Help with choosing motor

4runneradam · Jan 28, 2013

I've always wanted to build a motorized bike, on the cheap.

Just wondering which motor to use. I'd like to find a vintage looking bike and mount it in the frame.

First off, I have a Toro snowblower with a Tecumseh AH600 motor. Specs are 3.5hp and 98cc. In the snowblower, its got a v-belt pulley.

Second choice, is a 1960 something homelite super xl automatic chainsaw motor, 58cc, 3.3hp @ 7800rpm, 10,500rpm max. Centrifugal clutch. Magnesium die cast construction. 32:1 mix.

What would be a better choice?

The tecumseh motor would look cooler, just not sure how to get a clutch and chain setup on it.

chainsaw already has a clutch, and ive seen someone on here grind the teeth off to fit a standard chain.

Now can I just run the chain right off the chainsaw onto like a 10 speed bike?

bigbutterbean · Jan 28, 2013

If the tecumseh motor has a 5/8 keyed shaft, there are several transmissions that will fit. In order to know what gear ratio you want to run, you'll need to know how many rpms it makes. The more rpms, the more reduction you'll need to get a good balance between speed and hill climbing.

4runneradam · Jan 28, 2013

Can you tell me where these transmissions are available and how much?

WightBoy · Jan 28, 2013

You can talk to the guys at EZ Motorbike. The Qmatic trans they have might mount to that. I would also talk to the guys at Affordable Go Karts and see if they might have one that would work.

4runneradam · Jan 29, 2013

Would a pocket bike cvt bolt up?

4runneradam · Jan 29, 2013

Add another motor to the mix. Forgot I had it. Too many damn projects

Its a tecumseh H35 3.5hp 156cc 4 stroke. Bigger is better, right? 4 stroke would be quiter and more efficient?

mat_man · Jan 29, 2013

The Tecumseh H35 looks like has 3/4" shaft. This $120 comet clutch should bolt right up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GO-KART-TOR.../330820522049?pt=Go_Karts&hash=item4d06709041

Being a flat head it should have great low end grunt.

The Tecumseh AH600 are getting hard to find. You might get $200 for one in good shape.

Sidewinder Jerry · Jan 30, 2013

Are you building for off road or racing purposes? If you intend to ride on the public roadways then check your local laws. Sounds like you've got nice things in mind for your bike. It would be a shame to get it impounded.

dracothered · Jan 30, 2013

I went with an AH600 for my build and you can check it out on the link below under the Wasp link. I think that either the AH600 or the H35 would be the better of the 3 to choose from. If your H35 has a carb on it that has idle mix valves I would use it for which ever of the two Tecumseh engines you use. Hope this helps you some.

4runneradam · Jan 30, 2013

This will be used for general use around the neighborhood and campground, as well as my 2 mile drive to work sometimes.

I was thinking the H35 might be a better choice due to it being a quieter 4 stroke and larger displacement.

The AH600 might be worth $200? Hmm...might have to clean it up and sell it

dracothered · Jan 30, 2013

4runneradam said:
This will be used for general use around the neighborhood and campground, as well as my 2 mile drive to work sometimes.

I was thinking the H35 might be a better choice due to it being a quieter 4 stroke and larger displacement.

The AH600 might be worth $200? Hmm...might have to clean it up and sell it

Hate to tell you the AH600 is no where near the value of $200. You can find them all over the place for dirt cheap either in or out of the snow blowers that the are used in allot. A month ago I could have bought a fourth one that was in a working snow blower for $50.

mat_man · Jan 31, 2013

Dracothered, you are a lucky man to live up north. We don't have any snow blowers
in the south.

Here is "Tecumseh AH600" list on ebay (priced from high to low)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Tecumseh+AH600&_sop=16

dracothered · Jan 31, 2013

mat_man said:
Dracothered, you are a lucky man to live up north. We don't have any snow blowers
in the south.

Here is "Tecumseh AH600" list on ebay (priced from high to low)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Tecumseh+AH600&_sop=16

Ok someone is asking allot for a NOS (New Old Stock) AH600. It will be interesting to see if they get what they are asking for it.

curtisfox · Jan 31, 2013

I agree with Dorcothered thats way to high for that motor. Although i have seen them as low as $5 in swap meets. I don't have any right now but in the summer garage sales and swap meets will bring them in. Check out cregs list up in this area and you might find them...............Curt

mat_man · Jan 31, 2013

Some of these motors on Ebay could be expensive boat anchors.
You guys should consider fixing/cleaning them up. Make a MB for
a testbed. Make a video. Sell them to warm weather guys that can't
find them on Craigslist.

Striped down, these motors are the most powerful package that
could possibly pass as a 49cc IMHO.

curtisfox · Jan 31, 2013

Go back to page 1 you can see Dracothered's engine that he bought from me. Work in progress.Its turning out to be a awesome motorbike.

I keep a eye out every time i go to swapmeet and sales. I would like to get everyone that goes to the recycling center but they won't let anyone snoop,used to be able to..............Curt

RicksRides · Jan 31, 2013

mat_man said:
Some of these motors on Ebay could be expensive boat anchors.
You guys should consider fixing/cleaning them up. Make a MB for
a testbed. Make a video. Sell them to warm weather guys that can't
find them on Craigslist.

Striped down, these motors are the most powerful package that
could possibly pass as a 49cc IMHO.

I have used alot of the ah 600's they have always passed for 49 cc, heck you strip a jacobsen down and theyll pass too. any of you guys down in Dixie that want a good running one let me know, ill ship one out to you.

dracothered · Jan 31, 2013

RicksRides said:
I have used alot of the ah 600's they have always passed for 49 cc, heck you strip a jacobsen down and theyll pass too. any of you guys down in Dixie that want a good running one let me know, ill ship one out to you.

Have you ever shaved the fins off of the flywheel on one of the AH600's?

RicksRides · Feb 1, 2013

dracothered said:
Have you ever shaved the fins off of the flywheel on one of the AH600's?

Draco, yes i have. they do well as long as you dont sit @ idle for too long. keep air moving across it. running it a little rich will cause it to run a little cooler as well

4runneradam · Feb 1, 2013

Sounds like the AH600 will be the best choice. The H35 might be too large and look funny, and Johnny Law would never pass it as 49cc, where as the AH600 he probably would.

I'll save the H35 for a mini go cart for my 5yo daughter

Also thinking about either a Huffy Cranbrook build or the 29' chrome gx7 genesis bike from walmart

Help with choosing motor

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