Pat,
I've been following along on these clone engine builds from some distance, wondering if the 200 has passed the mark of too much engine. Let me say that what you have done is remarkable and as everyone has noted, this one is a work of rolling art. My uneasiness is over the young bucks reading your thread and Cobrafreaks', Lurkers'... and of course wanting to do the same. All of you mentioned know what you're doing and have built up the rest of the bikes to the level of the engine... excellent braking, wheels, strong frames, etc. It is the kid wanting to slap the 200 into something or other, doing it all as cheaply as they can get away with and then go as fast as they can... a recipe for disaster.
I could not do what you guys have done. I don't know enough to pull it off and stay alive. On a motored bicycle the difference between 20 mph and 30 mph is considerable. Push it up to 40 and you'd better have the best of everything. Over 40 you need to be on high alert, skilled as a experienced rider and really know your machine, akin to being a NASCAR driver.
Young bucks, make no mistake. What Pat has built is a light motorcycle. If you're going for the big time motor, be sure the rest of the build is up to snuff and that you actually know what you're doing. If you don't then admit it, take your time and learn. Stay alive. I sound like the old guy that I am who knows we don't come with spare body parts. I have a traumatic brain injury from lightning and know that the last thing I need is another one from a bike crash. You wanna go really fast make sure the thing you're riding is engineered to handle it. If you can't build one like these guys are doing, then buy a motorcycle.
Sermon is over. Pardon my sticking my nose in here. I like to go fast, too. I also like to stay in one piece.
Well done, Pat. You keep raising the bar!
SB
I've been following along on these clone engine builds from some distance, wondering if the 200 has passed the mark of too much engine. Let me say that what you have done is remarkable and as everyone has noted, this one is a work of rolling art. My uneasiness is over the young bucks reading your thread and Cobrafreaks', Lurkers'... and of course wanting to do the same. All of you mentioned know what you're doing and have built up the rest of the bikes to the level of the engine... excellent braking, wheels, strong frames, etc. It is the kid wanting to slap the 200 into something or other, doing it all as cheaply as they can get away with and then go as fast as they can... a recipe for disaster.
I could not do what you guys have done. I don't know enough to pull it off and stay alive. On a motored bicycle the difference between 20 mph and 30 mph is considerable. Push it up to 40 and you'd better have the best of everything. Over 40 you need to be on high alert, skilled as a experienced rider and really know your machine, akin to being a NASCAR driver.
Young bucks, make no mistake. What Pat has built is a light motorcycle. If you're going for the big time motor, be sure the rest of the build is up to snuff and that you actually know what you're doing. If you don't then admit it, take your time and learn. Stay alive. I sound like the old guy that I am who knows we don't come with spare body parts. I have a traumatic brain injury from lightning and know that the last thing I need is another one from a bike crash. You wanna go really fast make sure the thing you're riding is engineered to handle it. If you can't build one like these guys are doing, then buy a motorcycle.
Sermon is over. Pardon my sticking my nose in here. I like to go fast, too. I also like to stay in one piece.
Well done, Pat. You keep raising the bar!
SB
have you opened 'er up yet?
