Is this manifold a disgrace?

GoldenMotor.com
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Dave Strome

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
17
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Maine
I picked up a cheap 26" mountain bike to install a kit on. It is one of the $100 el-cheapo bikes from a big box store. In the end, I'm glad I used an inexpensive bike for my first one, and this one really works great - except that it is a VERY tight fit and I had to extend the intake manifold quite a bit. Since I really don't have any skills to build something better, I cut the pipe and used some marine-grade fuel line to extend it. Everything is tight. Is there any reason why the intake should be metal? Will I see any problems later on? Is an intake this long limiting power? The bike runs great! I only have a few miles on it, just finished the build and started taking it out. Only so much riding you can do below 20 degrees on icy streets! :) Any feedback is appreciated! - Dave
 

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Clotho

Clotho

Member
May 25, 2008
304
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You say it runs great? Good! I think you answered your own question. I don't see any problems with it. I would however, keep an eye on the rubber nearest the motor. If heat from the motor degrades the rubber over time it could cause problems.

Welcome to the forum!
 
2door

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
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Littleton, Colorado
As long as the carburetor is level, doesn't vibrate too much and is secure you're probably good to go. Several other members have had decent luck with flexible material for an intake. Is the hose fuel grade? That is, is it made to carry gasoline? If not then I'd replace it with something that is but if it is fuel line it should provide you with reasonable service. If possible could you post a picture of the entire bike? Is it a 26" bike or a 24". It is odd and unusual that things fit that tight.
Tom
 
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Dave Strome

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
17
0
0
Maine
Ok! Just what I was hoping to hear! The carb is pretty level and secure, no problems there. It is a marine fuel line, so yes, made to carry fuel. As I said, the connections are tight with the clamps, but will take the advice to watch the motor side to see if it becomes a problem due to the heat.

Picture of the bike is attached. I couldn't find a better way to mount the motor. The pic is from before the bike was finished, but shows the size and placement of the motor.

This is an excellent site and fantastic online community! Hats off to all involved...

Thanks! - Dave
 

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Blakenstein

Blakenstein

Member
Sep 15, 2009
561
2
16
Alta. Canada.
manifold is more than one opening-those are ports-single opening-single cylinder is ports-multi cylinder is manifold- its just teminology anyway- glad to here your bike is working good-I'm gona be out of it for a while:):)
 
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RusticoRay

New Member
Oct 3, 2009
170
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6mi. from the Old North Bridge
Dave, no leaks it's all good. Yes honey I will put the lasagne in as soon as I find my 10mm wrench. Did you put it in the silverware drawer or the junk drawer? Nothing like a motoredbike to add to the kitchen ambiance, love it.
 
wes

wes

New Member
Aug 17, 2009
207
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Tucson Az
Good job dave and thats a nice build, if that intake gives you any problems some of the sponsors to this forum sell offset intake manifolds that are solid much like the original intake, Good luck and welcome to the forumn!!!
 
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Dave Strome

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
17
0
0
Maine
RusticoRay said:
Dave, no leaks it's all good. Yes honey I will put the lasagne in as soon as I find my 10mm wrench. Did you put it in the silverware drawer or the junk drawer? Nothing like a motoredbike to add to the kitchen ambiance, love it.
Click to expand...

Now THAT is funny! I showed this comment to my wife.. and yes, for anyone wondering, I built the whole bike in my kitchen! Not a lot of options for me this time of year!

Thanks for all the great input guys.. really appreciate it!

It really worked out well - the hose has a slight curve to it, which put the carb exactly where I wanted it.

Thanks again! Will post another picture of the finished bike. It's got a basket, a bell that rings, and things to make it look good. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, especially after hearing some positive feedback from you folks about my one concern.

Dave
 
Dan

Dan

Staff
May 25, 2008
12,765
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Moosylvania
Dave, just noticed your from Maine. Have get togethers starting in the early spring and a few informal ones yr round. They are a blast. I host one in CT (just a cook out and a group ride) But there were a couple in Mass last yr too. Be sure to check out the events section.
 
2door

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
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Littleton, Colorado
Dave,
Now that I see the bike I can understand your clearance problem but it prompts me to ask why you mounted the motor so high in the frame. If it were lower you wouldn't need the angled intake. I see maybe you have extended the front mount to facilitate the higher engine mounting. Could you mount it lower in the 'V'? Is it a 24" bike?
Tom
 
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Dave Strome

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
17
0
0
Maine
It is a 26" - just a really small frame. I tried moving the motor around as much as possible, but that's the best I could come up with. I really couldn't get it any lower. Maybe if I try again, I may be able to adjust it a bit.. but I don't think I'll be able to gain very much. I spent quite a bit of time experimenting with the placement. You're right though, if I revisit the front mount, I may be able to save an inch, but I don't think that will be enough for the carb to clear.
 
2door

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
Dave,
Looks like you're ready to join the ranks of the motorized crowd. Enjoy it, have fun and ride safe. We're always here if you need future help. Good job and congratulations.
Tom
 
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