SpyGuy
Hooligan
Okay, I'm planning to do the pint-sized pocketbike idea from the planning section, but I wanted to get some input from you guys, too. Right now I'm just gathering parts and information.
-Welding: I only have one of the 90-amp MIGs (110v) from Harbor Freight for my welding - too expensive to get the house rewired for 220v, plus it's not my house, anyway ....
-Motive power: engine will be a 47cc pocketbike engine with a CVT transmission. I'm not looking for high speed - already got several store-bought (okay, craigslist-bought) pocketbikes for that - I'm just looking for casual cruising. Plus, I didn't feel like messing with the jackshaft setup.
-Exhaust: An exhaust can from a goped may be the way to go, although I'm thinking I may cut up one of my old busted pipes and do some creative rewelding for a custom pipe.
-Wheels: am going to be getting a set of 4" or 5" goped wheels with chain drive. Luckily, the chain drive is with #25 chain, which is what the pocketbikes use, so I'm good there. I also discovered that several of the electric scooters use the same size chain drive.
-Throttle, brake levers, etc.: I have a stash of pb parts I can use for all this, so all i really need to do is the frame and forks.
-Seat: would be either a regular minibike seat, possibly one of the ones off a scooter.
-What kind of tubing should I use? Conduit? I was thinking 3/4" thinwall, with 2"-3" pegs to hold the frame together at the joints, obviously as well as welding. I want to make this thing small and light, yet strong enough to hold my 200lbs.
-Front forks: was thinking about building a set, though in a pinch, I suppose I can use a pb set. I think building would be cooler, though.
Anyway, so let me hear what ya think. Remember, I'm not trying for top-end all-out speed (although that may be on a later build), just something small and fun to cruise around on, and easy enough to put in the trunk of a VW. (Yes, I DO have a VW Bug, just like the one in the picture!) Mainly I'm concerned about the structural elements, and making sure I get it strong enough.
-Welding: I only have one of the 90-amp MIGs (110v) from Harbor Freight for my welding - too expensive to get the house rewired for 220v, plus it's not my house, anyway ....
-Motive power: engine will be a 47cc pocketbike engine with a CVT transmission. I'm not looking for high speed - already got several store-bought (okay, craigslist-bought) pocketbikes for that - I'm just looking for casual cruising. Plus, I didn't feel like messing with the jackshaft setup.
-Exhaust: An exhaust can from a goped may be the way to go, although I'm thinking I may cut up one of my old busted pipes and do some creative rewelding for a custom pipe.
-Wheels: am going to be getting a set of 4" or 5" goped wheels with chain drive. Luckily, the chain drive is with #25 chain, which is what the pocketbikes use, so I'm good there. I also discovered that several of the electric scooters use the same size chain drive.
-Throttle, brake levers, etc.: I have a stash of pb parts I can use for all this, so all i really need to do is the frame and forks.
-Seat: would be either a regular minibike seat, possibly one of the ones off a scooter.
-What kind of tubing should I use? Conduit? I was thinking 3/4" thinwall, with 2"-3" pegs to hold the frame together at the joints, obviously as well as welding. I want to make this thing small and light, yet strong enough to hold my 200lbs.
-Front forks: was thinking about building a set, though in a pinch, I suppose I can use a pb set. I think building would be cooler, though.
Anyway, so let me hear what ya think. Remember, I'm not trying for top-end all-out speed (although that may be on a later build), just something small and fun to cruise around on, and easy enough to put in the trunk of a VW. (Yes, I DO have a VW Bug, just like the one in the picture!) Mainly I'm concerned about the structural elements, and making sure I get it strong enough.
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