Ready to order a 4 stroke kit...but ??

[evmatt]

I just finished my 2 stroke schwinn cruiser bike and had a blast riding 50 miles over the weekend.
I am having a great time with this motorized bike but also want a 4 stroke cruiser. Could somebody tell me if there is a difference between these two kits? I am interested in the one from kings motor bikes because it is in my price range. Also, I read somewhere these 4 strokes use a sometimes problematic transmission. How bad are they and is it true you do not have to clutch? I would like this because the 2 stroke clutch lever is hard to pull and wears my hand out after a long ride.
Oh and are the 4 strokes really quieter than the 2 stroke? Whats the true top speed of the 4 stroke kit? Do you start the 4 stroke by pull start only? Thanks!!

I dont know if it will let me post links yet but they are from bicycle-engines and kings motor bikes.

49cc Complete Gas Powered Engine Kit - $369.99

Florida Storm 49cc 4 Stroke Bicycle Motor - Florida Storm 49cc 4 Stroke Bicycle Engine Kit

[Clotho]

First thing you should do is purchase the clutch lever mod from Jim at Manic Mechanic
Sick Bike Parts have a teflon coated clutch cable that helps as well. This will solve the clutch problem on your 2 stroke.

As for the 4 stroke: I don't have one myself but my understanding is that the Hoot brand gearboxes are pretty awful unless they are tweaked by someone experienced. Shims and hardening of certain gears seems to be required. The Hoot gearboxes look like the number 8 but on its side. The Grubee gearboxes (oval shaped with flat sides) are supposed to be much better but there are several versions. You will want the most recent. Other than that there are other companies that are in the process of bringing out new 4 stroke kits (different gearboxes). 2 that come to mind are Firebelly and EZ motorbikes. Both look very promising.

I went back and looked at the 2 kits. I purchased a motor from Kings several years ago and I had no problems. However the 4 stroke kit they show does not display the transmission in the first picture. If you go to the description tab and click on the bigger picture link it shows you an engine with the Hoot gearbox. For this reason I would avoid this kit.

The other link in your thread from bicycle-engines.com used a Grubee gearbox so I would go with that one if I had to choose between the two. Yes it is more money but not really. Purchasing a kit with the Hoot gearbox is like throwing your money away in most cases. Much better to get something that will actually work. The Firebelly and EZ motorbikes transmissions both sound like they will be the best yet. I have heard that the EZ motorbikes kit will sell in the $650 range.

[evmatt]

Thanks Clotho for the info and advice on the 2 stroke clutch.

[HoughMade]

That "Florida Storm" uses the Hoot. I know there was an attempt to fix the Hoot, but if you search the posts- it failed. It is trash.

The other one uses the Grubee which is decent and it the gearbox I have.

As for speed- I use a Honda engine with the Grubee gearbox. The Honda has a bit more power. I hear that users of the clone engine (Huasheng) are please with it and top speed with a 48 tooth sprocket is around 35mph (give or take). I get to or exceed 40 mph (depending on wind), but I have removed the governor, so I am likely exceeding the recommended rpm. However, i seldom ride at that speed- she cruises comfortably at 25 to 30 mph.

I have had no transmission failures. It uses a centrigugal clutch, so it is automatic. With the Grubee, it has an engager, which is not a clutch, but you would be well served to modify it so it is always engaged and get a rear wheel stand to replace the standard kick stand so you can start it with the rear wheel in the air. Those who have engaged the gearbox with any engine speed (treated it like a clutch) have succeeded in breaking parts.

It is pull start only.