approx just 14 lbs with fuel and averages somewhere around 175+ mpg. Frankly, at my age, my time on the bike would diminish greatly without it. <br><br>This type of set-up I know will always be a part of any travel adventures in my future. Most of my bikes w/assist weigh in under 50 lbs, can easy be lifted and carried on a sturdy bike rack, offers both exercise and utility to cover extensive ground and be IMO a great complement to a nomad type lifestyle. This ends up IMO being far better than a moped or scooter, much lighter and able to effectively pedal it if and when you need to. Also, the small ICE (int comb eng) is a better solution IMO than existing electric options as I've built a number of eBikes (but that's another discussion).<br><br>My eventual ideal is rather than have a van and a base camp somewhere, have a van <em>AS</em> base camp parked centrally at a marina or RV yard and radiate touring/camping trips out from there on my MAB with single wheel bicycle touring trailer.<br>&nbsp;<br>Some of the recent bikes I've built:<br>http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEqdvfQ<br><br><br><br><br>

 

[cb1504]

AltTransBikes,<br><br>You had to go there with the 35cc SUBARU engine, as if my mad love for all things Subaru wasn't fueled enough.&nbsp; <br><br>I'll just let you know in advance, my Subie&nbsp;guy hates it when I run across guys like you.&nbsp; All of a sudden he has to work.<br><br>See you around the forums.<br><br>cb

 

[AltTransBikes]

Hi cb<br><br>Yep, Subie makes reliable products. The Robin engines have a 3 year warranty, the only small engine manufacturer to do so. Comparing that with the China kits is crazy, which are 30 days if you're lucky.

 

[cb1504]

<p>I'm leaning too far toward electric.&nbsp; But those are nice and tempting.&nbsp; Can you rig up electric start to them?<br><br>I like some of the bikes on your blog.&nbsp; That Motobecane was a nice find.&nbsp; <br><br>If I have to lift a bike over my head for storage daily, which I do, I&nbsp;prefer lightweight.<br><br>cb</p>

 

[AltTransBikes]

cb<br><br>The Robin Subaru engines are pull start but are cleverly engineered with a compression release built in so no electric start is really necessary. They start on one pull every time.<br><br>As to electric power assist: IMO they certainly have their place depending on the needs the user has. I have owned them and for me their best attribute is quiet. On the other side of the coin are the <br>cost/range and weight issues. If a user has need for limited range, say under 15 miles between finding an outlet, they can be very good. More than that and the cost (and weight) can go up dramatically. There are a number of variables at play with this: battery chemistry (SLA $ vs LiOn $$ vs LiFePo $$$), power requirements and the amount of pedaling one cares to do. I touch upon a little of this in a blurb on the blog here: <br><br>http://alttransbikes.blogspot.com/2012/08/so-why-not-electricyet.html<br><br>Generally though one can expect an eBike to be quite a bit heavier than a well thought out ICE powered bike.

 

[cb1504]

Well,&nbsp; I'm going to have to find a Subaru powered bike&nbsp;to try out&nbsp;before I make a decision.<br><br>I had no idea there was such a thing and I had my little heart set on the Currie.<br><br>I feel like I should have the little Subie engine around just for general purposes.&nbsp; I know it will be reliable in whatever I use it for.<br><br>Thanks for all the good info,<br><br>cb

 

[bee]

I had a beat up puch when I was a kid. &nbsp;It was an automatic 2 speed, 50cc 2 stroke with pedals. &nbsp;It could easily do 30mph and didn't have retarded small tires like scooters.<br><br>I am probably pointing out the obvious here but if you go with a 4 stroke the engine has to be about twice the size vs a 2 stroke for equal power. &nbsp;If you are trying to stay within the 50cc limit I would stay away from 4 strokes unless you want to get run over by a car.<br><br>My puch looked kinda like this &nbsp;<a href="http://www.oddjobmotors.com/puch.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.oddjobmotors.com/puch.htm</a>

 

[AltTransBikes]

Hi bee<br><br>The Puch 'peds were legendary for their durability and there are many fans who are still using them on the road today. <br><br>The 2 stroke vs 4 stroke equation in small engines has gone through many changes over the years. For example, as a youngster I raced 2 stroke motocross, they were top of the heap. Since then though, the 4 stroke motocross bikes have come to completely dominate. 2 strokes do have simplicity as a virtue with fewer moving parts but they are noisier, can be smoky and you usually have to premix oil/gas on the smaller engines. Generally speaking for <em>small engines</em>, 2 strokes rev higher and are known for more zip at the top end but less low end torque. 4 strokes are known for low end torque and having more grunt pulling loads or climbing. Top speed for each though has a lot to do with how the bike is geared.<br><br>The modern micro 4 strokes I use, Robin Subaru or Honda, weigh around 8 lbs and have equal or better performance characteristics of any 2 stroke engine in the same displacement class. I have used both and have come to prefer the 4 because of noise and not mixing oil. Still, it's an old debate among gearheads <img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> with many fans of each type.<br>That is also the case among the choices of scooters, mopeds and motorized bikes. Each has their pluses and minuses and each has their devotees. There is no one right answer of course, each has their merits and to each their own. <br>My personal preference has come to be a MAB, motor assisted bicycle: start with a decent pedal bike and add a well engineered drive assembly, proper lighting and safety equipment. Done well, they are lightweight, usually around or under 50 lbs, safe, very reliable and a whole lot of fun. Plus, you can always pedal them just as a bicycle for exercise or if you should ever run out of gas ;-)<br><br><br><br> <br><br>

 

[RAILROADGREEN]

wow,&nbsp; i want one, just don't know&nbsp;what kind? .i think that for rv'er that boondock alot it would be great to get around with. so heres my question, what kind of a motorbike would be best for me?&nbsp;( ie)&nbsp;a 60 year old man thats hasn't rode a bike of any kind&nbsp;in 40 years!!. i would want one big enough to ride on the highways and in the drit an rockey roads, but small enough so i could pick up, to put on&nbsp;a bumper rack or in back of a truck.&nbsp;fellow traveler gary&nbsp;

 

[Terry]

I don't think many people would want a motor assisted bicycle on the highways. Get a small motorcycle if you want hwy speeds like 40 and better. the little Honda 250's seem to be popular and Honda's have a reputation for reliability when used and cared for responsibly. Although, I'm pretty sure they are inline twins and not "v" twins. Another thing with the small 4 stroke engines for a motorized bicycle. Harbor freight has a 79cc&nbsp; for around 100 bucks and when you get a three year replacement warranty with it (extended warranty costs extra) you can have a cheap way to make a motorized bicycle. Friction drive is easier to put together but, if you want off road tires, you should go with chain drive and get the chain hub that bolts to the inside of the wheel, not the spokes.<br>&nbsp;

 

[RAILROADGREEN]

thanks terry, i should of made myself more clear, i think a small dirtbike would be better for me,just don't what kind, i need it&nbsp;small enough to pickup an put on a bumper mount or rack. are throw in the back of a pickup? i guess maybe 125 cc range , what would a bike like that&nbsp;weigh? thanks again gary

 

[Moby T]

Gary, my Honda CT70 weighs 150lbs. &nbsp;That's the lightest I could find. &nbsp;250 lbs or so for a Yamaha TTR 225. &nbsp;The Honda is just about the limit of what I want to lift up into the rack. &nbsp;A Honda CT90 is a good pick also.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Personally, I don't see any real reason to go any faster than 20-30 MPH, especially in the woods, and a motorized bicycle would be a lot easier to haul around (50 lbs vs 150+) and maintain (cheaper and more readily available parts). I also have the option of pedaling the bike for exercise or if the engine breaks down. That's why I'm going the motorized bicycle route. ..Willy.

 

[AltTransBikes]

Hi Terry<br>I agree completely that if one wants to ride at speeds above 30mph, a scooter or small motorcycle is a better choice. Most of the states that have a defined moped/motorized bicycle law have regs that say under 30mph is the legal limit. As I mentioned upthread, I can't emphasize that enough. It's good for the sport and hopefully will keep these things from being legislated out of existence. I do not condone turning MABs, motor assisted bicycles, into fake motorcycles. Where I live the regs are under 50cc, under 2HP and under 25mph with a top attainable speed of 30mph. I can live with that given all the advantages that a MAB has to offer in terms of no insurance, no inspection, no motorcycle endorsement. I can ride anywhere except interstates, high speed state highways and bicycle paths. Not a problem, I just pick my routes. Also, one reason I have come to really like friction drive is in a couple seconds time I can kill the engine, raise the drive assembly and it becomes nothing more than a common bicycle able to go anywhere a regular bicycle can.<br><br>Also, for that reason I don't recommend or use the harbor freight engines at 79cc. Besides, for me they are too heavy and wide. At 25+ lbs, the HF engine is 3 times as heavy as the Subaru engines I use on the bikes I build. I think that's too heavy for a common bicycle frame. Also, their width at 12 to 13 inches plus the gear reduction hardware needed means you have to bend or have bent the pedal cranks to clear the engine and end up having to pedal kinda bow-legged.

 

[AltTransBikes]

Willy<br>Couldn't agree more, we think the same on that.

 

[RAILROADGREEN]

thanks guys, just got back from the&nbsp;motorcycle dealer for honda an yamaha, push some bike around the show room floor. and about the only one i can handle an sit on without tip toeing, was the yamaha xt250 the is the smallest duelsport bike they make.!! at least that what the saleman&nbsp;said. like i said its been forty years since i rode a motorcycle. so i'm going to have learn how to ride a motorcycle and go to school. so i can get a motorcycle license here in california. not cheap looking at around $6,000 to get started&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5,100 for the bike and about 400.00&nbsp;riding gear and aonther 350.00 for carry rack that fit in you 2" reciever hich. wow !!! this cheap rv living not to chaap!!. thanks again for the put, but the way gas prices are this maybe my dayly driver!!!. an i want something that is both street legal and i can get dirty an big enough to get out of way of other drivers while on the streets. fellow traveler gary&nbsp;&nbsp; p.s i will youtube the bike and see what this duelsport riding&nbsp;is all about&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;