New Build: Cranbrook/Lifan 152F Flathead/TAV2

JerryAssburger

JerryAssburger

Active Member
Greetings!

Previously, I had done a Hyper Beach Cruiser w/ 66cc China Girl as a sort of "re-entry" into dinking around and putting engines on bikes. It was fun, educational, and really opened up my eyes to the possibilities of picking and choosing parts-n-pieces that are readily available online. Gotta problem or unique situation? SOMEONE has figured it out and probably sells their solution.

While it worked well enough, I wasn't a huge fan of the China Girl engine... kinda loud, shook pretty badly, etc. I know for the money it can't be beat. I guess I'm more of a 4-stroke fan. So that bike got sold. (I wish I kept the bike itself!)

Meanwhile, a gorgeous red Cranbrook was at the local Wally, and now that the Hyper Beach Cruiser is no longer for sale, I purchased it. I also have an old Doodlebug Lifan 152F in the shed, and after some measuring, it's going to happen.

So far this is almost as easy, if not EASIER to piece together than the China Girl build!

The list:

Huffy Cranbrook
Lifan 152F Flathead
Death-Row TAV2 with the output sprocket (10T) on the BACK side of the plate.
1.5" hub adapter. (NO rag joints, ever again)
60T rear sprocket
Two Long Reach Brakes
Thumb Throttle
NT carb and a 41mm offset intake manifold from a China Girl.
I also bought a "Speed Carb" (DelOrto Clone?) as a backup to toy with. Cheap enough.

The Cranbrook had the usual "Prep Items" to address. I also decided I'm eliminating the pedals and replacing them with foot-pegs, like my very first bike.

The DeathRow TAV2 is very handy for making easy fitment- if/when I move on to a Predator 212 motor, it'll work perfectly for that.

The stock carb/air filter on the Lifan sort of got in the way, plus I was itching to put a slide-type carb on it anyway, just for the better fueling it should provide.

The offset manifold has to be the 41mm version- I got one for cheap from Ebay.

At this point, I've fitted the rear sprocket on, and have "mocked-up" a set of motor mount rails for the motor to sit on, using a hot-glue gun. :)

I took pix with my cell phone, but I gotta offload them to my PC to post.

I might eventually replace the 10T on the TAV2 with an 8T to get the gearing spot-on, but it's still in the experimental stage. Others have used this motor as a single-speed 12>1 ratio and had decent results, (30+mph). With the present set-up, I will have a 16.2>1 (starting) to 6>1 ratio, which is still too tall in my opinion. If I get the 8T, it'll be 20.25>1 starting, and 7.5>1 top ratio.

I more than likely will NOT go with a 212cc engine, because this one will get me into the 30-35mph range that I'm seeking. (Hopefully)

Thanks for listening; I'll do my best to detail this build if it has any useful tidbits for others to benefit from.

NOTE: On my Wish-List.... the top main bar on the Cranbrook Frame is sealed at both ends.... I'm eyeballing it as a place to store the gasoline by tapping the back of it by the seat post and welding/soldering :confused: some sort of fuel neck up towards the handlebars. It would hold at least a pint and pretty stealthy... has anyone done something like this? I don't mind the china girl tank, but an in-frame would look so much cleaner, and I don't really need a ton of range. I could even widen the neck/reservoir for few precious ounces.

...in the meantime, here are photos showing I'm no stranger to Flathead Ugly Custom Shaky Builds! GOOD TIMES!
 

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Trying to save ya some headache,

the tav2 is junk for the most part. needs power to work. You’ll max out around 29mph. Runs OK with the 212 but I still preferred a clutch. A 97cc ohv is way too weak for the power hungry cvt.

you can still use the tav2 plate with the sprocket on the back, and use a clutch on it instead with a total gear ratio around 11:1 plus minus a point, for the 79cc. this setup could break the plate with the 212cc.
 
Thank you Tony01! I appreciate the input! These DIYs are usually hit-and-miss for me....

My logic on this project went like this:

The largest rear sprocket I could find was a 60T, which would give me a 6.1 ratio, (too tall) without any "Jack-Shaftery"...

I needed some option for a clutching system that would work on the Lifan AND a Predator 212.... IF I go that route. (SO tempted!)

The D-R TAV2 was on Ebay for $105, which would not only clutch, increase ratio by x2.7, but also center the output sprocket perfectly. (win win win!)

On my previous Ugly Drunk Build from 2003, it was originally pieced together with a Briggs 3hp, 9.5>1 ratio (cent-clutch), and could hit 35mph+ on the flats.
(The 5hp pictured above, was an oil-burning sad sack that replaced the 3hp when the bike tipped over and popped the crankshaft through the case.) I CRIED that day. The 5hp couldn't top the 3hp in the speed department and REALLY shook my cruddy welds up.

I know the 97cc is no powerhouse, but I really didn't want to pay for a jackshaft and still get only a single speed out of it, when the TAV2 was roughly the same price, with more options. My concerns for the D-R TAV2 are, parasitic power loss, and the fact that to get the output sprocket on the backside, they milled the housing that the driven shaft sits in about 3/4" shorter which might affect the stability of the shaft, since the two bearings are closer together than before. I've never had any issues with the previous TAV2 knock-offs, except for the driver unit needing cleaning, etc.

I'm pretty sure the 97cc wont give the TAV2 any issues, but yeah, the Predator (which I will leave stock) could give it headaches.

THIS link is to the Ugly Bike on DIY Go-Karts forum https://www.diygokarts.com/community/threads/briggs-on-bike.787/

Here is a picture of it with the B/S3hp on it. *sob*
20031206-007.jpg
 
Last edited:
JerryAssburger said:
Thank you Tony01! I appreciate the input! These DIYs are usually hit-and-miss for me....

My logic on this project went like this:

The largest rear sprocket I could find was a 60T, which would give me a 6.1 ratio, (too tall) without any "Jack-Shaftery"...

I needed some option for a clutching system that would work on the Lifan AND a Predator 212.... IF I go that route. (SO tempted!)

The D-R TAV2 was on Ebay for $105, which would not only clutch, increase ratio by x2.7, but also center the output sprocket perfectly. (win win win!)

On my previous Ugly Drunk Build from 2003, it was originally pieced together with a Briggs 3hp, 9.5>1 ratio (cent-clutch), and could hit 35mph+ on the flats.
(The 5hp pictured above, was an oil-burning sad sack that replaced the 3hp when the bike tipped over and popped the crankshaft through the case.) I CRIED that day. The 5hp couldn't top the 3hp in the speed department and REALLY shook my cruddy welds up.

I know the 97cc is no powerhouse, but I really didn't want to pay for a jackshaft and still get only a single speed out of it, when the TAV2 was roughly the same price, with more options. My concerns for the D-R TAV2 are, parasitic power loss, and the fact that to get the output sprocket on the backside, they milled the housing that the driven shaft sits in about 3/4" shorter which might affect the stability of the shaft, since the two bearings are closer together than before. I've never had any issues with the previous TAV2 knock-offs, except for the driver unit needing cleaning, etc.

I'm pretty sure the 97cc wont give the TAV2 any issues, but yeah, the Predator (which I will leave stock) could give it headaches.

THIS link is to the Ugly Bike on DIY Go-Karts forum https://www.diygokarts.com/community/threads/briggs-on-bike.787/

Here is a picture of it with the B/S3hp on it. *sob*View attachment 105978
Click to expand...

Jerry, I've seen 84-tooth sprockets on Ebay.

Azusa might have what you need.

So, rear engine or midframe?
 
Brief update.... welded the engine mount in place. Waiting on chain for final alignment before I drill the mount holes. Sorry no pix yet - my phone doesn't want to play with my PC just yet.
 
Hi- reporting back with almost ZERO new info... more of a FanBoy rant.

Rant Part 1- I MISS the Hyper Cruiser! Wally's been out of them forever! Not to dis the Cranny, but dang that Hyper was a good looking bike!
Rant Part 2- I am SO PSYCHED about buying a brand-new Predator Hemi! What a gorgeous piece of work for only $107! I don't even really have a NEED for it at the moment, but it's just worth HAVING. It has a cozy place inside the house until it is time....

Needless to say, it doesn't take much to keep me happy.

Also, I got the chain. Hoping to move forward with the Cranny.

...also, I think I'm going to give up on the phone and just use my old digi-camera... a build thread without pix... SHALL BRING SHAME UPON ME.
 
So.... All of my whining and pining for the Hyper Cruiser Men's Bicycle from Wally has (sort of) been answered.

A twin of a different name has surfaced and even though it's obviously the same bike, the price has increased substantially. Hopefully Wally gets it back into THEIR inventory for THEIR price.

The twin goes under the name.
Switz Cruz 26" Men's Beach Cruiser
 
JerryAssburger said:
So.... All of my whining and pining for the Hyper Cruiser Men's Bicycle from Wally has (sort of) been answered.

A twin of a different name has surfaced and even though it's obviously the same bike, the price has increased substantially. Hopefully Wally gets it back into THEIR inventory for THEIR price.

The twin goes under the name.
Switz Cruz 26" Men's Beach Cruiser
Click to expand...
www.bikeberry.com

Switz Cruz 26" Men's Beach Cruiser Bike Bicycle

Ride free and in style with the Freedom Inspired, SwitZ CruZ beach cruiser! The SwitZ CruZ is not any ordinary beach cruiser, it's highly upgraded with an oversized padded saddle, classic fenders, and an adjustable oversized handlebar.
www.bikeberry.com www.bikeberry.com
 
Back with a question of opinions.... Being that recumbants seem to be coming more commonplace, I'm guessing they'll get less attention from the police if discreetly motorized. I am not about being a criminal or Bad Guy, but the Regulatory Nazis have pretty much made puttering around a neighborhood on a home-built contraption a stressful proposition, when it shouldn't be.
(There are those French Bicycle Racers that could totally destroy me in a race, but the sputtering 50cc powered bicycle is more dangerous and in need of regulation and taxation?) ...

Oh- TAXATION... I answered my own question. If something doesn't make sense, follow the $$$.

Seriously, though, wouldn't a 212cc Predator Trike/Recumbant be kinda cool?
 
Many years ago, a 4yo boy was fatally injured by a group of bicycle racers on their practice run.

When the parents first heard that their son was hit by bicycle(s),
they figured "Oh just hit by a bicycle"

The child's injuries were so extensive, it was like he was
hit by a car!.
 
JerryAssburger said:
Back with a question of opinions.... Being that recumbants seem to be coming more commonplace, I'm guessing they'll get less attention from the police if discreetly motorized. I am not about being a criminal or Bad Guy, but the Regulatory Nazis have pretty much made puttering around a neighborhood on a home-built contraption a stressful proposition, when it shouldn't be.
(There are those French Bicycle Racers that could totally destroy me in a race, but the sputtering 50cc powered bicycle is more dangerous and in need of regulation and taxation?) ...

Oh- TAXATION... I answered my own question. If something doesn't make sense, follow the $$$.

Seriously, though, wouldn't a 212cc Predator Trike/Recumbant be kinda cool?
Click to expand...

Col!

Like a big-block Chevy V-8 in a Chevy Vega!
 
5-7HEAVEN said:
Many years ago, a 4yo boy was fatally injured by a group of bicycle racers on their practice run.

When the parents first heard that their son was hit by bicycle(s),
they figured "Oh just hit by a bicycle"

The child's injuries were so extensive, it was like he was
hit by a car!.
Click to expand...
Those guys can make some serious speed.
 
These were weekend warriors who rode laps around the zoo and adjoining park.

No one was prosecuted or sued.

Most got outa there quickly, went home and washed their bikes down.

Sad.:(
 
...time for an update... So I received my #41 chain- and while it does a better job of staying on the sprocket, it TOO wants to climb right off of it. (The rear sprocket). So, I'm guessing that since the sprocket is so thick, and it has zero taper at the tips of the teeth... THAT is my cause. (Alignment is good) Before I butcher the sprocket, is this what I am aiming for? I notice the stock Bike Kit 44T sprockets are wafer-thin and so is that the tip profile I need? The sprocket I got is decent quality (probably outlast the bike) but it might need surgery.
sprockettaper.png
 
curtisfox said:
First thing make sure it is in line, with straight edge like this video
if not it will climb Then grind it down if it still does .............Curt
Click to expand...
That's the thing... it IS lined up... I wish I could get a picture of the rear sprocket teeth... almost square. I'll update. Fingers crossed.
 
Jerry, your sprocket might be a thicker #40 type.
Measure its thickness at the teeth and the inside width of your chain.

You can choose between grinding the teeth or buying #40 chain.
 
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