New guy in Cali.

[ProMcCown]

Hello All, I'm new to the MB scene. I've seen a couple motorized bikes around my area and have always wondered how they built them. Recently I stumbled across a youtube video of someone installing an engine kit and so I did some googling and discovered this forum and now I'm hooked lol. Yesterday I found a beach cruiser on CL for $75 dollars, and today I picked it up. I'm not really knowledgable about bikes, all I know is that what I have is a beach cruiser called a Voyager from AMF. Tried to do some research on it but I haven't really found anything. And I don't know if the serial number can tell me anything important. I can't really go all out with the engine kit for this project, I have a small budget ($150 max) so I have some searching to do.

How she sits at the moment.

 

[Al.Fisherman]

Welcome, your only problem (unless picking up a engine for little or nothing at all) is staying in the $150.00 range, just about impossible. Buying a kit for $150.00 today is remote, 2-3 years ago was common. A Chinese kit is about the cheapest way to go, unless you have a good mechanical ability and can build one. Best of luck. The last build, not counting the $100.00 for the bike was about $200.00, and that was over a year ago. This is what I built for the $200.00.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-80cc-Bi...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item41624148b4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORIZED-B...136?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3372b8b6c8

 

[rustycase]

Yup, what Alf said.

And it's kinda hard defying the CARB here in Kalifornia, so it will be expensive getting chineese kitbike stuff here in Kalifornia.

With your budget I would get a cheep trimmer off cl and review the threads by Maurtis, A_dam, Deacon, and others to build a rack mount FD for that bicycle.

Best
rc

 

[deadmousefetish]

I am still trying to build my first MB and I am well over my $600 budget. I really hope you are able to keep to your budget. Good luck to you.

 

[ProMcCown]

Thanks the info everyone. I see that VeniceMotorBikes.com has a Grubee 66cc engine kit and ships within California. I'm just not sure if it's worth it or if I should just go with an ebay engine kit. I'm not skilled enough to build my own set up. But now I know that $150 for an engine kit is not really feasible. And thanks to C.A.R.B. not all kits are available.

 

[Mannhouse51]

Nice bike ! It's gonna be a fun ride with whatever you choose for an engine. Best of luck.

 

[ProMcCown]

Thanks Mannhouse51, I'm really looking forward to riding it once it's motorized

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

Here are my guidelinesfor building:

1) Predominant riding terrain.
2) Primary riders physique.
3) Lookup and read local legal requirements.
4) Type of bike.
5) Budget.

Stay within these guidelines and you'll have a bike you can enjoy riding. Good luck with your build. With these kits you get what you're willing to pay for.

 

[ProMcCown]

Thanks for tip LR Jerry I'll be taking all these guidelines into consideration.

 

[ocho ninja]

Were you located at in Cali McCown?

 

[ProMcCown]

Modesto California

 

[deadmousefetish]

Modesto California

that is funny. That is where I am at.lol

 

[ProMcCown]

that is funny. That is where I am at.lol

Oh wow haha that's cool

 

[ProMcCown]

Today, my brother and I upgraded the handlebars, and the seat. All of the new parts were ripped off an old mountain bike that has been sitting around for ages. We also installed a quick release seat post lock, and got the handlebar stem loosened up, and adjustable again. It had rust buildup that prevented it from adjusting. Now everything sits a little bit lower.

I'm going for the 'cafe racer' look.

 

[rustycase]

Nice looking bicycle!

When you motorize, that front fender will require special attention, for safety reasons.
rc

 

[ProMcCown]

Front or rear fender? Do explain. I can see the rear needing to be modded for the chain, but why the front?

 

[rustycase]

When u get moving at motor-assist speeds, and the front fender gets to flappin', there ain't nothing for it to do but crumple up into a jumbled mess, right up against your front fork.
In addition to the instant stop, you lose steering.
Double whammy!

a far sight worse than when the rear locks up from a dumb chain tensioner!

I would not run a front fender unless the supporting braces were special made for this application. And it would have to be a stout fender, with good clearance.

Best
rc

 

[ProMcCown]

Ah that makes sense. Thanks for that insight!

 

[rustycase]

Yah, I'm NOT happy abt gettin' old.
I'm getting conservative now.
I even THINK about safety.
Didn't used to be that way much...

and, I'm a PROUD member of the 20mph Club!

rc

 

[ProMcCown]

It happens lol. I took the fenders off and the bike looks even better with out them so it's a win win.