What NOT To Motorize

[wheelbender6]

Forgive me if there is already a thread on this. Gotta bike you motorized that you would never recommend for an engine?
-I built this banana seat bike from an old cruiser, thinking I may install an engine after a while. Not any more.
-The bike is pretty difficult to control at low speeds (for me) with the ape hanger bars. They don't seem well suited for pedal starts using a hand clutch.
-The small, 20 inch front wheel makes it steer quicker, making it less stable at high speeds.
-I do like the banana seat. It's nice to sit back and stretch my legs.

 

[bairdco]

Kent Bayside, Huffy Cranbrook, BCA Margaritaville...

 

[domN8er]

Kent Bayside, Huffy Cranbrook, BCA Margaritaville...

i was thinking about putting a motor on this bike what makes it a bad bike to use

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

Folder bikes w/20" wheels.

Like wheelbender said, it must the short tires and tall handlebars.

 

[Bikeguy Joe]

i was thinking about putting a motor on this bike what makes it a bad bike to use

They are junk, and could fold up like a house of cards at 25 mph.

Having said that, I will say I have built 2 Cranboobs.....don't do it, unless you weigh 120lbs, and go over the bike very carefully before each ride.

 

[Bikeguy Joe]

-The bike is pretty difficult to control at low speeds (for me) with the ape hanger bars.
View attachment 104124

It's that danged springer ordeal you got goin' on up front.

 

[wheelbender6]

True. My "rat trap" Springer fork leaves a lot to be desired. Rat trap forks may work better in stock trim. Mine has been modded because the painted part of the original flightliner fork was damaged beyond repair.
I have used a cantilever style springer fork on a motorized bike (attached) with good results. The cantilever springer increases the rake a little, providing more stable steering at high speed

 

[domN8er]

They are junk, and could fold up like a house of cards at 25 mph.

Having said that, I will say I have built 2 Cranboobs.....don't do it, unless you weigh 120lbs, and go over the bike very carefully before each ride.

i have one on a cranbrook now and no problems longest trip so far was 7 miles

 

[waynesdata]

What NOT To Motorize

Ride your "bike" around no less then 10 miles. If the very idea is painful your bike is junk do not motorize it.
Go down a steep hill. It should not vibrate at speed and be able to stop at bottom. A 10 mile ride should be just far enough to expose any bike geometry problems.