First build advise wanted

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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
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Florida
Hello,

I want a motorized bike for a couple reasons. Cheap transportation, fun, curiosity.

I looked for one already build, but its a better idea to build my own.

I want to go cheap. I see no sence building this with a $400 bike and a $300 engine. That defeats the purpose.

I want to use a single speed cruiser bike and a cheap 2 stroke engine.

I will buy the engine off ebay for around $130. I will keep it stock then when it breaks I will rebuild it with good bearings and port the bottom and top end.

As for the bike to use I am unsure. I am thinking huffy cranbrook or schwin del mar or even the genisis onyx 29 inch.

For the $40 bucks the schwin looks better. But I like the idea of 29 nch onyx and its looks.

What are peoples thoughts?
 
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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
27
0
0
Florida
Also none of those bikes have brakes besides the coaster brakes. I want at least front brakes. What are people doing to put brakes on these things?
 
wheelbender6

wheelbender6

Well-Known Member
Sep 4, 2008
4,059
221
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TX
If the goal is to build a budget bike, a China girl motor (like yours) and a Huffy Cranbrook will get it done.You can buy a front BMX front caliper brake from a local shop or on line without blowing the budget. If you can find a pre-2001 steel beach cruiser in good shape, it will be more durable for the long run.
 
maniac57

maniac57

Old, Fat, and still faster than you
Oct 8, 2011
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memphis Tn
The Onex 29'er rides nice and looks great, but it is harder to install a motor on the aluminum frame. I'd stick with something steel if unsure of your building abilities.
 
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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
27
0
0
Florida
So when you say I can get a front brake caliper, do you mean like pads against the rim? Or like for a disk brake. I assume you mean pads against the rim. How do they mount to the frame? Will I need to drill and tap into the head stem or weld or what?

Why is it harder to instal a motor on an aluminum frame?

I build engines all the time, 2 and 4 stroke. But I'm limited on tools where I am now.
 
maniac57

maniac57

Old, Fat, and still faster than you
Oct 8, 2011
4,484
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Can't weld aluminum as easily.
The ONEX has large upper and lower tubes requiring different mounts for the front motor mount and for the gas tank.(Stock stuff will not fit.)
I used muffler clamps and built a custom front motor mount and tank mounts.(can buy from several vendors, search big tube motor mounts)
I also had to grind a little on the rear mount to allow it to fit tightly on the seatpost tube.
Needs handlebars swapped or customized since the stock throttle and clutch will not fit the larger diameter bars on the ONEX.(I swapped with a LaJolla cruiser I had laying around.)
The stock ragjoint sprocket mount can be a hassle to install on the 29'er rim. (mine did fit but took a lot of tweaking to get right) New builders have more trouble with the rear sprocket than almost any other part of these kits.
Thats why it is not as good as a cranbrook for a new builder.
It is a great motorized bike, but takes a little more work to get rolling.
The Cranbrook does not require as much custom work to ride.
As far as brakes, the ONEX will accept center mount brake calipers like these with no drilling.

Disc brakes are also possible with some mods, (again, harder than a steel frame to fit)
I cut the V-brake mount off an old frame to upgrade The Pig. Harder to do with aluminum frames...
 
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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
27
0
0
Florida
Hmm.... good info! thank you.

I really like the onex bike. Just not I have to decide if I want to put the effort into it, to make it work.
 
d_gizzle

d_gizzle

Active Member
May 29, 2012
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ARDMORE,OK
I'd go with the delmar(and did,check my photo album) but mainly because its steel.





I do like all that green tho....
 
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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
27
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0
Florida
I went to walmart to look at some bikes. The del mar rode bad. It really looked cheap, the wheels were already bent. The genesis rode alot better. But the bike is really large.

I'm still undecided, but I think I am sure I do not want a cheap $129 bike. I think its better to pay maybe 100 more for something better. But I'm not sure what to get still.
 
d_gizzle

d_gizzle

Active Member
May 29, 2012
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I changed out everything except the frame and seat. That's why I said check my album. Didn't ever ride the stock bike. Still wouldn't have used an aluminum frame.
 
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andrewinfl

New Member
Mar 22, 2013
27
0
0
Florida
I don't really want to have to research and find all these other parts. It would be great to find a bike that would work good as is. Yeah, the frame looks solid, just everything else does not.
 
Moto

Moto

Member
Jan 7, 2012
403
15
18
San Francisco, CA.
Ok im kind of going against the kinds of bikes you've said you wanted but...

A 90's steel MTB is the most reliable and easiest build by far. You can buy one for like $150 on Craigslist and they come w/ good brakes, nice parts, and the're strong! Look for non wally world brands, good brands are trek, specialized, schwinn, etc. (stay away from huffy / magna etc.)

The tubing is usually the perfect size for a china motor as well!

-MOTO .wee.
 
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