Old Man With New Interest

SmokiesJohn · Jan 31, 2010

Greetings for the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Let me introduce myself: I have been a bike/motorcycle/motor scooter rider most of my life - I will be 84 this April. Most recently I have owned and ridden a Burgman 400 - a 650 prior to that. Because of health reasons - I just felt uncomfortable riding the scooter because of a slight stroke over a year ago and sold the 400. And do I ever miss it!

Now I am looking at the possibility of getting a motorized bicycle. I owned a Whizzer in the late 40's and loved it. Getting a kit and putting it together would not be a problem because I have a fairly complete set of tools.

Since I am new to this forum, I look forward to your ideas, information, knowledge and suggestions.

Elmo · Jan 31, 2010

Have you thought of a motorized three wheeled bicycle? There are several on this forum. Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of very knowledgeable builders here and I am sure some of them will chip in with some good ideas.

SmokiesJohn · Jan 31, 2010

Thanks, Elmo - My health is good - balance is good - but I will look into the 3 wheel idea.
I am wondering what is the most popular 60 cc engine & bike,. I realize that the answer is probably subjective - but I would like to know the experience of some owners who have had their engines for some time.

Thanks for you advice.

Blakenstein · Jan 31, 2010

High Smokie,Welcome to the forum-lots of fun here- my motor loves the winter-just got back from a 5 mile ride-middle of a snow storm-missed a light pole by 1/2"

Ive got the rack mount chain drive from Island Hopper-American Chain Drive .
Ive got the 35cc and 48cc 2 strrokes and I use the 35 for the winter. It just eats winter right up.

That 35cc has proven itself to be one tough little motor. These kits are a lot more expensive than those cheap china girl engines but they sure are worth it.

Elmo · Jan 31, 2010

I am relatively new to this motor bike thing. I built a friction drive from a homelite weedeater motor. If your finances allow I think the Honda or HS engine are more reliable than the Chinese 2 strokes. That is my opinion and as we know opinions are like noses, everyone has one. Do a lot of reading on this board and form one of your own. Personally the only three wheelers I like are the tadpole configuration and they are mostly recumbents and low visibility. That said I am building one from scratch using Greenspeed plans and will put an engine on it when it is finished.
I meant no disrespect when I recommended a three wheel. My Grandfather was riding a bicycle when he was in his 80's.

Pablo · Jan 31, 2010

I think everyone's first in frame should be a Chinese 2 stroke kit. It's part of the ritual!

Get the bugger hooked up and running well and go from there. Tons of experience here, should be a breeze for you.

WELCOME!! .flg.

silverbear · Jan 31, 2010

I agree with Pablo. A two stroke China Girl on an older cruiser... maybe one like you had as a kid. I'm just a young guy at 65, but have some paralysis problems in my lower legs so use step through (girl's) bikes for my rides. I like the old Schwinns and Elgins myself. This is a lot of fun. Pull start and automatic China girls are available, too. Ask anything and take your time as spring is still a good ways off.
SB

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