Hello and what is upgraded Japanese bearings

Sonny B. · #1 10-22-2008, 05:28 PM

Hi ya'll,
First China engine/bike build. Great site and have already learned a lot about what I should do to make my investment worth while. I had buyers remorse after some not so favorable reviews on these little imported engines. I feel better now that I'm more informed, thanks to this site. Bought a 49cc, Limited Edition from Powerking. Looks like it has some upgrades and hopefully I did well. The quality Japanese bearings probably did it for me, but not exactly sure it those are sleeve bearings or needle bearings. Hopefully someone here can enlighten me.
I'm 60 yrs old today. Have ridden BMW motorcycles since '73. Have a '72 and'75, not running for several years since my back gave out. Many others before then.Semi-retired carpenter and archery bow tech.Like astronomy,guitars,old microscopes and now it seems I might have the motobike bug. Something I can afford on limited income.
Looking forward to some fun and tinkering. Looks like I've found the right place.

Bikeguy Joe · #2 10-22-2008, 07:38 PM

Welcome....you can ask that specific question about your engines bearing type to powerking. They would know for sure.
Some engines have bushings in the wristpin, some have needle bearings.
All of the bottom ends (as far as I know) are rollers.
There is a teardown thread with photos around hear somewhere (classic posts)...

TexasDav · #3 10-22-2008, 08:20 PM

Happy Birthday Sonny !

we have alot in common, been riding cycles all my life, won the Texas State Field archry champonionship back in 1985, played guitar all my life and never got good, not even close, just for my own fun. I will be 56 this spring, and never grew up. These bikes let you use all those skills you don't get to use in many other hobbies. I like the primitive turn of the century technology. Makes you relate to the first motor cycle builders, like Indians, BMW, and Harleys. Have fun with your build.

**Dan** · #4 10-22-2008, 09:04 PM

Happy BDay Sonny, welcome!

Sonny B. · #5 10-22-2008, 11:10 PM

Thanks for the welcome and info. Still finding my way around the site. I'm fairly computer challenged. Hope I'm getting it right. To Texasdav, I was born in Amarillo.

TexasDav · #6 10-22-2008, 11:15 PM

I am a hillbilly coalminers son from sago west virginia, but lived here in Texas sence 76, Love both states

**Dave31** · #7 10-23-2008, 06:06 PM

Happy 60th BirthDay Sonny

And Welcome to the forum, glad you joined us

Sonny B. · #8 10-25-2008, 06:04 PM

Hello and thanks. Didn't know if this was typical of these engines, but the cooling fins are warped in every which direction and seemed rather thin. The head does not seem to be seated on the cylinder as it has about a 1 or 2mm gap. Wanted to see if this was normal before I tore into it or if this might be a defective casting. Thanks again. Sonny

Bikeguy Joe · #9 10-25-2008, 06:15 PM

Sounds pretty normal for these....

**Dan** · #10 10-25-2008, 06:54 PM

Sonny, if I am understanding you correctly, that just don't sound right at all. Not disagreeing with you Joe at all. That just don't sound correct.

The cooling fins always look like heck and are thin, but aside from the very ends where the "chinalum" stayed with the sand where they were cast, they are st8 or concurrent.

A gap in the head, out of the box? Honestly, big time, not good!
Call your dealer right fast and politely ask about this.