Really the throttle, rear sprocket and the motor are the only chinese items. The bearings and chain are made in Japan; a reaonably ethical 1st world country e.g. decent economy, honest dollar, civil liberties etc. Materials aren't cheap, and neither labor, so keep it basic and simple in manufacture!
I gotta say that I'm happy w/ the throttles that I've been using. They're cheap Chinese ATV throttles that I put real motorcycle grips on and they just work. I choke to kill (no button).
I'll post some progress Fotos this eve Jared. Some hopefully exciting developments in store for you, I'll pm you w/ details!
Dan nice Fotos! I like your "StayPuff" exhaust!
It does not look too much like an m/c; it gives proper homage to the ilk while retaining the integral motorbicycle componentry! Pedal once in a while, even though you don't have to and smile your totally legal!
If I may suggest something I noticed in the wheel Foto. drop one of the hose clamps and move one into position where it has some leverage on the end of the drum keeper rather than at the base i.e. mount clamp furthest from axle.
FireBelly Cares!
LOL Evan! I been calling it the Dr Sause (sp) after your original pancake one. Not a fan of calling it "staypuff" (sounds like a Johnson and Johnson product to help elevate personal itching) So gonna go with "Burger myster, myster burger" (ok, I got nuton' snork) Too, too funny but that second hose clamp is just stored there. It was to hold the plastic threaded coupler for the BMMB muffler but didn't need it. The pipe is now held on with a plastic zip tie. The HF runs so amazingly cool. You can touch the pipe close to the manifold after it has been running for 20 mins and put your hand on the muffler any time.
Awesome day at work. Ride in was a joy. Had a cup of coffee as they had no work for me and I am good at that. But spent the whole day thunking on an all American build. Your so right and I have no problem with Japanese components or Chinese for that matter. But just to do it, a Briggs engine, Firebelly mount, whisper drive like drive, Jim's or Andy's sprocket and hand made cable controls. All on a real Schwinn. (not a wallyworld one)
Man, I have to get a real job to pay for all this. LOL. Started on the flying/floating MB too.
It's only money and I can borrow more. (I hope)