Yet, another newbie with questions

GoldenMotor.com

Early

New Member
Aug 6, 2008
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Afternoon/ morning to all,
I live in Charleston SC and for a hobby, I rebuild older enduro motorcycles, mostly early 70's Yamaha's and Suzuki's. My neighbor bought a complete bike off of Craigslist for $500 new. It was on a Schwinn frame and had a 50cc on it.
I could tell the motor came from China from a distance because of the castings. Anyway, the little motor seemed to do OK. So, always looking for a new motorized adventure i decided I might try it. I started reading this forum and discovered there are a lot of knowledgeable and willing to help folks on the board, very cool and well appreciated for someone starting out.
I have read over and over on which kit to buy and I see a lot of reviews on the actual dealer, response time and tech help which is very important but i don't see too much technical data on why this kit is better than the other. Like most, i see a large influx of motors from China. My dealings with this is it is very hit and miss with most of my projects, problems have been encountered. So, do any of the China kits shine? Specifically in the lubrication department and carburetor department.
Is it really worth an extra 2-300 for a better made motor? I am not a commuter, just a hobbyist.
 

Dave31

Active Member
Mar 1, 2008
11,199
47
38
Aztlán, Arizona
Welcome to the forum, glad you joined us :)

Kits that come from a dealer seem to better because you get a warranty and if you have any problems the dealer is most likely to give you any assistance you may need.(Some dealers are better then others)

The kits on Ebay that are cheaper you are stuck with what you got. Altough some dealers do sell on Ebay as well.

http://motorbicycling.com/f30/china-bicycle-motor-facts-1929.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f4/kit-best-1764.html

It seems that all these chinese motors come with the same carb.

http://motorbicycling.com/f30/chinese-bicycle-motor-jet-size-1662.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f13/stock-carb-mod-1494.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f13/high-performance-dellorto-carb-found-2314.html
:ride2:
 

jasonh

New Member
Jun 23, 2008
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Longmont, CO
Most of the kits are the same basic kits from China.

It seems like some dealers get kits from different factories, which will produce different quality.

One dealer with a high-quality reputation motor is Chris Hill. he actually works on the motors himself before selling them I guess. A little more spendy than the rest. CH80 Bicycle Engine Kits by Chris Hill, Motorized Bicycles, Bike Engine, Bike Motor, Bicycle Motor kit I don't have any first hand experience with him though.

Other than that, I think it probably comes more to service than anything with the China motors.

I know Easy Rider is using a Morini (i thinK) motor. Something like 6hp on a 50cc motor. Might be something to look into if you've got the cash.

Welcome to the forum.
 

Early

New Member
Aug 6, 2008
2
0
0
Chris Hill does seem to have it together, i wonder where he gets all the upgraded bearings, cables and studs?