Just started getting into the Baja mb165 game

[ethospace]

I just purchased my first mb165 so I am new as they come. I wanna do the harbor freight engine swap out. Is there and tutorial videos on the whole process. Like is there a certain type of jack shaft to buy. Since I am new to this whole jackshaft thing. ( like i said im a rookie).
I'll upload pics of the bike tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[mckutzy]

Hello and welcome.
A jackshaft (typically) is a shaft parrellel to the driving crank, used to change the speed(with attached sprockets), change the driving side(a right side drive bike, mine for ex), or for chain alignment in a wider/narrower rear tire than the motor clutch sprocket, as in your Baja bike.
A very simple system.

 

[KartFab]

looks like somebody on youtube did it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBDxDftg0_c


you should get a torque converter for it though, its really adds torque AND speed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usdguxmNHdo

 

[ethospace]

Thanks for the links they were a little helpful. And the understanding of the jackshaft. My thoughts was pretty close. The video didnt show them installing the jackshaft to the engine, is there much issues on the alignment of the mounting of the bolts of the jackshaft to the engine? Here is what I am starting out with.

 

[ML-TOYS]

On those the jackshaft is a plate on the motor that i think bolts to the frame also.
Checkout all the diagrams here
http://www.ombwarehouse.com/baja/34_PARTS_CATALOG_-_MB165_Hensim_Mini_Baja_Mini_Bike_VIN_PREFIX_LUAH_.pdf

I put a torque converter on mine and holy cow what a difference

 

[KartFab]

... No need for a swap unless your engine is broken. The old engine you have on there may just need a tank/fuel line/carb clean, oil change, new pull cord and that would cost you about $10-$20 max to do. Then you would still have lights. The predator doesn't have a charge coil like the old engine does, and produces only a little more power. (196cc vs 212cc)... Also, the old gas tank has the cap to one side, so you can fill up easier. If I remember correctly, the predators tank cap is centered which would be a pain to fill up. Also, the predators exhaust would just blow onto the fender and muffler would be unprotected vs the old engine that exhausts it back further and has an additional heat shield. Get where I'm going?

Also, to make things even more clear for you previous mounting question... You just unbolt the existing motor and Jackshaft/plate and it will bolt right on to the new Predator engine/mini bike I believe as those types of small engines have a universal mounting pattern.

 

[ethospace]

I took Gran_pann's advice and didn't replace the engine. ( at least not yet. I didnt buy it for a lot of power. I bought it to be alternate transportation for the motorcycle rallys my wife and I go to. So it needs to be kind of slow anyhow. But taking it through the paces I got a loud squeeling sound out of the clutch. I took it apart and greased it and then went back out just to snap the jack shaft chain. So I just ordered a new clutch and chain on ebay. Unfortunately since Im a OTR truck driver I wont get to mess with it until the end of the month again. I have a line on 2 more bikes but they look more like a vrod front end instead of a baja. but the rest appear the same. But for the price I cant pass them up. I will get pic of the well heck.........http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/4597052071.html Does anybody know anything about these? He told me they would be ready for pick up next weekend. Cant wait to tinker with them.

 

[ethospace]

Ok another to bounce off of ya'll. I think I have a older model with the brake lever for a throttle. Thinking about swapping it out with a twist throttle. Is it as simple as just swapping the 2 out or is there a hitch im not for seeing. I dont see anybody that has talked about it.

 

[KartFab]

huh? pics. where is your brake cable then?! lol

As long as your handlebars are 7/8" you can get a replacement throttle. Those flimsy plastic stock ones suck.

 

[ethospace]

if you look at the pics from the first post, the ( clutch side ) is my brake lever and the ( front brake side ) that lever is the throttle. Is there another one outside the plastic one?

 

[KartFab]

That's weird. They came stock with the twist throttle on right side znd rear brake lever on left side (if seated facing forward). Will need to relocate kill switch. Don't get a baja replacement as they are cheap plastic. They make better aftermarket ones.