New to Motorized Bikes, Need Some Advice

[twip52]

Hello everyone.

This is my first post on the Forum here. I'm looking to get a kit for one of my bikes and I wanted some expert advice. First off, I have two bikes, and I dont really know which one to use. The first is a pretty new Hardrock Specialized mountain bike, and the other is a Trek Singletrack which is pretty old but still a good bike. Basically what I need to know is which bike would be better given the dimensions of their frames (dimensions on pictures), as well as what would be the optimal motor for each, rear mounted or in frame. I was leaning towards the hardrock because its new and because it has shocks which would help for smooth riding, but I thought that the frame might be too small to fit a motor in it.

I also had a question regarding laws. I checked my state's DMV laws and they said the motor had to be under 50cc to be considered a motor assisted bike. For those of you with experience, would a 50cc motor be enough to get a bike like the hardrock up to speed?

I also thought that maybe I should go for an 80cc motor because I dont see how anyone would know the difference between a 50 or an 80 and I probably wouldnt be bothered about it

Thanks for any help you can provide
Tom

[Dave31]

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined us.

The motor would fit the Trek more easily, check this thread for the dimensions need to mount the center frame 2-stroke (post #14)

http://motorbicycling.com/f3/what-ki...mmend-510.html

AZ law requires 48cc or less, I have the 80cc but unless they are willing to tear the motor down they will never know.

[2door]

I'm with Fairracing,
Unless you're thinking of going with a rack mount or friction drive, the Trek would be a much better choice. In fact, I don't think you'd be able to get a in-frame 2 stroke on the Hardrock without some major surgery and you probably don't want to approach that bike with a hacksaw or cutting torch. I like the looks of the Trek better too. It will make a good looking motorbike. Just my opinion however. Now with that said, here's an idea: Put a 2 stroke on the Trek and then buy a rack mount Titan from Dax for the Hardrock...best of both worlds.
Tom

[jvirginillo]

I agree with the others especially for a first build the Trek is easiest. I used a similar bike for my first build and will continue to twaek it until I feel comfortable enough to complete the OCC Chopper I picked up this past weekend for $50!!!

[brisbane_boy]

Welcome to the forum twip. Those are both good looking bike there but as others hav said defnitly use the TREK. I would reccomend for your 1st build use a 48cc two stroke frame mounted engine.
These engines are fairly powerful and are very reliable.
the 48cc engine are a little bit better at top speed but the 80cc have more power downlow. ( just my experiance)

Good luck with ur build and any questions dont hassel to ask.

[rmeloy34]

there are no markings on some of the engines to verify 70 0r 80,im not telling you what to do though(-;

[brisbane_boy]

there are actully no 80cc engine the sellers just call them 80 but they are actully 68 or 69 cc .

[Dave31]

I used a electric pencil and scribed 48cc on my motor, I also put my bicycle serial number on my motor as well.

[KonaTitanMan]

Just something to consider, too, is that whichever kit you go with will add weight to your bike and, depending on whether it is a Frame-mount or Rack-mount will mean a big difference in how your bike will feel. I LOVE my Titan but it did take some getting used to. I wouldn't have it any other way but perhaps you will feel different?

[KonaTitanMan]

Oh, and you may also want to get to know your local laws. Example: Here in Maine a motorized bike with an engine of 50cc+ requires a registration and a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. If you get stopped by an astute cop he may miss the engine size but if he doesn't you can be arrested! For me, it wouldn't be worth the risk and I've found that my 49.4cc Titan climbs just fine.