Sick Bike Parts Shifter Kit

GoldenMotor.com

Big.Dude.666

New Member
Jul 17, 2009
39
0
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CA
I was thinking about purchasing the Sick Bike Parts Shifter Kit. Any one using this? Can someone post a review?

Thanks
David xct2
 

BarelyAWake

New Member
Jul 21, 2009
7,194
21
0
Maine
Well, TBH I haven't had one myself yet, but that's mostly due to my bike's frame. It's all over the forum though and everyone gives it rave reviews.

The only problems I've heard is when people try it with a used, prolly beat 3speed rear hub and obv that wouldn't be the shift kit's fault lol Also - that ya should prolly go with the HD kit as it comes with a better/rebuildable freewheel *shrug*

Most say it's the best thing they ever did to their bike other than the engine itself lol
 

jonyoon21

New Member
Oct 27, 2009
10
0
0
USA
One word.... Awesome...

I've had one on my bike for about 2 weeks now and it makes riding a whole lot more fun. I ride to school everyday rain or shine and shift through my gears like no tomorrow. It's nice to be able to change to lower gears since I live in a hilly area but the main route to school is nice and flat so I like the higher gears for that. I can cruise at 25 with at low rpms if I choose to, I haven't really opened up the throttle on the bike so much.

There are only minor problems with my setup. The first being that I forgot to locktite the sprokets on the jackshaft thing and they kept slipping and dragging the two chains together. The other problem is the position of my trigger shifter since it's a bit inconvenient to reach at higher speeds (Sometimes I'm afraid to take my hands off the handlebars to shift - not the fault of the shift kit though) The only other thing is that it makes starting the bike a bit different. Instead of starting the bike by just getting it in motion, you'll have to quickly release the clutch and pedal hard through the start process while giving it some gas. This isn't so bad once you get used to it (it'll start pretty easily in the first gear) and once the engine is warmed up it starts with just a single kick.

Other than that I think it's a great addition to the motorized bike market. That and a nice expansion chamber.
 

Junster

New Member
Jun 2, 2009
445
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0
Washington St.
I use a shifter kit too. Because you use the bikes normal right side drive chain if you aren't pedaling the bike freewheels forward so popping the clutch does nothing. Right now you don't realize how much the bikes momentum is helping you start the bike. With a shift kit you start out in first gear with the clutch pulled. Get going then stop pedaling let the clutch out and back pedal till the right pedal is a little forward of straight up. Stand up on the pedals then kick start the motor with the right pedal like a motorcycle while the bikes still rolling. It takes a little practice to do but not alot. The benefits of being able to change gears far outweighs relearning how to start the bike. It's harder to explain than it is to do.
 
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Pablo

Master Bike Builder & Forum Sponsor
Dec 28, 2007
3,696
33
48
Duvall, WA PNW
www.sickbikeparts.com
Junster did an excellent job of describing the starting process. From our manual:

Starting your engine
The first thing you will notice when trying to start your engine is that it is different than it was
before. You can no longer just get the bike moving and release the clutch. You now have to
pedal to start the engine. This will seem strange at first but it won’t take you long before you
figure out a good technique for starting your engine. Here is our suggested method. Pedal
your bike with the clutch in to get it moving at a decent pace in 1st gear, prop the crank for
your preferred leg up at about 45 degrees, release the clutch, get out of the saddle and put
your weight on the pedal of that crank, as the engine starts to turn keep pedaling through.
Once the engine starts to turn over it is pretty easy to continue pedaling. Do not jump on your
pedals to start your engine. This puts excessive force on the freewheel and may cause it to
fail.
Installation Manual pdf link

As for the SBP Shifter Kit, searching the forum should give you plenty of info as well.
 

Big.Dude.666

New Member
Jul 17, 2009
39
0
0
CA
I use a shifter kit too. Because you use the bikes normal right side drive chain if you aren't pedaling the bike freewheels forward so popping the clutch does nothing. Right now you don't realize how much the bikes momentum is helping you start the bike. With a shift kit you start out in first gear with the clutch pulled. Get going then stop pedaling let the clutch out and back pedal till the right pedal is a little forward of straight up. Stand up on the pedals then kick start the motor with the right pedal like a motorcycle while the bikes still rolling. It takes a little practice to do but not alot. The benefits of being able to change gears far outweighs relearning how to start the bike. It's harder to explain than it is to do.
cool thanks for the help....when i get the kit i will need to order a pull start....bad knee had surgery 6 months ago...so pedal start would not be a good idea for me
 

twowheeledfox

New Member
Oct 21, 2009
105
0
0
Houston TX
I'm creating a commuter moped/motorbike build- can anyone (Pablo maybe?) tell me how I can pay for the shifter kit? Is it possible to pay in a way that doesn't involve giving information (paypal, credit card etc) over the internet?
 

Big.Dude.666

New Member
Jul 17, 2009
39
0
0
CA
Dose anyone know of good pull starts? I have herd if u buy a junk one they break really quick.
 
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silverbear

The Boy Who Never Grew Up
Jul 9, 2009
8,325
670
113
northeastern Minnesota
Dose anyone know of good pull starts? I have herd if u buy a junk they break really quick.
I have two pull starts from BGF. One is a manual clutch and the other centrifugal. They are both good motors and no problems so far. Some say thaqt Rick does not give great service, but my own experience with him has been fine so far... four motors and all good runners. The little trouble I had he took care of right away. If I get burned I'll switch vendors and pay more. Right now money is an issue.
SB