First Build Thread - BTR Inspired Cruiser

GasX · #1 10-28-2011, 09:55 PM

Finally getting around to starting my build thread. It's my first foray into motorized bicycles and I am jumpin in with two feet. I bought a junker Schwinn Legacy 26" Cruiser off a Craig's List add and have gone on from there.

Link to Flickr album

I'll be posting pics directly once I get to thirty posts and will yammer on about the trials and tribulations along the way.

**Dave31** · #2 10-31-2011, 12:10 AM

Keep us updated GasX....

darkhawk22 · #3 10-31-2011, 05:41 AM

Great looks like you are going with a 4-stroke so it will be nice to see how it comes along.

GasX · #4 11-02-2011, 08:29 AM

I started off by dismantling everything and getting the little bits cleaned up. Yesterday I realized I had to partially put it back together to figure out where everything was going to go prior to paint, so I put a minute amount of grease on all the bearings and assembled a rolling chassis.

I discovered a number of challenges along the way:
1. will have to figure out how to secure the front drum brake arm. It sits 1/2" from the fork tube.
2. The front wheels did not come with the nuts to lock it onto the frame. When I used the ones from the rear wheel, they would not advance more than 3 or four turns. The axle is either stripped or it is residual locktite...
3. I will probably need some spacers for the rear as the frame bends quite a bit when I tightened the bolts

I also spent an inordinate amount of time figuring out how to mount the rear dropout kickstand only to eventually learn after scratching it up that it does not work with this frame...

darkhawk22 · #5 11-03-2011, 07:30 AM

My rear dropout kickstand didn't work the best either. I ended up bending the small tabs in and flipping it over. It's loose until you get everything locked down. I usually get my wheel adjusted and tightened slightly until it's secure enough not to move. Then I put the bike up on the stand and lock it down tight. You could also drill and tap a small hole in the drop out for an additional bolt to hold it in place. I'll probably do that in the near future.

GasX · #6 11-04-2011, 08:25 AM

Thanks for posting the pic - very helpful.

Yesterday, I rounded up a lot of miscellaneous parts - new gas line, wires, connectors, mounting hardware, etc and set about modding the mounting plate. Since the downtube is too wide for the plate, I ground out the bolt holes to accomodate a wide U-bolt. Consequently, I was able to mock mount my engine to get a look at clearances.

I learned I need to further mod the mount to lower it more and that I have to source either a wide 1 piece crank or a whole new 3 piece BB/crank set-up.

Also, I assume the black box in the third picture is a muffler? It's almost a shame to remove it to mount the exhaust pipe as I like the look of its cover.

rustycase · #7 11-04-2011, 09:01 AM

lol

That IS a gothic looking muffler cover !

http://motorbicycling.com/attachment...ebuild1-27.jpg

I like it too !

It's most likely restrictive, and will also prevent the best cooling possibilities, if you can get away with it, might be fun to just add a short section of tube to the outlet to turn the exhaust down to a convenient direction.

They sure are nice looking frames!

Best
rc

GasX · #8 11-06-2011, 10:44 PM

Well, I put the mount on the frame and finally got to ride my bike around the cul de sac tonight - under my own power. Learned that rear brake straps need to be attached. Noticed that the rear wheel has a wobble. The axle is well tightened onto the frame, but the hub wobbles between the sprocket and brake arm. Have to figure out how to deal with that. Here is where I am with my build:

1. I need shorter or wider cranks to clear the engine. Will probably go with shorter as that is a cheaper option.
2. I need to figure out how to get rid of the rear hub wobble mentioned above.
3. Need to beef up the front drum brake mount as the hose clamp is definitely deforming under braking.
4. Need to mount the engine and hook everything up. - I'd like to try and start the engine tomorrow.
5. I also need to find a better mounting plate option. I am not going to be satisfied with my kit mount. Might call that a long term goal and get the bike running though...

darkhawk22 · #9 11-08-2011, 06:02 AM

Just out of curiosity which motor kit option did you go with and what transmission? Thanks! Build looks good so far.

GasX · #10 11-08-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkhawk22

Just out of curiosity which motor kit option did you go with and what transmission? Thanks! Build looks good so far.

I was scanning eBay and came across a 4 stroke engine kit auction that was about to end that noone had bid on. I got it for $200 plus $50 shipping. It's a great deal regardless, but the engine mount is a complete piece of garbage, there were no instructions and a few other niggling little things about it. Also, it's a Hoot transmission.

Still, if I get it up and running, I'll get my money's worth.