Yes guys,
Pirate Cycles will be the exclusive distributor for this product. It's a matter of logistics!
I have been working on these for awhile. The one thing that has been a constant nag is the fact that these engines are slightly different from one supplier to the next. With a part such as the cylinder head...slightly different is the difference between success and failure.
The PK80's are consistent dimensionally, so it is feasible to offer a replacement cylinder head. I will have the Grubee GT-5 in a few days, and make the necessary changes in order to offer the cylinder head for this engine also.
The measurements that I would require, from each customer, makes individual sales out of the question. The percentage of customers that would have the kind of measuring equipment required is so small that a production run would never happen and the cost of the product would likely double. I will be creating a web page on my site with all of the details, so that those who do want to take the measurements can. Deck height, cylinder bore diameter, and piston crown must be identical to the PK80.
It was a logical move to ask Justin if he wanted to stock billet cylinder heads. Without Pirate Cycles, this product would have stayed at the shop as something that I added to my own builds exclusively.
In order to manufacture these at an attractive price, I must make them in batches. For this product there is no margin, (on my end), built into the cost to handle individual orders.
Pirate Cycles has the resources to handle the sales aspect.
I’ve been working with Justin at Pirate Cycles since last spring when he bought 10 sprocket adapters with sprockets for his local builds. We have been working together ever since.
By purchasing my products through Pirate Cycles you guys are helping the Manic Mechanic shop in a direct way.
On a side note: there is another product that I have long wanted to release but couldn’t; again due to the dimensional differences:
A replacement for the meat tenderizer wheel that the Chinese refer to as an engine drive sprocket.
I’m sure everyone has noticed the popping noise that occurs when pushing the bike, clutch in. The sprocket geometry is all wrong, and is just one more source of vibration when riding. I know there are a lot of threads on modifying the factory sprocket in order to alleviate this problem, but really it should be chucked in the bin and replaced with a part that has been made correctly. The difference between the factory sprocket and one that has been properly machined is night and day.
After taking measurements from numerous engines, I found that the tapered shaft varies +/-.020”. The keyway size varies also. Once again it was not possible to offer a one-size-fits-all product, so I have never offered it. The PK80’s are consistent, so it will be practical to offer a replacement sprocket for these engines.
Jim