Latest Build-Kulana Moon Dog

Butch K · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 05:58 AM

This is my latest build. I ran into a few problems during assembly. Had to put a washer behind the motor sprocket to get it to line up with the rear sprocket. Plastic throttle housing broke before it was even tightened and the center hole of the pressure plate was quite a bit off center and was rubbing. I sent defective parts back to the motor kit supplier and am waiting for replacements. I had no issues with the bike itself other than having to true both wheels.

**Ilikeabikea** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 07:32 AM

Hey Butch, those just make great looking motorized bicycles. Looks like you did a great job. Nice bike....................

KipBurbank · #3 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 08:40 PM

I went looking for a good donor bike. I left the Kuluna on the shelf, looked at some Schwinns (not the top quality bikes like in the 60's) and I came back to the Kuluna. I thought the build was easy with no modification except for a washer on the left side rear wheel to push out the frame about 1/4 inch to clear the chain better. Since then, my friend and I have bought 4 of these Kulunas specifically for the light frame, solid feel, white walls, excellent stopping power, stiff fenders. Assembled they look great and the ride is Smoooooth. For $99 at Wal-Mart, these are the deal of the century.

**fairracing31** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 08:43 PM

That is one sweet looking ride

tecker · #5 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 10:00 PM

thats one of the bikes I was lookin at was it just me or did you feel like the handle bars were to close or knees hittting them

Gronkster · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 10:34 PM

Built mine on the same bike and experienced the same with the engine and throttle. Had the chain rub on the tire so I reversed the sprocket with the cup counter out and got the clearence.

**nogoodnic** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 10:35 PM

Good looking bike Butch. I notice you are running the fenders on your bike, you want to make sure to reinforce your mounting brackets with L brackets. Bad things tend to happen with the vibration of these things and cheap fenders...Kelly

MarkTur · #8 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 10:42 AM

I have a Blue Kulana - looks like maybe an older model (although I just purchased it 2 months ago). I thought the handlebars were too close as well (this is my first cruiser bike), and I just ordered the lay-back seat post from Spooky to let me move the seat back a few inches. For now, I just have the seat taller and that fixed the knee problem...

Sure wish this bike came with some suspension...I also bought the springer forks from Spooky, the 2-sided kickstand, and the bearing chain tensioner and upgraded clutch handle from Dax.

I never changed out forks, so should be fun for me. Anything I need to know about?

Thanks,
Mark

Gronkster · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 09:18 PM

All the things you mentioned I'm experiencing with my moon dog. Another problem that I have is the seat post lock doesn't seem to hold the seat especially on the big bumps. I'm planing on building another one from a number of used bikes that will be my keeper.

tecker · #10 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 11:33 PM

just bought my moon dog from wally world I used to work with the guy and he said that bikes are getting ready to go up in price and where did you get your kit from ..i would like to have a black engine and tank to go with the orange I think it would stand out and look better I was going to go with bo go fast waiting on money to get to paypal later tecker