Why no Honda Horizonatal motorbikes?

GoldenMotor.com
Aug 17, 2011
313
8
18
Springfield IL.
Why don't we see more motorized bicycles that utilize a Honda Horizontal engine (Z50, XR50, CRF50, XL70, XR70, CL70, CT70,) etc.

These engines and their clones range in size from 49cc up to 150cc , are affordable, plentiful, and often have a built in 2, 3 or 4 speed transmission.

Just wonder why the 4 stroke bicycle builders don't choose this engine more often?

Is it simply the pedals interfere with the engine?

Your thoughts please!
 

Dave31

Active Member
Mar 1, 2008
11,199
47
38
Aztlán, Arizona
I believe because with the transmission it makes your Motorized Bicycle illegal in most states requiring it to be registered as a motorcycle or moped.
 

scotto-

Custom 4-Stroke Bike Builder
Jun 3, 2010
6,505
24
38
Ridin' inSane Diego, CA.
Why don't we see more motorized bicycles that utilize a Honda Horizontal engine (Z50, XR50, CRF50, XL70, XR70, CL70, CT70,) etc.

These engines and their clones range in size from 49cc up to 150cc , are affordable, plentiful, and often have a built in 2, 3 or 4 speed transmission.

Just wonder why the 4 stroke bicycle builders don't choose this engine more often?

Is it simply the pedals interfere with the engine?

Your thoughts please!
That would be just too darn easy using those engines ;)
 
Aug 17, 2011
313
8
18
Springfield IL.
I strongly agree about looking like a ugly box (on its side)!
But they do have a history of being bullet-proof.
Plus its difficuly to tell a 49cc, from a 70cc, or 150cc for that matter.
Parts are abundant.
And the 2,3, 4, and 5 speed transmissions (manual and auto) are a plus, if not illegal.
They seen well suited for a stretch cruiser that has enough room in the frame to utilize this platform.
Im surprised we don't see more of them. ??
 

FFV8

New Member
Oct 29, 2013
551
16
0
Spring Valley NV
They are around. Easy enough to build one:



That one has a 50cc 3 speed auto clutch. It does 40 mph

We built one with the 125cc single speed auto clutch - it is actually faster with no shifting.

Electric start, power for lights. The single speed auto is California legal.

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