Does a centrifugal clutch require a pull start?

[MaxPower]

I'm thinking about buying a centrifugal clutch from zoom bicycles. Do I also need to buy a pull start or can I pedal start it? I was thinking that the regular clutch could be used to start the motor and then the centrifugal clutch would take over.

Zoombicycles Motor Bicycle Gas Engine Kits Addon - Centrifugal Clutch (5-3) | 14-Addons (10) | 6-Parts and Accessories | RuiHong Enterprises Ltd.

Zoombicycles Motor Bicycle Gas Engine Kits Addon - Pull Start (5-1) | 14-Addons (10) | 6-Parts and Accessories | RuiHong Enterprises Ltd.

[Cabinfever1977]

i dont know if you can peddal start it or if you have to use a pullstart.
The clutch would have to have over running clutch lock up to pedal start.

btw adding a cent clutch and a pullstart adds around a 1 1/2" on each side to the engine width.

did you ask zoombicycles if you need a pull start to go with the cent clutch.

[MaxPower]

I just tried to call zoom again. no answer. no email reply either. I'll try again on Monday.

how efficient is a centrifugal clutch compared to a manual clutch? can I expect a large preformance drop? my user name IS "maxpower"

[Rockenstein]

The centi clutch kit from zoom does not require a pull start...you pedal start as normal. I use Zoom's clutch kit on my Tsunami 80 engine, works well after a couple mods that locked the clutch adapter to the crankshaft. I basically keyed it...

how efficient is a centrifugal clutch compared to a manual clutch? can I expect a large preformance drop?

I found that the added rotating weight of centrifugal clutch was a welcome addition, smoother idle and a better feeling throttle "roll on" once the engine was up to speed. I wouldn't mind a little stiffer spring so as to raise the engagement point a little but all in all it's good as it is.

[Rockenstein]

Originally Posted by Cabinfever1977

once you add the centrifugal clutch the manual one no longer works.

Not so...the manual clutch is still used and required, with the Zoom kit anyway...don't know about the other version(s).

[MaxPower]

thanks for the info rokenstien. You don't happen to have pictures of your mod. What tools are required to do your mod. I have a limited tool selection but I do however have a drimel tool. Is that enough?

[donuts31]

I've got two centrifigual clutch engines. Once has pull start and the 2nd one doesn't. Not needed but very nice to have.

[fall_down_stand_up]

Gasbikeshop has the kit for 29 99....This post has answered alot of the same questions I had....I would think the kit would make alot more torque on take off....Is this true????

[Rockenstein]

Originally Posted by granbury_man

I would think the kit would make alot more torque on take off....Is this true????

I don't know if you'd call it "more torque" but my engine is much smoother at idle and like I said when you roll on the throttle when your cruising at say 20 km\h it picks up and gets going smoother than it did without the centrifugal upgrade.

[Rockenstein]

Originally Posted by MaxPower

thanks for the info rokenstien. You don't happen to have pictures of your mod. What tools are required to do your mod. I have a limited tool selection but I do however have a drimel tool. Is that enough?

I pretty much used a file and a dremel to do the mod MaxPower...I also had to shorten the mounting bolt that was included in the kit, I used my belt sander for that. The mounting bolt included in my kit was bottoming out in the crankshaft hole and would not allow me to tighten things down properly...pay attention to that note if you get one!

I filed about 2/3 of the half moon key so it would be flush with the crankshaft when placed in the keyway and left the remaining 1/3 as is. I dremel'ed a notch in the clutch shaft adapter to fit the part of the key that was not filed. This picture shows the notch I made in the shaft adapter...the adapter is hardened and the dremel bits I used were the diamond coated types...the bits were about 3/32 - 1/8 diameter.

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