Preparing for first build

[Eerie Eric]

Great site! I found this forum last night and stayed up way to late going over all the info here, I'd really like to become a part of this community.

I got my hands on a Schwinn Stingray chopper, and I'm having problems deciding on the best engine to go with it. I'm trying to find an 100+cc engine and a 3-5 speed gearbox with a suicide shifter, that can be mounted without altering the frame, if possible.

I saw a very sweet looking chopper built by Crazy horse here and I'd like a setup similar to that. I don't plan on spending more than $1,000 on the project.

And the original seat is very uncomfortable, any recommendations on seats I could sit on for more than a few minutes?

Would the cops harass me if the end result looks to much like a motorcycle? And would I get tickets for riding at highway speeds on it?

Two engines I'm looking at right now:
LIFAN 125cc
110cc with semi-auto 3 speed and reverse

 

[Eerie Eric]

Quick update, I plan on going with the Lifan 125 cc engine/gearbox, cutting out the seat post to make room, and buying a 20inch dirtbike rim because I don't think the original will take the abuse, which seems like a solid setup. I'm not that savvy with gear ratios, if someone could give me some advice on choosing a rear tire sprocket that would be great!

I'm going to register it as a motorcycle if I can, so that I won't be bothered for taking it on highways, I'm calling the DMV tomorrow to see what modifications need to be done to register it.

 

[awhotrods]

Cool build, riding on the freeway with a bicycle seems a little sketchy though.

 

[Eerie Eric]

Not the freeway, highways where the speed limits are lower, you need at least a 250cc bike to get on a freeway, there's no way it could maintain speeds 65+ mph.

Although I saw a guy riding his bicycle on the freeway just this week, he must have missed the big sign telling him to stay off, he was on the left hand side with a big smile on his face. =p