Old Nuub, lots of questions

[BigSwede]

I had a sears mini bike growing up in the late 60s and loved it. Now I'm in my mid 60s and looking to see if i can build one or two for my granddaughters. Looking where to start. I searched for first mini bikes to build but didn't see anything (or I searched wrong). First question, If you were new to this, what plan would you consider the best to build for a rider around 13 years old? I know I can buy one like a Coleman for less than I might build it but.....

 

[Denny]

I would look on craigslist or something for an old frame first and build that.

 

[Functional Artist]

BMI Karts (& others) has pre-made mini-bike frames available
https://www.bmikarts.com/Mini-Bike-Frame_p_3991.html

If your handy, it would be pretty simple to make
or
If you want a complete kit, this one is ~$600.00
https://www.bmikarts.com/Azusa-Mini-Bike-Kit_p_1866.html

 

[Hellion]

When you say build one, what do you really mean?
Starting from a bare frame and kit parts like Functional Artist said, rebuilding someone's junk or starting from scratch?

I've often wanted to start an Azusa build myself, just never taken the plunge and I already have too many projects of stuff I've dragged home... But this is as good a build video as any {part 1}:

I wonder how much the freight charges are for F-A's option number 2 (BMI Karts)?

Here is the parent company site (Azusa) with all the minibike products they offer--https://azusaparts.com/product-category/kits/minibike-kits/

If it was me, I'd start with their complete frame and fork assembly then 'piece-meal it' from there. Most of the parts you'll need are "universal" go kart/minibike stuff like the clutch, chain, hardware, cables and you can search around for some suitable wheels and not be stuck with the Azusa Tri-Star wheels, if you didn't want them for example.

Aside from the Azusa stuff, the sky is the proverbial limit on what builds you could do. With all the imported Chinese bikes, we are enjoying a lowkey second-era minibike craze. Tons of them turn up used/abused on Craigslist or Failbook Marketplace (where I shop now).

 

[BigSwede]

Thank you all for your replies. I’m still in the planing phase and have not decided wether to buy a frame, whole kit or build from scratch.

I just ordered a set of plans for a tube bender and fabricating that looks fairly straight forward with the exception of the bending dies which get quite expensive. Which leads to the question does anyone have the dimensions for the dies used in the Pro Tool 105 benders?

That said, I’m not the fastest builder and if I do the bender first it will likly be a year before a usable bike comes out of the garage. So a kit or a rebuild is attractive from the time point of view.

With the exception of the tube bender I have most of the tools to fabricate the frame, welder, milling machine, metal lathe etc. Having the tools however does not make one a good craftsman and to date most of my welds somewhat resemble bird droppings!

BigSwede in Mn

 

[Denny]

If you can’t weld good weld lots!
You don’t really need to be a good welder, just a good grinder!
Those are two of our favorite sayings.

 

[panchothedog]

Don't take a year to build it. Or even half that long. The Grandkids will lose interest and think Grandpa is taking too long. Remember, for us old guys time goes by too fast. 6 months sometimes see!s like 4 or 5 weeks. When you are only 13 years old, 6 months can seem like ETERNITY.

 

[Denny]

You could always start off with a Harbor Freight pipe bender and black pipe. Then move up to a tubing bender and dom tubing!