Finally! Hello

It feels good to be on motorized wheels again. Back a few years ago, I bought a cheap Chinese motorcycle off a buddy. This feels similar, except it doesn't have gears.. yet!

The break in process is mostly done already, I've ran it a couple times around the driveway and gone on some slow, breezy rides to get it going and vary the revs some.

Biggest hiccup in the whole build? Having to put the rag joint on 3 times because I didn't pay attention to how I was tightening it. Watching instructional youtube videos and reading up on what to expect was immensely helpful.

I attached a pic, see you all around the forums.

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestion! Last week, I ended up taking the front fender off completely because it indeed almost failed and turned into a ski.

The motor is pretty much broken in now. I'm still using a richer mix on it because I can't yet afford a new motor if this one busts.

My only complaint is that the exhaust is ridiculously loud at full tilt. Other than that, the bike has had zero issues and is going to be sorted out extensively in the next month or so as I slowly replace the hardware and add a few more goodies.

Tom,

I am using the kit supplied muffler. Maybe it's my perception that it's loud or the fact I don't like to cruise around at 5 mph, but the shortie muffler is too loud for my neighborhood. I live right between two schools and the collective population is *older*.

The search function has been immensely helpful. Looking at pictures of other members setups gets me inspired to make something of my own. If I can find the correct diameter pipe, I think I'll make an extension. Performance isn't the primary goal for me for once, just quiet, reliable transportation.

Kioshk, I'm right by the Mid-Hudson bridge. Rode across both spans today, actually.. pedaled the one and cruised the other.

Tom, thanks for the tip on using electrical conduit! I would have never thought of that. Here I was, ready to rig some copper gas line to the end of the stock muffler and hang one of those small engine mufflers off the back of it all. Conduit is a little more workable with the right tools. Luckily, there is no shortage of earth to prevent crushing when I bend the pipe. Do you recommend a cold bend or would it be better to apply some heat?

KCvale, I also wondered about this. My last car had a straight through that was great around town being relatively quiet (compared to the straight pipe I put on it before..) and got nice and raspy when my right foot got heavy. Combined with the suggestion of using electrical conduit, I think something really cool can be made.

Also, it should be worth mentioning my seat failed today. It was rusty from when I bought the bike before adding the kit, but the added stress found its first victim! So a little time with a hacksaw put some key slots and a few paperclips have it feeling solid again.