Going to buy a motorized bike

first see if there is someone working on these in your area - it is always best to at least try building it yourself, but have help available if you get stuck

Help is always a good thing when starting out... we can help a lot from in here but there's just no substitute for good ol' 1 on 1 hands on help...
With a $450 budget you can build a pretty nice one tho... especially if you already got a donor bike, but if not, the beach cruisers are probably by far the easiest to add an engine to... a lot of people in here cut their teeth on huffy cranbrooks, they're cheap, strong, and easy to build on.

I second building one yourself. It's not to difficult and you will know every nut and bolt. Keep an eye on craigs list for a suitable(comfortable) used bike. $450.00 should be plenty if you start with a used bike from your area and go with a basic 2-stroke kit. Be aware cost can go up quick for more quality components i.e; balanced motor, cnc rear hub/sprocket, performance carb and exhaust, heavy duty wheels...etc...etc..etc.

To start though read through this forum. There is a ton of info and if you can think of it, it probably has been discussed here.

I like this one but I have not researched the seller or the motor.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/271920837603?nav=SEARCH
would consider it but if it were me I would still pull at least the top end off the motor and upgrade most of the hardware. We can help if you want to dive in that deep. I know it seems strange but if you go the Chinese 2 stroke route it's a really good idea to learn the motor well.
Probably the most reliable set up without spending money on a Honda motor is this http://www.gasbike.net/ghost-racer-4-stroke-kit.html. kit mounted on the Huffy Cranbrook that Dave recommend. That's by far your best bet, the weak point being the coaster brake on the Cranbrook. With some ingenuity you can add disc brakes but it involves some pretty technical drilling the front hub or changing wheels, a BMX type caliper will also work well enough and is inexpensive.
And do yourself a big favor and spend the money on one of these http://www.gasbike.net/44-tooth-cnc-sprocket-adapter-4104-prd1.html. the thing called a rag joint that comes with the kits to mount the rear sprocket is a stunningly horrible idea.
And lastly I try to support the vendors that support this site, this is a great place. That said customer service from gasbike where I buy a lot is less than great. The vendor thatsdax has a great reputation on here and will much more likely help you after the sale than a lot of others.
Oh and welcome!

Before buying any kit look up your local laws first for motorized bicycles/mopeds. Many places consider them to be the same thing. If there are legal issues ask around if the cops are going to harass you. Many places if you fully obey all traffic laws they don't bother you. Here is a good kit to consider and often falls within legal guidelines.

http://www.bicycle-engines.com/49cc-4G-T-Belt-Drive-Complete-Gas-Powered-Engine-Kit.html

There are a tone for sale in Boston on CL....
Out of all of them this guy seems the most knowledgeable....

http://capecod.craigslist.org/bik/5086354277.html

If you want a frame with the gas tank check out Kings, they are selling the GT2-A frame for $99--> http://www.kingsmotorbikes.com/skyhawk-gt2a-bike-frame.html

michaelagonza87 said:

Thanks but I am going with the Micargi Puma Stretch bike, matt black with neon orange rims! I will paint the gas cap neon orange and add some chrome.

I guess the whole shebang will run about $900

Click to expand...

Sweet! can't blame you for that.

$450.......$900........ Typical Townie budgeting. LOL
Welcome to the forum from a Brockton native who made the escape young.

Moving to the desert will be great. You may do better building this thing once you get down there, to avoid shipping as well as availability of parts/ help. Just a thought.

Whatever you do, let us know, and post lot's of pics.

Good luck!

Trey



EDIT: Just read your other post about having help with your build. Right on!

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