79cc engine question

[Bansil]

Am looking at building early 1900's "motorized bike" using a predator 79cc engine and leather belt drive this winter/early spring

BUT they are almost as much as a 212, I don't want a 212 because of size and wt...what options do I have?

1) spend the $139 for 79cc engine (no luck at $30 pairs )

2) look for a used/broken pressure washer with side output, and rebuild the engine? this would probably cost more than a new 79cc

pre-ETA I do not want one of the 80cc engine/clutch bike kits...not the utilitarian or look I want or drive setup

Basically just thinking out loud

like this-ish...but my design

 

[Denny]

Are those early Rolls-Kinardlys?
Rolls good, kin hardly stop?

 

[Bansil]

top one is coaster brake rear a vertical steel shoe in front...gooder enough

 

[Denny]

Top one looks like an old skip tooth Schwin motorcycle. Yea, they made them! Very few but atleast they tried. Whizzer’s were way more popular later on.

 

[Bansil]

Everyone made them, amazing rabbit hole of history with these early motorcycles....I may be hooked...damn...another hobby

A restored 1901 Kessler motorized bike on youtube, started this journey

 

[Denny]

Look up the Hornaker Torpedo. They say it was right behind Indian and Harley Davidson at the time and more advanced! Built in my home town of Whiting Indiana!

 

[BaconBitRacing]

So ya want an elegant motorized bike? Sorry, I can't help ya

But I'll be watching along the way!

 

[Hellion]

Might be able to find a cast-off stock engine from an early Doodlebug or the more current Massimo MB100? Check all over craigslist and Failbook Marketplace.

People buy those bikes then do the usual 212cc upgrade (because it ain't fast enuff!) but I don't think you will be satisfied with the aesthetics of the 79cc OHV.

Are you looking to make a motorized cycle with a Steampunk aesthetic?

 

[Hellion]