My third build

Well I guess it is not actually my third build since I have built bikes for other people, but this is the third bike I have built for myself. My first cruiser was an OP Roller and my second was a Cranny. Decided to do another Cranny this time since I enjoyed the last one.

The last one I built was over a year ago and there are a few things I can't seem to remember. The first dilemma I am having is trying to decide what rear sprocket I used on my last cranny build? Since I no longer have that bike I am unable to check. Seems like I may have used a 41 tooth, but it is possible that I used a 44. My new kit came with a 44 tooth, but I have a 41 tooth on the shelf I could try. I hate messing with those sprockets once I get them set...so hoping I make the right choice from the start. Thinking I will probably go with the 41, but if anyone thinks a guy my size (6'2" / 230lbs) would benefit more from the 44....let me hear your thoughts on the matter.

The kit I bought this time is supposed to be a 66cc Flying Horse. It is the black version and supposed to have more power and is also supposed to have the better bearings as well. Just looks like any other kit I have purchased in the past, but hopefully there claims of improvement are accurate. I did notice they quit using the white wire which is a plus and the engine castings seem to have improved as well. I did order a long pipe for it from BGF. Like the way how the long pipe puts the noise and fumes behind the rider, but I will probably run the stock muffler for awhile. I also intend to start this engine right off using opti-2 100:1. In the past I have broken them in on dino oil at 40:1, but not sure if there was ever any real benefit to doing that? May take a bit longer to get the rings seated using the synthetic, but just going to start out with the Opti-2 this time.

I will get some photos posted and maybe even some video of the maiden voyage here in the next day or so.

Thanks for the tips fellows. I did go ahead and mount the 41 tooth sprocket. Took it out to the street and she fired up fine running the Opti-2. I did add one ounce of Klotz (Castor) to the mix for my first gallon...just to get the bearings a nice coat of lubrication for the first tank full.
However she is a real dog running overly rich. I'll run it around rich for a bit, but think I will move the C clip up a notch here soon and then check my plug. Been really hot and humid last few days...so the engine would probably be happier leaned out a pinch.

I did take a few pics. Hope to take a bit of video in the next day or so.

A few other things I wanted to mention for anyone else looking to build a motorized cranny. This is my second cranny build and there are a few things I remembered to incorporate in this build that I had done on my previous build. I did end up replacing the stock fenders on my previous cranny build, but I did run the stock fenders for while before I made the upgrade. One thing I found that is a pretty good idea when using the stock fenders is to use JB weld around all the mounting tabs. It worked well on my last cranny to prevent stress cracking and I am hopeful it will do as well on this current build at least until I decide to upgrade the fenders.

One other safety item that I would suggest on the cranny is to make sure all the spokes are snug. Kinda like the china girl engines...the Huffy Cranbrooks are also a China product and loose parts are the norm. So it pays to check every nut and bolt in my opinion and blue loc-tight everything you can. In the three builds I have done..I believe it has served me well to check and then double check every nut, bearing, seal and bolt.

A photo of my previous cranny build to show where my current cranny build is heading. I have come to think that all my builds should have springer forks. They really help absorb some of those Illinois pot holes. So that will probably be an upgrade I try to incorporate into my current build quickly.

You are very observant Greg. You know...I didn't even notice the plug was straight up until you posted that. After I read your post it then dawned on me that that all the previous builds I have done have all had slanted plugs.
When you refer to stroke I assume you are referring to the stroke of the piston?

That's some good information Greg. I will have to investigate. I build up my own race engines for my racing go kart and pay great attention to whats inside. Sounds like I need to pay more attention to my little china girls as well and get a bit more familiar with the specs and inner workings. Didn't ever think there was a nickles difference between any of them, but it appears there is.

Well I finally got around to shooting a bit of video of me running my new bike. Running pretty good for having so few miles. A little gear noise, but I suspect it will quiet down some once I get some miles on it. Once she gets warmed up she don't do to bad. Not much vibraton at all...which is a good thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOZK9lEbMEo&feature=youtu.be

Well I have added a few new things to my cranny I thought I would share.

Added an "M" shaped bipod kickstand. Had to do a bit of modifying to get it to swing up a bit higher so as to prevent any dragging if laying the bike over in a fast and tight turn. After modifying the stop position to swing up higher, I am quite happy with it. Hope I don't have to do it very often, but the bipod will make it easier to change or repair a tire....especially out on the road.

I also added a nice low profile air filter to my little 66cc "Happy Time". Looks to be a huge improvement over the stock filter and the engine really seems to like it. There is a noticeable difference that can be felt when pulling a hill. Good quality fuel and air filters are money well spent in my opinion and should help extend the life of the engine. Definitely not going to hurt!

My next additions will be a new and more comfortable Avenir cruiser seat and springer front forks. If a guy wants to make a few 25 to 50 mile scenic cruises.....the bike has to be comfortable to ride. The new seat and springer should address this issue nicely.

2door said:

That 'Cranny' is looking fine.

We need to get some good videos, Ray. Really looking forward to our ride. See you in late July.

Tom

Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words for the Cranny. It is not a Nirve Switchblade like I want, but it should do well for awhile I hope.

I think I may have us covered in the video department. I have a real nice pair of video sunglasses that shoots video from between my eyes. I also have a generic GoPro with a handlebar mount that shoots some good video. And if that is not enough I can even stop to take some aerial video with one of my video equipped helicopters or my little drone that shoots HD video.

I am planning to document the trip with some good photos and video. Going to be a good time..so I want to make sure it is captured on film and photos for future enjoyment.

Here is a bit of aerial video from my quadcopter. Perhaps we can take a few minutes to get a few aerial shots of some motorized bikes cruising by. Just a little different perspective then what is normally seen in most youtube motorbicycle vids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkxuTJPMy70

Well now I can make the long ride without my arms getting pounded numb. Got my springer forks installed today. They really help smooth out the ride. Just waiting to get my new cruiser saddle installed and I should be riding Cadillac style then.lol

Got my Avenir Cruiser saddle installed and took a 20 mile round trip cruise. I would like to say it was like riding on clouds and that there was no butt ache, but it can still get a bit uncomfortable 10 miles in, but it is better then the stock seat. I think my buns just need to get a bit more conditioned for longer rides.

If I stop and take a stretch every 10 mile or so....I think I can manage the 50 mile round trip I am planning on at the end of the month.

I did notice that the new seat sits higher then the stock seat in its lowest position....so I cut off the upper down tube section and run a bolt thru to get myself as low as possible in the saddle. More comfortable the lower I get and handling also improves.

My next project is to see if I can finally get my long pipe installed. I tried mounting it a week or so ago, but the pipe was not cooperating. It was in the way of the pedals and is going to need quite a bit of tweaking and possibly rewelding the mounting flange in order to get it in closer to the frame and clear the pedals.

I have used this same pipe on my previous cranny build and it went on pretty good without much effort, but this one the bends seem to be off and the flange welded on in thee wrong position for optimal pedal clearance.