HF 79cc question for new build

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professor

New Member
Oct 14, 2009
500
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Buffalo ny area
Well, the jetting is real lean on the hf motors. I think I went up about three thousandths on the main jet. I don't know the gear ratio I am using but I go up overpasses at at least 20 mph. No governor, but the revs come down anyway.
 

wayne z

Active Member
Dec 5, 2010
1,743
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louisiana
Yea, seems like the 99cc runs a lil lean too. Especialy after I changed to a custom air filter and non-stock exhaust.

Seemed kinda lean stock too. Must be that C.A.R.B. required jets and settings.
Even when warmed up good, they still like to be choked to start easily. But I am getting 60 miles per 2 litre tank, and that's running it hard.
 

wayne z

Active Member
Dec 5, 2010
1,743
5
38
louisiana
Hi Folks, Just go my 79cc build completed (with a qmatic) and had it out for a test drive. Everything on it is stock including the govenor, although I shortened the govenor spring and had the tach to the mid 4000's. The bike runs very well on the flats cruising in the mid-high 20's but the hills I encounted, that were of any steepness, the engine was gutless and didn't get any faster than 10mph with lots of pedeling. The gear ratio is 11.55 X 1 (56 tooth rear sprocket). This is useless to me as I ride where there are lots of hills. Per Quenton 60t = 12.38, 62 = 12.79, 66t = 13.62. Anyone use a sprocket other than a 56t? Other mods besides rejetting the carb to get hill climbing respectable? My rear chain drive using an HS 49cc at 20.8 X 1 was giving 21-22 on the flats and 17-18mph on the same hills. This bike is waiting for a rear wheel rebuild so I was hoping the 79cc would be the answer. ugh...

Steve
Hmmm, If the 79cc se anywhere close to the performance of the 99cc, it should pull hills way better than a HT.

I'm running mine at 8.75 -1 and getting 40 mph at 4500, with fricton drive.

Are yout tires at optimum pressure? makes a BIG difference. What type intake/ exhaust are you running? is the chain or wheel bearings too tight? All of these added together could cause bad performance.
 

sanelson

New Member
Mar 5, 2011
25
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denver
Yep, the tires have plenty of air in them. I have played with the tension of the chain from kind of loose to tight. Right now I have the chain adjusted to about 1/4 play up and down. The engine has the stock muffler and stock air filter on it.
 

sanelson

New Member
Mar 5, 2011
25
0
0
denver
There are some pretty 'huge' hills here in Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I am wondering if I couldn't put a 2 inch or 1.5 inch pully on the qmatic or if it would be better to get a 62-66 tooth rear sprocket?
Steve
 

agk

New Member
Oct 2, 2010
151
4
0
Santa Barbara CA
Hi Folks, Just go my 79cc build completed (with a qmatic) and had it out for a test drive. Everything on it is stock including the govenor, although I shortened the govenor spring and had the tach to the mid 4000's. The bike runs very well on the flats cruising in the mid-high 20's but the hills I encounted, that were of any steepness, the engine was gutless and didn't get any faster than 10mph with lots of pedeling. The gear ratio is 11.55 X 1 (56 tooth rear sprocket). This is useless to me as I ride where there are lots of hills. Per Quenton 60t = 12.38, 62 = 12.79, 66t = 13.62. Anyone use a sprocket other than a 56t? Other mods besides rejetting the carb to get hill climbing respectable? My rear chain drive using an HS 49cc at 20.8 X 1 was giving 21-22 on the flats and 17-18mph on the same hills. This bike is waiting for a rear wheel rebuild so I was hoping the 79cc would be the answer. ugh...

Steve
I have a 79cc engine in a bike that is geared 11.10:1. The only modifications to the engine are govenor removal and an exhaust that I made. This bike will climb a very big hill near my house. The hill is a 8% grade and about a 1/4 mile long. I usually get a running start at the hill. The other day I started from a dead stop at the bottom of the hill. RPM climbed to 4100 and the bike climbed the hill with no problem.

Usually our 79cc bikes use a 12.44:1 gear ratio. With this ratio the engine will climb to about 4600 rpm and will carry the bike even faster up the hill.

Our typical 49cc bike is geared 17.11:1. These bikes simply can't make it up the hill. The 8% grade is too steep and the 49cc engine doesn't have the torque to tackle the hill with the gear ratio we are using.

Based on the gear ratios we are using on our 79cc bikes, you should be able to handle the hills with your 11.55:1 gear ratio. Have you pulled the cover off the Q-matic to inspect the belt tension and for signs of slippage? Seems like torque is getting lost somewhere. Is modifying the spring tension on the govenor the only modification? Have you checked the plug to see if it's running lean?
 

cory151

Member
Oct 19, 2010
466
0
16
SoCal
Hi Folks, Just go my 79cc build completed (with a qmatic) and had it out for a test drive. Everything on it is stock including the govenor, although I shortened the govenor spring and had the tach to the mid 4000's. The bike runs very well on the flats cruising in the mid-high 20's but the hills I encounted, that were of any steepness, the engine was gutless and didn't get any faster than 10mph with lots of pedeling. The gear ratio is 11.55 X 1 (56 tooth rear sprocket). This is useless to me as I ride where there are lots of hills. Per Quenton 60t = 12.38, 62 = 12.79, 66t = 13.62. Anyone use a sprocket other than a 56t? Other mods besides rejetting the carb to get hill climbing respectable? My rear chain drive using an HS 49cc at 20.8 X 1 was giving 21-22 on the flats and 17-18mph on the same hills. This bike is waiting for a rear wheel rebuild so I was hoping the 79cc would be the answer. ugh...

Steve
Perhaps you got a "runt" (hence the $55 price tag display, or returned model) I once had two 5.0 Mustangs of the same model, same Nitto tires, same year, same T-5 trans, and same mileage both coupes and each weighed within 40lbs of each other. One would consistantly run 3/10ths faster at test and tune in the 1/4 miles. Even with a different driver, no matter what.

Now these motors probably have less qaulity control than Ford so I wonder if theres not some issue with it. Variations can take place in manufacturing where inches add up to feet.
 
Here are a few facts that may help.

The motors vary greatly, some are real strong and some are not. I have found the lifters set from .035" to .018" on different motors. 11.55 X 1 should easily pull most hills.

The primary pulley on the Q-Matic can be reduced to 2-1/4", however the clutch will enguage much later.

I am currently testing a factory prototype Q-Matic on the HF 79 CC motor, and have easily exceeded 40 MPH will ratios near 10 X 1 [I am a light weight rider]using an adjustable primary pulley. I ended up setting the adjustable at 2.5" for best overall performance [11.55 x 1]

The HF motors run much stronger with a less restrictive intake and exhaust. Many 79 CC owners installed the "tuned' flex pipe with major improvements in power. Careful, as the motor is border line "Lean" to begin with. I increased the main jet by 3 sizes to get it to work correctly with the alternate intake & exhaust system.


Have fun,
 

sanelson

New Member
Mar 5, 2011
25
0
0
denver
Thanks guys,

This bike does exceptionally well on the flats - gets up to 30mph quickly and maintains that speed pretty easily it seems. The bike is completly stock, carb and exhaust. Checked the tension on the belt, makes a nice high pitched note when strummed. I see no slippage there. Maybe it's just the alltitude 5500 feet. I would guess the hills I am riding up are closer to 10-15 degrees, maybe a bit more. The engine pulls but the speed drops drastically to 5-8mph. I would be OK with substituting the 56t to a 62-64t sprocket if that would keep the hill climbing speed in the teens. The only mod was tightening the govenor spring. The engine rev's in the mid 4000's now.
 

agk

New Member
Oct 2, 2010
151
4
0
Santa Barbara CA
Thanks guys,

This bike does exceptionally well on the flats - gets up to 30mph quickly and maintains that speed pretty easily it seems. The bike is completly stock, carb and exhaust. Checked the tension on the belt, makes a nice high pitched note when strummed. I see no slippage there. Maybe it's just the alltitude 5500 feet. I would guess the hills I am riding up are closer to 10-15 degrees, maybe a bit more. The engine pulls but the speed drops drastically to 5-8mph. I would be OK with substituting the 56t to a 62-64t sprocket if that would keep the hill climbing speed in the teens. The only mod was tightening the govenor spring. The engine rev's in the mid 4000's now.
Take a plug reading. 5500 feet is really up there. The engine isn't going to run it's best if it's not jetted properly for that altitude. A quick plug reading will give you an idea of where your at on the jetting.
 

sanelson

New Member
Mar 5, 2011
25
0
0
denver
The plug looks like the engine is running a bit rich - kind of a nice lightish black - no white or anything close to that.
 
Did you check plug after WOT run? The HF motor tends to run rich at low throttle settings and lean above 3/4 open [throttle position, not RPM]. When I installed a flex pipe exhaust [tuned], and a less restrictive air breather [from 1999 Whizzer], I had to increase the main jet size by 3 sizes. Even though the motor went extreemly lean at WOT, it still tested rich at lower settings. Adjusting the air/fuel settings have some effect, but I suspect the pilot jet is too large. The carburetor leaves room for improvement, and hopefully I can try a few different types on future tests. BTW the main jets from the new edition Whizzer carburetors fit the HF carburetor.


You might want to check the valve clearance, as I checked 3 new motors and all were set differently.

On 2 motors [one 2 years ago, one recently] the ignition coil needed some TLC, and in both cases it was damaged during assembly.


Have fun,
 

daRog

New Member
Apr 15, 2011
98
0
0
California
Would someone please confirm if the number stamped on the side of the Greyhounds is an actual serial number and not some other designation?

Example:

 

sanelson

New Member
Mar 5, 2011
25
0
0
denver
Here is the bike..... Been checking the plug after each ride. Looks like it is running rich - charcoal black. I am under the belief now that I need a 66t rear sprocket to tackle the hills I ride on.
Steve
 

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MarkSumpter

New Member
Nov 27, 2010
474
0
0
Ohio
Here is the bike..... Been checking the plug after each ride. Looks like it is running rich - charcoal black. I am under the belief now that I need a 66t rear sprocket to tackle the hills I ride on.
Steve
The bike looks good but if you are having a rich condition I have found that the air box on the 79cc HF engines to be one of the worst offenders as they tend to greatly restrict air flow. Give one of the universal filters that AGK sells HERE I have heard from others that they work well and allow a greater amount of air to get to the carb. Getting that mix to lean out would be the priority before changing the gearing as the hill climbing problem might just fade away if you are running a good air to fuel ratio.
 
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You can also gain a lot of power via the exhaust system.

About 3 years ago we tried different exhaust & muffler systems on the HF motors, the difference is major. During testing we found the "lawnmower" style muffler to be almost as bad as the stock muffler.

At one of the shows [DE] there were 2 almost identical bikes with the HF motor [both with the Q-Matic drive], and one was much faster than the other. Both had the flex pipe exhaust, however one had the "lawnmower" style muffler attached at the end, after removing the "lawnmower" type muffler, both bikes ran almost the same.

Have fun,
 

MarkSumpter

New Member
Nov 27, 2010
474
0
0
Ohio
You can also gain a lot of power via the exhaust system.

About 3 years ago we tried different exhaust & muffler systems on the HF motors, the difference is major. During testing we found the "lawnmower" style muffler to be almost as bad as the stock muffler.

At one of the shows [DE] there were 2 almost identical bikes with the HF motor [both with the Q-Matic drive], and one was much faster than the other. Both had the flex pipe exhaust, however one had the "lawnmower" style muffler attached at the end, after removing the "lawnmower" type muffler, both bikes ran almost the same.

Have fun,
Right you are Quentin and after I posted my reply I wondered why I hadn't posted about the exhaust too but was too lazy to come back and re-edit the post again...

I also set the valve lash on both the intake and exhaust to a tight .002" clearance and internally remove the governor as well as the oil sensor (I have had too many sensors fail or become intermittent in the past being a pain) and plug the holes.

Sometimes I wonder how much power the EPA/C.A.R.B. certification regulations and modifications reduce power as well as their effectiveness in reducing emissions.