It seems like a lot of people are going for 49cc engines. I myself got a 66cc engine because I wanted more power and the price really wasn't much different. Is there some reason why more people go for the 49cc? The only explanation I can think of is legal issues(in my state by law you can't go above 49cc on a motorized bike), but all you have to do is lie that it's 49cc and nobody is ever going to verify it.
What makes people choose the 49cc over the 66cc?
- Thread starter Mozenrath
- Start date
Alot of it in my case would be because of the legalities of the engine. Most laws state that in order for you to not be classified as a moped you have to meet these requirements:
50cc or below
2hp or less
less then 29 mph
That keeps us in the grey area of not needing a drivers license, Not needing to go through the expensive process of legalizing our bikes and keeps tickets to ZERO. If you were to get caught in most municipalities with more then I just stated, that could get you into the 2500 $ range of fines and tickets including driving without insurance. but thats just me and where I am .. It may be different elsewhere.
50cc or below
2hp or less
less then 29 mph
That keeps us in the grey area of not needing a drivers license, Not needing to go through the expensive process of legalizing our bikes and keeps tickets to ZERO. If you were to get caught in most municipalities with more then I just stated, that could get you into the 2500 $ range of fines and tickets including driving without insurance. but thats just me and where I am .. It may be different elsewhere.
Yeah, where I live in California, you need a license even if you have 50cc or below. Plus I just can't imagine the state sending out a mechanic to actually measure the cc of the engine.
Depends on where you live. Here in PA its what I stated and no they wont send out a tech to measure wether or not I punched out my cylinder and mad mods to my two cycle to bring it up to 3 hp but they will tell you to take it to a inspection station and there they measure the capacity of what you have.
Sorry dude but Cali sucks with all the BS. Its like NY with the red tape and where I am originally from.
many places you can get away with just new decals on your 2.5 hp lifan engine from Home Depot and the cops will only inquire as to how you did it but Cali is a different beast altogether.
But thats why many opt for 50cc and below.... Just to stay in that nitch where you dont need anything but your money, your imagination and you willingness to make it better.
Sorry dude but Cali sucks with all the BS. Its like NY with the red tape and where I am originally from.
many places you can get away with just new decals on your 2.5 hp lifan engine from Home Depot and the cops will only inquire as to how you did it but Cali is a different beast altogether.
But thats why many opt for 50cc and below.... Just to stay in that nitch where you dont need anything but your money, your imagination and you willingness to make it better.
There are many people who aren't comfortable having a 66cc engine when the law says "50cc or less".
The 49cc engines also rev way smoother than the 66's & are usually just as fast on the flats! It's when you start going uphill that the difference becomes very clear!!
The 49cc engines also rev way smoother than the 66's & are usually just as fast on the flats! It's when you start going uphill that the difference becomes very clear!!
Rubs his thighs.. You aint Kidding.. I run a 26cc on my bike.. 24 mph on flat, 19 on slight incline and uggh Id rather walk up the 6 steep hills around me at 40 degree angles.
BUT.. if i get get stopped.. they cant even debate that I'm way within the law.(( and my motor was free).
BUT.. if i get get stopped.. they cant even debate that I'm way within the law.(( and my motor was free).
I run all 66cc. I bought them thinking that a 49cc at full throttle (figured at 20mph) wouldn't last as long as a 66cc at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. See here in Alabama the FREE of the Motorized Bikers, we don't have to have...Drivers license (which I do), Insurance, title, registration, inspection, or tag. We do have to wear a helmet, which if not required I would. "Sweet HOME Alabama" yea!!!!!!!
There is no displacement regulation or limit for motorized bicycles in California.
There is only a maximum limit of 2 horsepower.
Don't believe me?
Read it for your self: VC406a.
V C Section 406 Motorized Bicycle
You could have a 1200cc, twin turbo charged with nitrous motorized bicycle as long as it produces no more than 2 gross brake horsepower.
There is only a maximum limit of 2 horsepower.
Don't believe me?
Read it for your self: VC406a.
V C Section 406 Motorized Bicycle
You could have a 1200cc, twin turbo charged with nitrous motorized bicycle as long as it produces no more than 2 gross brake horsepower.
Wow, I guess you're right! I thought I read somewhere about the difference between MBs/mopeds/motorcycles being measured just by the CCs, but obviously that page lists what qualifies as a motorized bicycle. In fact, I should print out that page and keep it with me. Thanks!
I only have experience with one 49cc HT as opposed to a number of 68cc engines. I was surprised that the 49cc was as powerful as it is. It starts easier and runs smoothly. If I did not have hills to contend with or was a smaller person I think 49cc is fine. For a young person or a lady it might be a better choice than the 68. Especially matched up with a shift kit it could be a sweet setup. It depends on where you ride, how fast you want to go, how big you are.
SB
SB
There's no replacement for displacement
The only reason I can think of why anybody would own a 49cc is for: legal purposes, smother ride, if your a chick, or were $10 dollars short when the order was placed. Performance is not the same, no matter what.
The only reason I can think of why anybody would own a 49cc is for: legal purposes, smother ride, if your a chick, or were $10 dollars short when the order was placed. Performance is not the same, no matter what.
i also read on the CA DMV website theres a paper you fill out to get registration and plates and at the beginning it asks you 4 questions if you answer NO to any of them it says your bicycle is not considered a motorized bike and you may not register it, so i couldnt get registered, i think they were like does it exceed30mph, have an automatic transmission, pedalled by human, and produce 2 HP
i have got pulled over and the officer seemed like he just wanted to check out my ride lol, he was asking me more questions about how i did it then is it legal, but he was cool about it and jsut told me to ride safe.
i have got pulled over and the officer seemed like he just wanted to check out my ride lol, he was asking me more questions about how i did it then is it legal, but he was cool about it and jsut told me to ride safe.
As stated above, it's usually for legal puposes but that doesn't apply to this state.
Yeah, Cali ain't that bad, as some people seem to think. You can ride year round here and the autorities don't really seem to give a rat's a$$ what yer runnin fer an engine.....seriously. Every bike I build (as far as you know) is only 2hp and I always wear a helmet and usually obey traffic laws.
Life is good, enjoy the ride!
Yeah, Cali ain't that bad, as some people seem to think. You can ride year round here and the autorities don't really seem to give a rat's a$$ what yer runnin fer an engine.....seriously. Every bike I build (as far as you know) is only 2hp and I always wear a helmet and usually obey traffic laws.
Life is good, enjoy the ride!
yes, do you think thatll get me off the hook? i mean half the cops around here probably dont even know the laws on MB because nobody really rides them around my area, i do carrry a paper off the dmv that says they dont need insurance a license or registration, even tho other parts of the dmv website say otherwise but i keep that as backup
The M1 or M2 endorsement will show on your license. If you show the cop your license it won't be there. If you tell the cop you don't have a license, your outta luck again.
Go to DMV and get a motorcycle learner permit.
Go to DMV and get a motorcycle learner permit.
Am I reading 406 correctly?
Seems like an 'automatic transmission' is one of the qualifying factors, also.
So an in n' out HT clutch doesn't fall under the regs?
...I don't even have a need to do 30mph...
rc
Seems like an 'automatic transmission' is one of the qualifying factors, also.
So an in n' out HT clutch doesn't fall under the regs?
...I don't even have a need to do 30mph...
rc
