Hey, Elmo. I like your build.
I've got a 25cc Homelite leaf blower motor diy friction drive on a 1973 Schwinn Continental 10-speed. I bought the blower used at a yard sale for ten bucks. I don't know how much use it got before I bought it, but the fuel lines were crumbling, so I know it was at least a couple years old.
I've put about 4000 miles on it so far. My shortest ride is into town, about 6 miles each way. I'll often take longer rides about 15-to-20 miles each way.
This Homelite motor seems to be well-built. It's lasted two whole years so far and I hope to get another year out of it. I have two weed whacker motors for replacement; a Craftsman and a McCulloch, both about 25cc. The craftsman seems very flimsy. There's only two cheap "head bolts", all the aluminum is thinner than the Homelite's, and the crankcase cover is actually part of the plastic housing. The McCulloch is built better, but not as good as the Homelite.
I've had very few problems in that 4000 miles, but like 2door says, "few problems" is relative. My hockey-puck scrubber lasts a good 1000 miles. When I replace it, I repack my outboard bearing with fresh grease. Actually, I have two bearings, so I always have one ready to slap on. I get them from Farm & Fleet for 8 bucks. They are "sealed" ball bearings, but I pry off the seals, completely clean them with solvent, then repack them with bearing grease.
I got one flat last year, one this year, both on the rear. I was buying Bell Streetster tires because they were cheap and stocked at WalMart. But they wore out fast. The Kenda I put on is holding up much better.
The frame's rear brake mount spanning the seat stays cracked. I made an improved motor pivot system, so that should never happen again.
I always keep my bikes clean and maintained, motorized or not. While you're cleaning and lubricating things you inspect and jiggle things to make sure everything is proper. I know there are people who just want to buy it and ride it till it breaks. Sad.
I've got a 25cc Homelite leaf blower motor diy friction drive on a 1973 Schwinn Continental 10-speed. I bought the blower used at a yard sale for ten bucks. I don't know how much use it got before I bought it, but the fuel lines were crumbling, so I know it was at least a couple years old.
I've put about 4000 miles on it so far. My shortest ride is into town, about 6 miles each way. I'll often take longer rides about 15-to-20 miles each way.
This Homelite motor seems to be well-built. It's lasted two whole years so far and I hope to get another year out of it. I have two weed whacker motors for replacement; a Craftsman and a McCulloch, both about 25cc. The craftsman seems very flimsy. There's only two cheap "head bolts", all the aluminum is thinner than the Homelite's, and the crankcase cover is actually part of the plastic housing. The McCulloch is built better, but not as good as the Homelite.
I've had very few problems in that 4000 miles, but like 2door says, "few problems" is relative. My hockey-puck scrubber lasts a good 1000 miles. When I replace it, I repack my outboard bearing with fresh grease. Actually, I have two bearings, so I always have one ready to slap on. I get them from Farm & Fleet for 8 bucks. They are "sealed" ball bearings, but I pry off the seals, completely clean them with solvent, then repack them with bearing grease.
I got one flat last year, one this year, both on the rear. I was buying Bell Streetster tires because they were cheap and stocked at WalMart. But they wore out fast. The Kenda I put on is holding up much better.
The frame's rear brake mount spanning the seat stays cracked. I made an improved motor pivot system, so that should never happen again.
I always keep my bikes clean and maintained, motorized or not. While you're cleaning and lubricating things you inspect and jiggle things to make sure everything is proper. I know there are people who just want to buy it and ride it till it breaks. Sad.
